Buyer

Job Description

The Buyer, conducts all procurement activities associated with the acquisition of goods and services in accordance with the international trade agreements, corporate policy and procurement guidelines, conducting needs analysis to determine optimal method of sourcing user requirements.

Job Responsibilities

Below are the main job requirements and responsibilities for the Buyer.

• Develops and maintains a thorough understanding of corporate policies and corporate purchasing policies in order to mitigate potential risks to the corporation in the execution of the procurement cycles of planning, sourcing, contracting and contract management.   

• Conducts needs analysis with clients to determine short and long term requirements; identifies and conducts analysis for areas for procurement consolidation.  Reviews monthly expenditures against Contracts and consults with the client community.  Determines optimal method of sourcing user requirements using competitive tendering arrangements, direct or sole source suppliers.

• Ensures procurement activities are conducted consistent with Canada Post’s obligations under applicable Trade agreements and in accordance with CPC’s procurement guidelines.

• Prepares and issues Request for Proposals (RFP) and other RFx documents. Acts as single point of contact for supplier clarification inquiries.  Oversees the opening of tenders and ensures the overall integrity of the tendering process is maintained.

• Executes the procurement process, negotiates contract terms, conditions and pricing that reflects the business arrangements under which the contracted goods and services are to be provided. Conducts proposal evaluations and identifies and develops evaluation criteria.  Coordinates technical, quality assurance evaluations.  Finalizes evaluations and prepares business case/executive summary to support supplier selection. 

Job Responsibilities (continued)

• Ensures that contracting documents fully define all conditions such as scope, commercial, legal, financial, risk management, quality assurance etc., and accurately reflects the business arrangements under which the contracted goods or services are to be provided.  Prepares all contract award support documentation and contracts for approval.  Notifies and de-briefs unsuccessful suppliers. 

• Ensures the internal Client participates in the development of processes to monitor supplier performance to ensure all elements of goods or services are in accordance with scope of work and specification.  Engages Team Lead support to mitigate the potential risk to the corporation. 

• Monitors and expedites contract deliverables and participates in supplier audits.  Implements contract Amendments.  Prepares reports for management such as contract renewal status.

• As required, consults with engineering technicians on the procurement of goods that are no longer available or have been replaced.

Qualifications

Education

• University degree in a relevant discipline such as Commerce, Finance, Purchasing or Engineering with a satisfactory business component OR a college degree in Purchasing, or Supply Chain Management 
   

Experience

• One year experience working in procurement which would include sourcing and contracting (e.g. purchasing strategies & planning, bid solicitation, bid evaluation, contract drafting, supplier development and / or contract administration). 
• CSCMP certification or working toward certification would be an asset
   

Other Candidate Requirements

• Extensive knowledge of corporate policies, applicable trade agreements and acceptable industry procurement standards
• Knowledge of purchasing principles and practices
• Skilled in the preparation and completion of Procurement Plans
• Working knowledge of the issuance and evaluation of RFPs, RFIs, RFQs and Tenders
• Experienced in the preparation, negotiation and execution of contracts
• Knowledge of SAP R/3, eProcurement, NAFTA & CETA and related legislative requirements
• Adept at preparing and delivering effective presentations.
• Ability to effectively resolve issues and plans, organizes and prioritizes workloads.

Other Information

Essential Requirements – Buyer, Procurement (Transportation)

Knowledge
•    Knowledge of procurement principles, procurement governance, and competitive sourcing methodologies (RFx, tendering, evaluations, negotiation, contract award).
•    Understanding of transportation and logistics procurement, including freight services, courier agreements, routes, service levels, and fleet related requirements.
•    Knowledge of applicable Trade Agreements and compliance obligations in public-sector procurement.
•    Understanding of contract structure, including scope definition, commercial terms, service levels, performance metrics, financial conditions, and risk allocation.
•    Knowledge of supplier performance monitoring, KPIs, and contract management practices.
•    Familiarity with procurement systems, contract management tools, and Microsoft Office applications.

Abilities / Skills
•    Ability to manage full end to end procurement cycles, from needs assessment through contract award and administration.
•    Skill in developing RFx documents, coordinating tender processes, managing supplier inquiries, and ensuring fairness and transparency.
•    Strong analytical skills to assess transportation requirements, cost structures, usage data, and supplier performance results.
•    Ability to develop evaluation criteria, conduct proposal evaluations, and prepare business cases or executive summaries.
•    Effective negotiation skills to secure competitive pricing, service levels, contractual terms, and operational performance commitments.
•    Ability to collaborate with internal operational teams, logistics specialists, engineering or technical advisors, and suppliers.
•    Strong written and verbal communication skills to engage with stakeholders, lead debriefings, and support decision making.
•    Ability to manage multiple procurement files, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast paced operational environment.
•    Skill in monitoring deliverables, implementing contract amendments, and supporting supplier audits.

Personal Suitabilities
•    Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and commitment to maintaining procurement integrity and transparency.
•    Sound judgment and the ability to identify risks, escalate issues appropriately, and make defensible decisions.
•    High level of professionalism when interacting with suppliers and internal clients.
•    Strong organizational and time management capabilities.
•    Collaborative, team oriented mindset with the ability to work across departments.
•    Adaptability and comfort working in a dynamic, operational environment with evolving requirements.
•    Proactive approach to problem solving and continuous improvement.