Buyer II – City of Vancouver

Buyer II

Requisition ID: 40004 

Organization
Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities and is working towards being the greenest city in the world. Named among Canada’s Top 100 Employers, BC’s Top Employers, and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, decolonization, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose and Function
The Buyer II is responsible for locating and purchasing a wide variety of supplies and services for the City and reports to the Senior Category Manager. Internal contacts of the Buyer II include different departments across City of Vancouver while external contacts include suppliers and vendors.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Reviews, verifies and processes purchase requisitions through various stages, including rectification of deliveries lacking in quantity or quality, and wherever possible, schedules ordering of supplies or services common to several departments
• Interviews vendors’ representatives regarding availability, price, quality and delivery schedules
• In consultation with client departments and/or supervisor, prepares commodity specifications, tender and proposal documentation; identifies evaluation criteria; arranges for calling of bids; obtains bids from vendors by telephone, in writing or as formal tender, as required
• Analyzes and evaluates bids as to price, quality and conformance to City specifications and regulations; recommends suppliers to a superior for decision; verifies that required insurance and bonding certification is in place; negotiates changes to price and/or conditions throughout the term of an agreement
• Performs research and analysis of products, services, supplies, materials and equipment and prepares reports and recommendations on purchasing of same
• Advises and assists departmental clients and suppliers regarding purchasing problems and requirements, specifications, contracts and detail of goods and services to be purchased
• Prepares correspondence, keeps records and maintains current information on commodities and prices
• Studies price trends and other economic conditions which may affect prices
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications
Education and Experience:

• Completion of grade 12 supplemented by related courses leading to completion of the Supply Chain Management Training (SMT) Program from Supply Chain Canada or equivalent and considerable experience in government or industrial buying or an equivalent combination of training and experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of modern methods involved in bidding, specifications and purchase awards
• Considerable knowledge of various kinds and qualities of commodities purchased
• Considerable knowledge of applicable regulations and other requirements governing purchases of commodities for the City
• Considerable knowledge of sources of supply, market conditions, price trends and priority practices
• Sound knowledge of contract law, risk management and negotiation techniques
• Working knowledge of needs of various departments served
• Ability to prepare solutions to or recommend action to solve complex purchasing problems which may involve large sums of money
• Ability to decide when to consult with superior on complex purchasing problems and when to reach conclusions based on own reasoning
• Ability to evaluate quality and price elements to judge suitability of goods and substitutes available
• Ability to interpret and apply the laws of contract and competitive bidding to a variety of situations
• Ability to maintain cooperative relationships with vendors, sales representatives and various City departments
• Ability to maintain clerical records and to make mathematical calculations
• Ability to use a computerized materials management system and various software applications

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite.  At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.

The City’s COVID-19 vaccination policy is currently suspended and as a result, vaccination against COVID-19 is not required at this time. However, should circumstances change and the City deem it necessary to re-introduce such policy, you may be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be eligible to continue performing your duties.

Business Unit/Department: Finance, Risk & Supply Chain Management (1150) 

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks 

Employment Type: Regular Full Time 

Position Start Date: January 2024

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-024: $38.68 to $45.68 per hour

Application Close: December 8, 2023

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

Before you click Apply now

Once you start your application you can save your work and leave the applications page, however please remember to submit your profile to the specific job requisition before the posting closing date.

In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.

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