Job Description

Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) is one of the largest school divisions in Alberta, serving the education needs of approximately 17,950 students in 43 schools. Every day, the staff and students of EIPS are encouraged to pursue opportunities to grow and discover their passions in life. We pride ourselves on providing staff and students with the tools to achieve success by offering dynamic programming, current resources, and practical professional learning opportunities.

EIPS is recruiting a full-time Purchasing Buyer our Financial Services Department at Central Office. Posting will be ongoing until a suitable candidate is found.

Elk Island Public Schools Central Administration building is located in Sherwood Park, at 683 Wye Road. Providing services for the division, Central administration is comprised of eight departments, in addition to the Board of Trustees. The departments include: Education Executive, Communication Services, Facility Services, Student Transportation, Human Resources, Financial Services, Supports for Students, and Information Technologies. Financial Services is home to 22 of our EIPS employees.

Commencing immediately

37.5 hours per week (7.5 hours per day) (Year-Round Position)

Hybrid work from home, after three months

Compensation Rate: $28.40 to $35.50 per hour

Elk Island Public Schools offers a comprehensive benefits package for permanent employees

Open to: Internal and External candidates

Click on "Sign in With Employee Email" to be considered an Internal Applicant

JOB SUMMARY

The Buyer is responsible for managing the end-to-end procurement process to ensure efficient, transparent, and compliant acquisition of goods and services. This includes purchase order management, audit and compliance activities, contract and legal administration, vendor relationship management, and providing project and financial support. The role ensures all procurement activities align with organizational policies, procedures, and applicable trade agreements to deliver the best value and support operational goals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Contract and Legal Support

Draft contracts using approved templates and facilitate execution of contracts with suppliers to ensure that contracts are properly drafted, legally binding, and protect EIPS's interests. Aid stakeholders in interpreting and reviewing contracts to ensure that all parties understand their rights and obligations, and compliance to procurement legislation. Advise department and staff on procurement legislation and processes to ensure risks are identified and addressed with appropriate mitigation strategies. Draft and prepare bid documents for the tendering process by preparing comprehensive and clear bid documents to solicit competitive offers from potential suppliers and post tenders. Draft, review, and administer contracts, ensuring legal and contractual obligations are met.

Purchase Order Management

Create purchase order on behalf of schools and departments to ensure purchase needs of schools and departments are met. Track and oversee purchase orders and follow up with vendors to ensure timely receipt of products to prevent delays and ensure that goods and services are delivered as scheduled.

Project and Financial Support

Assist with project implementation when required such as kick-off meetings by collaborating with stakeholders to ensure successful implementation of procurement projects. Perform high-level analysis on purchase cards, order cards, and credit card expenditures to identify trends, patterns, and potential areas for cost savings, as well as ensuring purchases are in line with contractual obligations to avoid breaching contracts.

Audit and Compliance

Review, analyze, and audit incoming requisitions before creating the purchase order to minimize errors or delays. Ensure adherence to policy, maintaining purchasing agreements/contracts, and purchase orders in accordance with Division procurement policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Vendor Relationship Management

Assist with maintaining and developing positive supplier relationships to ensure smooth and efficient procurement processes. Evaluate the suitability of vendors in meeting EIPS's requirements by obtaining information from vendors for use in bid evaluation.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Diploma in Supply Chain Management

Experience

3 years of related experience in a large corporate or government purchasing environment. An equivalent combination of related education and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of purchasing procedures including general ledger coding and signing authority. Knowledge in purchasing methods and practices with current knowledge of legislative/regulatory frameworks governing procurement including the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWPTA). Proficient knowledge of purchasing software. Strong computer skills including comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Office. Excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey ideas, information, and instructions clearly and effectively. Excellent organization and problem-solving skills. Proven ability to manage multiple tasks, projects, and deadlines simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment. An ability to handle sensitive information, maintain confidentiality and deal tactfully in an open and political environment. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to use computerized purchasing systems and related software application. In depth knowledge of Microsoft Suite, specifically Word, Excel

Qualifications, Certifications and Designations

Experience with end-to-end responsibility for governing procurement activities for a diversity of goods, services, and construction. Experience working in a public procurement environment. Experience with business analysis, analytics, and/or project management.
Experience with contract negotiation.

For further information, please contact Sue Skilton, Manager, Purchasing and Contracts at 780-242-9946 or email

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Only online applications will be accepted.


Elk Island Public Schools appreciates and considers all applications; however, we only contact candidates who are selected for interviews.

If you require assistance with the application system, please call Apply to Education at 1-877-900-5627 or emailinfo@applytoeducation.com.