Buyer

About the role

At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day. Learn more about our recruitment process. Job Requisition ID: 2026-01251 Time Type: Full time Employee Group: Staff Job Category: Procurement Employment Type: Temporary Department: Finance - Procurement Operations Hiring Range: $67,688.63 - $84,610.79 Posting Information: This posting is for an existing vacancy. There are two roles available and they are being offered as a contract positions Term - 3 years Job Description: Primary Purpose Responsible for the procurement of materials, supplies, equipment, and services that meet the needs of the University campus community and comply with regulatory guidelines, University policies and procurement best practices. Issue purchase orders and make P-Card transactions for the acquisition of goods and services using authority to bind the University as a signing authority under Procedure 1, and appropriate risk management considerations. Key Accountabilities Carry out responsibility to bind the University through procurement acquisitions Lead procurement activities for assigned goods and services categories, including development of sourcing strategies appropriate to the value, complexity, and risk of acquisitions. Draft, review, negotiate, and administer procurement and service agreements, ensuring appropriate documentation throughout the procurement lifecycle. Ensure relevant University policy requirements are met across a broad spectrum of University acquisitions (e.g. safety regulations/biohazards; insurance requirements; AODA compliance); Protect the university from academic, reputational and financial risk through the compliant acquisition of goods and services; Apply financial procedures as they relate to the acquisitions of goods and services (e.g. advance payments; P-Card use and reconciliation, capital asset purchases and disposals); Request and ensure basic insurance coverages are in place to protect capital assets (e.g. goods in transit) and supplier activities on campus (e.g. Commercial General Liability and WSIB); Facilitate changes to orders, resolution of deficiencies and disputes regarding acquisitions; Understand the appropriate retention of documentation that is required/may be released under Freedom of Information (FIPPA) requests. Relationship building Build strategic relationships with uWaterloo employees, including faculty, suppliers and related stakeholders; Provide professional customer service when interacting with suppliers, employees/faculty and students; Assess individual/special needs, products and services for purchase; Monitor end user satisfaction regarding goods and services, and resolve any outstanding issues; Provide accurate, consistent and efficient workflow to best support requestors. Manage portfolio of assigned commodities/services Identify opportunities for projects/ initiatives for consolidation across campus; Independently manage sourcing events and procurement processes for assigned categories, balancing customer service, compliance, and value creation.Negotiate and/or obtain quotes/proposals for goods and services; Monitor adherence to the terms and conditions of orders, and ensure that fulfillment requirements are satisfied; Initiate correspondence with requestors and suppliers to ensure effective performance monitoring of deliverables. Problem solving and risk management Map out acquisition process to satisfy delivery date(s) or according to requirements and Policy 17; Identify and mitigate commercial, operational, financial, legal, and reputational risks. Support audit requirements and maintain procurement records consistent with transparency and accountability expectations. Ensure procurements are performed in a fair, consistent and transparent fashion; Identify conflict of interest situations for resolution; Debrief unsuccessful suppliers and provide relevant feedback; Investigate and remedy claims related to damages or deficiencies of goods or service delivery; Assist in resolving any billing discrepancies by coordinating payment issues with accounts payable; Conduct periodic audits to ensure supplier billing compliance. Teamwork abilities Provide procurement advice to staff, faculty, and partners regarding best practices and procurement procedures; Persuade and guide requestors through the procurement process and all associated, relevant contact points along the way; Clearly communicate and advise requestors of the implications and obligations imposed by terms and conditions surrounding orders, and suggest/negotiate alternatives when concerns are raised; Explain acquisitions and contracting process

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