Buyer I

Requisition ID: 44049 

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 and environmentally sustainable cities. 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, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and engaging workplace.  Working at the City of Vancouver and within the public service can be a rewarding career where you play a key role in ensuring impartial and equitable access to services, upholding ethical governance, and addressing the needs of citizens with integrity and dedication.

Main Purpose and Function

The Buyer I is responsible for sourcing and purchasing in a timely fashion, a defined range of services and goods for City departments, which are acquired in accordance to the City’s procurement policy.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Consults with and assists departments and suppliers regarding purchasing problems and requirements, specifications, contracts, and details of goods and services to be purchased
• Reviews specifications/scope of work documentation and prepares bid documents, appropriate to the type of process being utilized
• In conjunction with client departments, prepares detailed specifications and bid documentation; recommends the appropriate form of contract; and ensures compliance with all City requirements.
• Researches and obtains information and material required from a variety of sources
• Arranges for the bid calls, sources qualified vendors, ensures all information is uniformly distributed and the bid issued in accordance with City’s procurement policy
• Independently or in conjunction with client departments, evaluates quotations  but not limited to price, quality, quantity, future availability, and past performance
• Identifies areas of opportunity for the City and makes recommendations to the Supervisor or Manager.
• Ensures inclusion of required insurance, licenses, and WorkSafe.
• In conjunction with client departments, negotiates final contract terms
• Assists in negotiation of changes to price and/or conditions throughout the term of an agreement
• Prepares award recommendations for client departments and SCM manager.
• Assists in performing research and analysis of products and services.
• May represent the City at co-operative purchase group meetings. 
• Liaises with members of the group to co-ordinate major purchases; performs lead agency role as required
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Completion of Grade 12 supplemented by courses related to the work, such as those of the Supply Chain Management Program of the Purchasing Management Association of Canada or equivalent and seminars in the laws of competitive bidding; plus sound experience sourcing and purchasing a variety of goods and services of the type typically used in a municipal setting or a suitable combination of training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of best purchasing practices, procedures, policies, and regulations governing the work.
• Working knowledge of various bid evaluation methods
• Working knowledge of sources, types and prices of products and services used in a municipal setting
• Working knowledge of market conditions, price trends, business conditions and governmental regulations affecting the work
• Ability to manage and ‘troubleshoot’ contracts
• Ability to develop purchase documentation, i.e. purchase orders and contract documentation
• Ability to handle multiple projects concurrently in a time sensitive manner
• Ability to recognize opportunities and develop innovative solutions to acquire goods and services in a way that cost and/or administrative burden is reduced and/or service or product quality is increased
• Ability to interpret and apply the laws of contract and competitive bidding to a variety of situations
• Ability to evaluate quality, life time costs, and service factors to determine best overall value to the City
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external contacts
• Ability to prepare a variety of reports and recommendations on purchasing matters
• Ability to provide assistance to senior staff on procurement matters
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Skill in the use of word-processing and spreadsheet software programs
• Skill in the use of Enterprise wide ERP systems such as SAP.
• Valid BC Driver’s License
• Some knowledge of contract law, risk management and negotiation techniques is desirable
• Some experience managing risk inherent in the goods and service acquisitions, ensuring insurance requirements are addressed is desirable

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work a hybrid work 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.

Business Unit/Department: Finance & Supply Chain Mgmt (1150) 

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks 

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time 

Position Start Date: August, 2025 

Position End Date: May, 2027 

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-021: $37.2 to $43.78 per hour

Application Close: June 22, 2025

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. 

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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.