Purchasing Specialist – Vancouver Police Department

Vancouver Police Department

Purchasing Specialist

COMPETITION: #2129-50010119

UNIT:                                     
Purchasing & Inventory Unit, Financial Services

STATUS:                              
Regular full-time

HOURS OF WORK:             
Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

SALARY:                              
Pay Grade 25 – $37.98 to $44.82 per hour

COMPETITION END DATE:
Thursday, May 6, 2021

Responsible for purchasing a wide variety of goods and services; provides advice and guidance to departmental clients on complex purchasing issues; and ensures that selected vendors satisfy the VPD’s specifications.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Prepares detailed specifications, tender, and proposal documentation, and identifies evaluation criteria
• Arranges for calling of bids and obtaining bids from vendors
• Posts all high-value competitive bids on BC Bid for national exposure
• Analyses, verifies, and evaluates bids as to price, quality, and conformance to VPD specifications and regulations
• Leads or co-leads complex negotiation processes
• Drafts all contracts upon selection of incumbent
• Performs research and analysis of products, services, supplies, materials, and equipment
• Prepares and maintain records and reports, and provides purchasing recommendations
• Ensures all direct buy purchases adhere to the procurement laws of Canada and VPD policies and procedures
• Reviews, verifies, and processes purchase requisitions
• Schedules ordering of supplies or services common to several sections
• Advises and assists departmental clients and suppliers regarding procurement
• Attends internal and external meetings and serves on committees as and when required
• Conducts vendor site audits and inspections
• Prepares correspondence, keeps records, and maintains current information on commodities and prices
• Studies price trends and other economic conditions which may affect prices
• Reports on key performance indicators
• Assists in the analysis of inventory operations
• Monitors orders and expedites as necessary
• Sources materials and uniform for non-contract items
• Carries out warehouse operations in the receipt, storage, and issue of items, as required
• Works closely with the inventory control lead on inventory issues
• Other related duties and responsibilities as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of modern methods involved in bidding, specifications, and purchase awards
• Considerable knowledge of the policies, procedures, standards, methods, practices, contract law, risk management, and negotiation techniques related to purchasing and inventory management
• Considerable knowledge of the types, quantities, sources, and prices of commodities and services required by VPD
• Considerable knowledge of market conditions, prices trends, and delivery practices
• Ability to prepare specifications, contracts, and tender documents for a variety of products and services and to monitor and administer such contracts
• Ability to interpret and apply the laws of contract and competitive bidding to a variety of situations
• Ability to evaluate quality and price elements and determine suitability of goods and services
• Considerable knowledge of the functions and requirements of the various departmental needs as related to the work performed
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a team environment
• Working knowledge of warehouse and stores operations
• Working knowledge of accounting and budget practices
• Ability to prepare and maintain records, reports, and spreadsheets
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Ability to use computerized materials management system and various software applications

EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Considerable experience in public sector procurement, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Considerable related procurement and contract management experience

Preferred:

• Experience in public sector procurement – within the last five years
• Experience working in a policing environment or public safety sector
• Knowledge of law enforcement equipment
• Experience working with SAP database or other ERP system
• Experience in handling firearms and ordnance in a safe and secure manner

EDUCATION

Required:

• Completion of Grade 12
• Supply Chain Management Association (SCMA) – Member (in good standing)
• Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) from SMCA or equivalent

Preferred:

• Canadian Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) – Firearms Licence

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Physical strength and agility, sufficient to meet the demands of the job

• Must be able to lift, carry, and move heavy and awkward objects

• Valid BC Driver’s licence

• All employees must maintain their enhanced security clearance while employed with the Vancouver Police Department, which will be renewed every five years or as required

Selection Process:
Candidates will be required to achieve 70% on a written test and must obtain a minimum of 70% passing mark to move forward to the interview. Marks will be based on a 60% test and 40% interview.

NOTE: This position falls under the jurisdiction of Teamsters Local 31.

Applicants should submit a resume via email to [email protected] by 4:30 p.m. on the closing date. Resumes should indicate clearly the competition number on the subject line in the email.