New Job Manager, Strategic Sourcing (Category Manager) In Nova Scotia

About Us

The procurement branch Service Nova Scotia is an exciting place to work. We are a growing group of innovative and enthusiastic procurement professionals that are helping our clients procure goods, services, and construction to support Nova Scotians. We oversee the Nova Scotia Sustainable Procurement Policy and are accountable for providing leadership and direction on the development and delivery of procurement programs, plans, and strategies aligned to assist with the delivery of departmental and government priorities. This is accomplished through the leadership and mentoring of teams to develop strategies and frameworks, while adhering to best practices and continuous improvement in go-to-market solutions

About Our Opportunity

As a Category Manager leading a team of procurement specialists, you will ensure exceptional service delivery is provided to clients while maintaining compliance to trade agreements and policies. We are looking for a unique individual that shares our vision and values in providing quality leadership and support to procurement specialists.

As a leader that cares about building and supporting a dedicated and loyal team, you will have a proven track record in mentorship, delivering results, promoting engagement, collaboration and leading by example while supporting diversity and a healthy workplace.

In a typical work week, you can expect to:

• Provide mentorship to procurement specialists in their development by helping them apply the most effective and innovative procurement methods to their daily work;
• Deliver category management and strategic sourcing practices;
• Coordinate and collaborate with clients to develop and update category plans
• Ensure management of project deliverables meet timelines, budgets, and achieves savings and efficiencies;
• Work with the Operations Manager to maintain and support procurement operations.
• Facilitate issuing complex Request for Proposals, contract negotiations and management, and provide public procurement guidance in best practices and standards.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will have a post-secondary degree in a related discipline (such as Business Administration, Engineering or Commerce), a minimum of 5 years experience in a senior procurement role managing complex procurement projects. An equivalent combination of education and related experience will be considered.

Candidate must have demonstrated experience in leading, coaching, and mentoring others in a diverse environment, team building and employee development.

This position aligns well with candidates who also have:

• Demonstrated experience in relationship building;
• Category, project, and change management skills;
• Demonstrated experience in public or private sector procurement;
• Demonstrated experience in developing complex RFPs end to end for clients and negotiating subsequent agreements;
• Ability to analyze data, understand and articulate market trends, total cost of ownership, and identifying opportunities as part of a business case for a client;
• Demonstrated experience in developing strategic sourcing plans with a strong understanding of how to execute on each phase of the plan;
• A demonstrated commitment to service excellence through continuous improvement methodologies;
• Experience dealing with service delivery escalations and issues from various client groups;
• Demonstrated flexibility and collaboration in how you lead, manage, and deliver client service;
• A commitment to focusing on a culture that provides customer service above and beyond what is expected;
• Strong understanding of procurement law and trade agreements and how they work within public procurement environments;
• Organization, time management and motivational skills; and
• A leadership style that is driven, energetic and has a high degree of professional integrity.

Experience in the following are considered assets:

• Experience in developing multi-year category management plans;
• Experience in facilitating highway construction procurement.
• Public sector procurement supply chain environment
• Public Procurement certification or Supply Chain designation or working towards it. (Examples: Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) or SMT Certificate from Supply Chain Canada (formerly Supply Chain Management Association, SCMA), PSPP (Public Sector Procurement Program), Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) or equivalent)

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Competencies required at this level are: Analytical Thinking, Teamwork & Collaboration, Action Management, Client Orientation, Developing Others, Team Leadership, Initiative, Effective Interactive

Communication, Partnering & Relationship Building, Strategic Orientation, Intercultural Diversity Proficiency.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and Union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click here to learn more about our various benefits offering and eligibility criteria.

Additional Information

Please note this is a full-time, permanent opportunity.

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• Department specific flexible working schedules