Reporting to the Purchasing Specialist, the Senior Buyer is responsible for
senior purchasing, performing the more complex purchasing functions, provides
advice and guidance to departmental clients on complex purchasing issues. The
incumbent prepares detailed specifications, formal tenders and request for
proposal documentation and contracts; assists in the testing of acceptable
vendors; arranges for calling of selected tenders; ensures all information is
uniformly distributed; analyzes, reviews and approves purchase strategies and
bid documentation; reviews financial aspects of invitations to tender and
requests for proposal prior to release and are issued in accordance with
governing laws and policies. The Senior Buyer conducts complex negotiations to
finalize changes to contracts; evaluates tender and proposal responses,
negotiates terms and related items with department and supplier concerned.
Reviews, supervises and provides training on purchasing policies and procedures
to Purchasing Department staff. The incumbent drafts, researches and obtains
documentation that reflects changes in contract law and participates in the
development of new contract clauses to comply with legislative changes. Performs
research and analysis of products and services and prepares reports and
recommendations and implements procedure. Advises and assists departmental
clients and suppliers regarding purchasing problems and requirements. Performs
related work as required.
Qualifications include completion of Grade 12 supplemented by completion of a
purchasing certification (e.g. Supply Chain Management Professional Designation
Program) or equivalent and considerable related purchasing experience, OR an
equivalent combination of training and experience. Thorough knowledge of the
policies, procedures and regulations governing municipal purchasing.
Considerable knowledge of market conditions, price trends, business conditions
affecting the work; the sources, quantities, types and prices of products and
services required; contract law, negotiation and corporate insurance. Sound
knowledge of the functions and requirements of the departments served. Ability
to evaluate quality, price and service factors to determine quality and
suitability of products and services; facilitate interdepartmental evaluation
teams through complex bid evaluations and to interpret and apply the laws of
contract and competitive bidding to a variety of situations; establish and
maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external
contacts; prepare specifications and related documents for a variety of products
and services and to monitor and administer such contracts; study and review
market conditions and prepare reports and recommendations on purchasing matters;
review and supervise the work of subordinate buyers and provide training as
required. A valid Driver’s Licence for the Province of British Columbia is
required.
This is a temporary full time position until August 17, 2026.
Please apply online by August 28, 2025.
Copies of relevant professional certificates, degrees, or tickets will be
required at the time of the interview. Please contact People and Culture at
604-294-7303 if you do not receive a confirmation email within one hour of
submitting your application online at www.burnaby.ca/careers. We thank all
applicants for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview
will be contacted.
We respectfully acknowledge that the City of Burnaby is located on the unceded
territories of the x?m??k??y??m (Musqueam), S?wx_wú7mesh (Squamish), s?lilw?ta?
(Tsleil-Waututh), and k?ik?????m Peoples (Kwikwetlem). Each Nation has distinct
histories and distinct traditional territories that fully or partially encompass
the city. We encourage you to learn more about the Host Nations whose ancestors
have occupied and used these lands, including parts of present-day Burnaby, for
thousands of years. We are grateful to be on this territory as we dedicate
ourselves to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects our
vibrant community and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds, genders, ages,
ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and life experiences.
