Senior Purchasing Agent

Housing Services Inc (hsi)

hsi solutions (Housing Services Inc.) is a major provider of construction, maintenance and call centre solutions to property managers and owners. We bring success to our customers by embracing the values of quality customer service, “value for money”, integrity, innovation and diversity. Our employees are committed to providing cost-effective, timely and reliable housing services, and are continuously challenged to improve our processes and standards. hsi solutions provides service to over 60,000 units in over 350 developments throughout Ontario.

Senior Purchasing Agent

File#:	TCHC#10HSE12
Salary:	$31.70 - $35.67
Location:	729 Petrolia Road
Division:	hsi solutions
Class:	CUPE Local 79
Unit:	hsi Strategic Sourcing
Hours:	35 hours/week
Positions Available:	1

Reporting to the Manager Strategic Sourcing, the incumbent will work in a fast paced environment to ensure that all work (tenders, Requests for Proposals/Qualifications, etc.) are completed on schedule and in compliance with applicable hsi policies and procedures. They will participate in the purchase and delivery of materials, supplies, services and equipment in cooperation with the various business units at hsi, ensuring best value is attained.

Responsibilities:

• Processes requests for tenders, proposals, pre-qualification , expression of interest and others for competitive pricing through a fair and transparent process, ensuring tender documents are in compliance with standing collective agreement, legislation and hsi's policies and procedures including Fair Wage, Human Rights and Fair Access, Workers Safety Insurance, bonding, statutory declarations and other requisites

• Prepares requests for pre-qualification submissions, tender ads and ensures they are posted on hsi's website, Biddingo, MERX and other publications

• Reviews and evaluates bid submissions as to accuracies of figures, checks for compliance with OHSA and Regulations, hsi's Construction Safety Program; hsi's policy on Human Rights and Fair Access; fair wage policy; workers' safety insurance (WSIB), bonding, statutory declarations and other requisites

• Summarizes all bids received for end-users' review and recommendation

• Consults and provides technical information and advice on various goods and services, as requested, including recommendations on best method of acquisition (e.g. lease vs. purchase, standing agreements, etc.)

• Attends site information sessions and internal tender openings, ensuring bids and documents received are complete and valid

• Acts as a liaison between project managers/end users and proponents through the tender process

• Issues purchase orders and change orders utilizing hsi Business Systems

• Provides contract administration and takes a leading role in dispute resolutions

• Assumes an active role in vendor performance issues including issuance of warning letters or notification to terminate contracts

• Compiles information regarding vendor feedback and performance ratings

• Provides assistance in resolving invoice differences and making appropriate recommendations regarding alternatives

• Contacts vendors to negotiate purchase terms and conditions for non-tender goods and services

• Participates in automation projects and applications and leads cross-functional teams in sharing information and addressing issues related to goods and services

• Obtains best value for goods and service contracts using all available resources (e.g. the tender processes, Request for Proposals (RFPs) and negotiations) in a fair and equitable manner

• Gathers data and analyzes information from contracts, price agreements and purchase trends for purposes of improving contract management and determining best values

• Researches and investigates new sources of supply through sales interview, review of literature, catalogues, trade publications and shows

• Initiates activities involving possible economies and new products that would benefit hsi

• Investigate possibilities of joining with other social housing providers to take advantage of bulk purchasing agreements and economies of scale

• Assists in developing tools for end-users to achieve goals in the delivery of goods and services to stakeholders as described in the Community Management Plan (CMP) and hsi's Human Rights and Fair Access Policy (as it relates to contracts)

• Prepares and edits correspondence and reports for Manager, Strategic Sourcing

• Overseas and makes recommendations on order quantities for Owner Supplied Inventory

Qualifications:

• At least 3 years progressive experience in purchasing with considerable experience in accounting, budgeting, forecasting, economic analysis, pricing, sourcing of supplies, negotiations, service and repair, contract law and legal considerations in a corporate environment

• Certificate or credits towards a Purchasing diploma or Purchasing Management Association of Canada (PMAC) courses are a must

• Experience in issuing instructions/delegating work to other purchasing staff

• Must have good judgment and initiative to locate proper sources of supplies/disposals, expedite deliveries and maintain optimum business relations with vendors

• Must possess excellent research and analytical skills, with a good understanding of basic market trends in the procurement of goods and services relative to hsi's operations (e.g. repairs to assets, client services, etc.)

• Must have understanding of inter-provincial agreement governing procurement i.e. Agreement on Internal Trade

• Must be willing to participate in automation projects and applications and enjoy leading cross-functional teams and managing projects from start to finish

• Must have excellent communication skills both verbal and written and interpersonal skills to develop effective working relationships with staff and vendors

• Must possess good organizational and time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines

• Minimum of one (1) year experience in multi-project, financial management, business experience in warehousing, logistics or distribution role in a medium-to-large-sized organization

• Detail-oriented including ability to review contracts with an emphasis on specification development

• Minimum of three (3) years demonstrated experience utilizing computer software packages including Microsoft Word, Excel, internet and email

Toronto Community Housing is committed to equity in employment. Our goal is a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from women and men, people from racialized communities, sexual minorities, persons with disabilities and aboriginal persons.

Persons with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process, or those needing job postings in an alternative format, may e-mail a request to human.resources@torontohousing.ca.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Applications must be received by February 17, 2010 at:

Human Resources Division
Toronto Community Housing Corporation
931 Yonge Street 4th Floor
Toronto, Ontario M4W 2H2
Fax: (416) 981-4260
E-mail: Human.Resources@torontohousing.ca

Posting Date: February 3, 2010