Buyer

The University of Saskatchewan has some of the most innovative people doing groundbreaking research and pedagogy. The Buyer is a key member of the Veterinary Medical Centre’s Procurement team that provides strategic analysis and support to the VMC and the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in order to procure the goods and services they need to achieve their goals, while balancing value, timeliness, risk, and cost.

The university offers flexible work arrangements; access to the university’s recreation services; ongoing professional development and mentorship and a comprehensive benefits and pension program.

Primary Purpose: The purpose of this position is to support faculty, staff, and researchers across the WCVM in meeting their procurement and logistical needs through the provision of advice, guidance, execution, and exceptional service.

Nature of Work: Working in a cross-functional team environment, the Buyer is accountable for collaborating with clinical services and external stakeholders to facilitate the procurement process by assessing needs, gathering requirements, guiding vendor selection, and supporting the effective execution of the contracting processes within established thresholds in accordance with university policy and guidelines and relevant legislation. Also, this position offers feedback and potential solutions for process improvements that support continuous enhancements to the service performance of the VMC’s Materials Management function.

Accountabilities: 

• Ensure requests for the procurement of goods, services, and construction that are received are supported through to completion of the source to pay cycle, including verifying and obtaining the appropriate authorizations
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Execute and record purchase orders based on approved terms and conditions or agreements while ensuring due diligence in the procurement process
• Negotiate with vendors and partners to achieve best value for the university
• Proactively seek opportunities to add value to the university, through cost savings, revenue generation, enhanced value for money, higher quality services, or any similar opportunity.
• Liaise with colleagues and stakeholders to ensure seamless, timely and efficient resolution and/or routing of outstanding procurement enquiries and associated administrative processing
• Respond to and resolve procurement enquiries and associated administrative processes through use of multiple procurement and supply management resources and tracking systems, software applications and technical support tools (e.g., knowledge base, case management system)
• Evaluate processes and identify opportunities to continually improve VMC Procurement services and operations
• Work effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure a seamless procure to pay process and experience
• Reduce institutional and contract risk by remaining current with and adhering to university policies, guidelines and processes, collective agreements and relevant legislation including trends that may have an impact on procurement

Qualifications:

Education: Completion of a relevant post-secondary program. An SCMP designation, or work towards one, would be considered an asset. An equivalent combination of education and directly related experience may be considered.

Experience: 

• Experience in a procurement, administrative, or customer service role is ideal.
• Demonstrated use of problem solving, and negotiation skills with successful outcomes.
• Experience working in a diverse and inclusive environment is required.
• Familiarity with e-procurement processes and systems is considered an asset.

• Experience with public procurement considered an asset, but not required.

Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral; strong customer service skills; demonstrated proficiency in analytical and negotiation skills; demonstrated ability to problem solve under deadline pressures and competing priorities; demonstrated ability in handling procurement within an ERP system; proven Microsoft Office application skills, including SharePoint and expert MS Excel skills; case management system experience would be considered an asset; and demonstrated collaboration capabilities within a team environment.

Department: Veterinary Medical Centre
Status: Term 1 year with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Shift: Monday to Friday 8am - 4pm
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $53,091.00 - 82,954.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 1
Posted Date: 11/12/2025
Closing Date: at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php

Criminal Record Check: Yes
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources for assistance.