Senior Procurement Specialist

Position Title: Senior Procurement Specialist
Department: Finance
Position Type: Full-time
Classification: NSGEU Band 8 
Salary Range: $63,628.50 - $77,824.50 (37.5 hours/week)
Posting Date: April 22, 2026 
Closing Date: May 4, 2026 at 1:00 PM AST

Position Description

The Senior Procurement Specialist provides strategic guidance for the university’s Procure-to-Pay (P2P) department, with a focus on policy interpretation, compliance, and continuous improvement of procurement practices. This role acts as a key advisor to internal customers, supporting effective, complaint, and value-driven purchasing decisions which align with institutional priorities.

The position is responsible for strengthening internal controls, and enhancing processes to support facilities management, research, academic, and operational needs. The role also leads the university’s Purchase Card (P-Card) Program, providing governance, oversight, and ongoing program development.

Working closely with all campus stakeholders, the Procurement Lead fosters a proactive, service-oriented procurement environment while ensuring strong stewardship of university resources and achieving operational goals.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement of high-value goods/services and contract management:

• Provide expert, high-value advice to departments on procurement strategies, sourcing approaches, and compliance requirements.
• Interpret and apply university policies and relevant public‑sector trade agreements and all StFX supply agreements to drive consistent, informed procurement decisions that reduce costs and create value for the university.
• Lead and oversee complex, high-value procurement (over $25k) initiatives and competitive bid processes (RFx’s), applying expertise in Canadian Construction Document Committee documentation and construction contract terms.
• Promote best practices in public-sector procurement, including fairness, transparency, and value-for-money outcomes.
• Act as a key resource for procurement-related risk assessment and mitigation.
• Establish and standardize procurement frameworks, tools, and practices while partnering with Accounts Payable to streamline end-to-end workflows and resolve systemic process challenges.
• Provide expert guidance on supplier selection, contract terms and vendor relationships while overseeing supplier management practices, including performance monitoring, issue resolution, and compliance with institutional standards.

Purchase Card Administration & Audit:

• With input from the Finance team, take responsibility for the direction and day-to-day oversight of the university’s P-Card Program, maintaining strong controls, efficient processes, and a user-friendly experience. Oversee card issuance, user setup and training, spending limits, and program documentation.
• Lead audits, handle compliance reviews, and support cardholders and approvers with clear guidance, resolving issues and promoting accountable, compliant use.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required in a Business or related field.
• SCMP Designation or PSPP Certification are preferred.
• Seven to ten years of related procurement experience.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team across multiple departments.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply university procurement policies, procurement legislation, standing offers, and trade agreements.
• Experience advising stakeholders and supporting complex procurement activities such as RFx's. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on process improvement and strategic thinking. 
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and guide decision-making.
• Experience leading training or developing user-focused guidance materials is an asset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and Teams. 

To apply for this opportunity, click the "Apply Now" button and upload your cover letter, resume and references.

StFX is located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People.

Our institution is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), racialized persons (especially African Nova Scotians), persons with disabilities, those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQIA+ and any others who would contribute to the diversity of our community. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

We are also committed to the elimination of barriers to participation for persons with disabilities. Should you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact People and Culture at hr@stfx.ca or 902-867-5038.  

About St. Francis Xavier University

Established in 1853, St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) is consistently recognized as one of the best universities in Canada. StFX exceeds the needs of today’s undergraduates by providing the very best academic experience -- outstanding teaching, exceptional hands-on research opportunities, and global exchanges -- all within Canada’s most vibrant and inspiring residential campus. Here, the focus is on the academic and personal development of every student, making community and social engagement a large part of the learning experience. Our students are academically strong and highly engaged in every aspect of life, determined to make a positive impact on the world.

In 2022, Maclean's annual university rankings put StFX #1 in student satisfaction and #2 in reputation across Canada in the primarily undergraduate category. For more, visit www.stfx.ca.

About Antigonish, Nova Scotia

The beautiful and historic town of Antigonish is located within the northeastern corner of Nova Scotia. Only a 15-minute drive from the ocean and a two-hour drive to major urban centres, Antigonish is a family-friendly community with a diverse and growing population and provides access to excellent education at all levels. The town is surrounded by rolling countryside and beautiful beaches and is a hotspot for outdoor recreation, sports and other active lifestyle activities. Antigonish supports a vibrant culture in the arts with music, performing arts, visual arts and crafts, and fabulous festivals happening throughout the year. For more information visit www.townofantigonish.ca or www.visitantigonish.ca.