Job Title: Buyer / Inventory Control
Bargaining Unit: CUPE 3251
Language Requirement: English Essential
Vacancy Status: Permanent vacancy
Cornwall is a beautiful community with a population of 47,000 situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence River in Eastern Ontario. The city offers a wide array of urban amenities, making it an excellent place for a career and raising a family. With a growing economy, expanding population and fantastic quality of life, there has never been a better time to start the next phase of your career with the City of Cornwall! Cornwall is a diverse and progressive community where residents and partners feel safe, welcomed, and enjoy a high quality of life supported by access to financially responsible and sustainable municipal services and infrastructure.
Position Summary
The Buyer/Inventory Control is responsible for the procurement of goods and services required by the Municipality, ensuring compliance with procurement policies and optimizing value for municipal operations. This role involves sourcing, negotiating, and supporting supplier relationships while maintaining accurate inventory records to support operational efficiency. The Buyer works collaboratively across departments to meet organizational goals and ensure timely delivery of materials and services.
Key Responsibilities
- Supports the procurement process for goods and services, including preparing procurement documents (Tenders, Request for Proposals, Requests for Quotation Request for Pre-Qualifications) and purchase orders.
- Provide departments with procurement guidance, including developing specifications, evaluating submissions, and ensuring adherence to municipal policies, trade treaties, legislation, and best practices across all procurement activities.
- Supports the disposition of municipal surplus assets.
- Supports the negotiation of contracts with suppliers to secure optimal pricing, quality, and delivery terms.
- Collaborate with Suppliers, Accounts Payable and other municipal staff to resolve issues and resolve discrepancies with purchase orders and invoices.
- Evaluate and assess supplier performance to maintain working vendor relationships and address any issues promptly.
- Conduct market research to identify cost-saving opportunities and innovative solutions for municipal needs.
- Prepare and present procurement reports, including budget impact analyses and expenditure tracking.
- Ensure accurate record-keeping of procurement and compliance requirements.
- Support the development and implementation of procurement policies and procedures to improve operational efficiency.
Leadership of Others
Position Requirements
Education & Certifications:
- Diploma in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
- Certificate from Ontario Public Buyers Association Principles or Purchasing Management Association of Canada, or designation as a Supply Chain Management Professional or National Institute of Governmental Purchasing Public Procurement Associate.
Experience:
- A minimum of 2 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain management, or a related field.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Procurement Knowledge: Strong understanding of purchasing principles, contract management, and supply chain processes.
- Negotiation: Ability to negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with vendors to secure cost-effective procurement solutions.
- Attention to Detail: Strong accuracy in preparation of procurement documents and with the reviewing purchase orders, contracts, and supplier agreements.
- Analytical Skills: Ability to assess supplier proposals, market trends, and pricing structures to make informed purchasing decisions.
- Communication: Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with vendors and internal teams.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to identify and resolve purchasing issues, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
- Time Management: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple procurement tasks, deadlines, and supplier relationships.
- Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with internal departments to ensure procurement needs are met efficiently.
- Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook), document management systems and procurement software. Selected applicants will be tested in Excel and must achieve a score of 70% or higher to move to the next stage of the recruitment process.
Working Conditions
- Work is performed primarily in an office, with minimal travel for meetings or site visits.
- Standard business hours, Monday to Friday.
- Cognitive demands include reviewing detailed contracts, identifying risks, and ensuring clarity in terms and conditions.
- Physical demands include extended periods of sitting and looking at a computer screen.
If selected for this role, you will need to provide:
- Successful reference check (two work-related references, with a minimum of one being a direct supervisor)
- Satisfactory Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check
- Proof of certifications
Additional Information:
The Corporation of The City of Cornwall strives to promote and demonstrate the values of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. We are committed to reflecting the diversity of the community we serve and encourage qualified candidates of all backgrounds and abilities to apply. Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process as required. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Information collected will be handled in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
The City of Cornwall is an equal-opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. At the City, we respect, encourage and celebrate our diversity. The City of Cornwall is committed to providing accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs.
Please save a copy of this posting for your records. Please ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how you meet each of the required qualifications. Please note, selection for further consideration will be based on the information you provide in your application. Interviews may be conducted virtually through Microsoft Teams or in-person.
To see the full job posting, please visit https://www.cornwall.ca/en/city-hall/careers.aspx
