Associate Director, Strategic Procurement, Supply Chain …, Alberta

Description Procurement Services within Supply Chain Management is currently seeking a Full‑time Regular Associate Director, Strategic Procurement. The University of Calgary is a comprehensive research university. The Associate Director, Strategic Procurement is a key member of the Supply Chain Management leadership team, accountable for leading strategic sourcing and category management functions, driving competitive procurement practices, and delivering value through supplier management, market intelligence, and alignment with institutional priorities. Summary of Key Responsibilities Lead the development and execution of category strategies and sourcing plans aligned with institutional priorities and business needs. Oversee and support complex, high‑value, and high‑risk sourcing initiatives, ensuring competitive, compliant, and value‑driven outcomes. Apply market intelligence, spend analysis, and demand planning to inform sourcing strategies and optimize total cost of ownership. Standardize and embed strategic sourcing and category management practices across the team to drive consistency and maturity. Identify and prioritize sourcing opportunities that deliver cost optimization, risk mitigation, service improvements, and innovation. Develop and implement category‑level performance frameworks, including defining and monitoring KPIs, tracking outcomes against sourcing strategies, and leveraging insights to drive continuous improvement and inform strategic decision‑making. Lead strategic supplier relationships, including performance management, contract optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives. Develop and execute negotiation strategies to achieve favourable commercial, operational, and risk outcomes. Monitor supplier performance and market conditions to proactively address risks and identify opportunities for value creation. Partner with stakeholders to resolve supplier issues, drive accountability, and strengthen vendor performance. Provide leadership, direction, coaching, up to and including discipline and termination to sourcing and category management teams, fostering a high‑performing and accountable culture. Build and maintain strong relationships with academic, research, and administrative stakeholders to align procurement strategies with business objectives. Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, providing insights on market trends, sourcing strategies, and procurement risks. Influence and challenge stakeholders to adopt strategic sourcing approaches and optimise demand and specifications. Ensure sourcing activities comply with institutional policies, delegated authorities, and applicable public sector trade agreements. Identify and mitigate supply, commercial, and operational risks through proactive category and supplier strategies. Drive continuous improvement in sourcing practices, tools, and methodologies to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and value delivery. Collaborate with procurement operations, legal, and finance to ensure alignment between strategic sourcing activities and downstream contract and procurement processes. Qualifications / Requirements University degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Commerce, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline is required. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) or other relevant graduate degree is strongly preferred. A professional designation such as SCMP, PMP, or Lean Six Sigma is considered an asset, particularly where it supports strategic sourcing, category management, or operational excellence. An equivalent combination of advanced education and directly related senior‑level experience in strategic procurement, sourcing or category management within a complex organization may be considered. Minimum ten (10) years of progressive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, category management or supply chain management within a large, complex organization, including leadership experience. Demonstrated experience developing and executing category strategies, leading complex sourcing initiatives, and delivering measurable value. Experience leading or supporting competitive procurement processes in compliance with public sector requirements and trade agreements is required. Strong experience managing supplier relationships, including performance management, negotiations, and contract optimization is required. Experience applying market intelligence, spend analysis, and demand planning to inform sourcing strategies and decision‑making is required. Demonstrated ability to influence and partner with stakeholders across an organization, including senior leadership, to align procurement strategies with business needs is required. Experience building, leading, or mentoring high‑performing teams in a sourcing or category management environment is considered a strong asset. Experience driving procurement transformation, including the adoption of strategic sourcing and category management practices, is considered an asset. Experience working in a diverse and inclusive environment is required. Experience within a public sector or broader public sector environment is strongly preferred. Skills Strategic thinking and analytical skills to assess markets, interpret spend, and develop value‑driven sourcing strategies. Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to advise and engage stakeholders, including senior leadership. Advanced negotiation and supplier management capabilities to deliver robust commercial outcomes. Effective stakeholder relationship management, building alignment between business needs and procurement strategies. Proven leadership and team development skills, fostering accountability and continuous improvement. Strong business acumen, balancing cost, risk, service, and innovation. Proficiency in ERP/eProcurement systems and Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams). Experience with data analysis or visualization tools is an asset; ability to operate effectively in a collaborative, fast‑paced, service‑oriented environment. Application Deadline June 12, 2026 Equal Opportunity Employer The University of Calgary is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered. The University is committed to a diverse workplace and to removing barriers historically encountered by some people in society. Applicants with disabilities may receive accommodation during the recruitment process. Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. #J-18808-Ljbffr Apply on Kit Job: kitjob.ca/job/2pua9a