Lead Buyer

About the role

The Lead Buyer provides strategic leadership across the procurement cycle for complex acquisitions at McGill University. The role ensures that needs analysis, contracting strategies, and execution are performed efficiently, compliantly, and in line with university policies.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the pre‑award phases of high‑complexity contracts, from need definition through contract award.
• Develop contracting approaches, prepare tender documents, conduct competitive tenders or negotiations, and obtain all required authorizations.
• Review tender submissions for compliance, collaborate with Legal Services, and finalize mutually acceptable contracts.
• Report on contract outcomes, including economic, social, and environmental impacts, and provide debriefings to tenderers.
• Continuously monitor key performance indicators, identify process gaps, and propose improvements to procurement procedures.

Required profile

• Minimum 3 years of procurement experience with a focus on client service, tendering and negotiations.
• Bilingual in English and French (written and spoken).
• Familiarity with public procurement law and university procurement processes.
• Strong attention to detail, professionalism, and effective time‑management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a team player and communicate clearly with stakeholders.

Required skills

• Proficient use of Microsoft Office suite.
• Experience with financial and procurement systems.

What we offer

• Competitive benefits package including health, dental and life insurance.
• Defined‑contribution pension plan with up to 10 % employer contribution.
• Group RRSP and TFSA options, tuition waiver for employees and dependents.
• Generous vacation policy, personal days, floating holidays and “Summer Fridays”.
• Up to two days of remote work per week where the position permits.