Senior Buyer

Responsibilities

This position works in the Buying Group – Capital organizational unit. Reporting to the Purchasing Specialist, the Senior Buyer is responsible for senior purchasing and supervisory work performing the more complex purchasing functions, provides advice and guidance to departmental clients on complex purchasing issues. The incumbent prepares detailed specifications, formal tenders and request for proposal documentation and contracts; assists in the testing of acceptable vendors;

arranges for calling of selected tenders; ensures all information is uniformly distributed; analyzes, reviews and approves purchase strategies and bid documentation; reviews financial aspects of invitations to tender and requests for proposal prior to release and are issued in accordance with governing laws and policies. The Senior Buyer conducts complex negotiations to finalize changes to contracts; evaluates tender and proposal responses, negotiates terms and related items with department and supplier concerned.

Reviews, supervises and provides training on purchasing policies and procedures to Purchasing Department staff. The incumbent drafts, researches and obtains documentation that reflects changes in contract law and participates in the development of new contract clauses to comply with legislative changes. Performs research and analysis of products and services and prepares reports and recommendations and implements procedures. Advises and assists departmental clients and suppliers regarding purchasing problems and requirements.

Performs related work as required.

Qualifications include completion of Grade 12 supplemented by completion of a purchasing certification (e.g. National Institute of Supply Chain Leaders/ Supply Chain Management Professional Designation Program) or equivalent and considerable related purchasing experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Thorough knowledge of the policies, procedures and regulations governing municipal purchasing. Considerable knowledge of market conditions, price trends, business conditions affecting the work;

the sources, quantities, types and prices of products and services required; contract law, negotiation and corporate insurance. Sound knowledge of the functions and requirements of the departments served. Ability to evaluate quality, price and service factors to determine quality and suitability of products and services; facilitate interdepartmental evaluation teams through complex bid evaluations and to interpret and apply the laws of contract and competitive bidding to a variety of situations;

study and review market conditions and prepare reports and recommendations on purchasing matters; to prepare specifications and related documents for a variety of products and services and to monitor and administer such contracts; and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external contacts. A valid Driver’s Licence for the Province of British Columbia is required.

Please apply online by March 9, 2026.

Copies of relevant professional certificates, degrees, or tickets will be required at the time of the interview. Please contact People and Culture at if you do not receive a confirmation email within one hour of submitting your application online at  We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

We respectfully acknowledge that the City of Burnaby is located on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm Peoples (Kwikwetlem). Each Nation has distinct histories and distinct traditional territories that fully or partially encompass the city. We encourage you to learn more about the Host Nations whose ancestors have occupied and used these lands, including parts of present-day Burnaby, for thousands of years.

We are grateful to be on this territory as we dedicate ourselves to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects our vibrant community and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds, genders, ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and life experiences.