Role Responsibilities

About the Role
Reporting directly to the Director of Finance – ALA, this is a high-impact, senior-level opportunity within the Ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services (ALSS). As the Senior Procurement Advisor, you will serve as the ministry’s lead expert on all procurement matters relating to Assisted Living Alberta (ALA)—a $4 billion+ operational entity.

You will guide and oversee complex, high-value, and politically sensitive procurement initiatives with a strong focus on fairness, transparency, and full compliance with procurement legislation and intergovernmental trade agreements. Your strategic leadership will help shape and strengthen ALA’s procurement function in alignment with ministry expectations and provincial policies.

Key Responsibilities
•    Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all ALA procurement and contracting initiatives.
•    Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, trade agreements, and internal policies including CFTA, CETA, WTO-GPA, TILMA, and GoA policies.
•    Act as the primary resource for procurement best practices and legal interpretations within ALA.
•    Collaborate with ALA’s Finance team to align procurement activities with ministry expectations.
•    Communicate changes in policy or legislation and ensure consistent implementation across ALA.
•    Lead the creation and implementation of procurement tools, templates, and training materials.
•    Support and coach management staff within ALA in complex procurement and contract management.
•    Participate in cross-ministry and GoA procurement committees and working groups.
•    Assits the ALA procurement team with the tendering processes, vendor evaluation, contract drafting, and vendor debriefings.
•    Prepare documentation for sole-source justifications and procurement recommendations.
•    Review ALA contracts for compliance and completeness and manage amendments where applicable.
•    Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:
https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

Systems Thinking-Understands how procurement decisions impact ALA’s operations, finances, and compliance, ensuring alignment with broader ministry goals.

Build Collaborative Environments-Promotes strong partnerships across teams and stakeholders to support efficient, transparent, and compliant procurement processes.

Agility-Adapts quickly to policy changes, shifting priorities, and complex procurement challenges while maintaining service quality and compliance.

Creative Problem Solving-Develops innovative, practical solutions to complex procurement issues, balancing risk, value, and policy requirements.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

University graduation in a related field (Business Administration or Public Administration) plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below. 

Equivalency:  Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of: 

•    1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or 
•    1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

Desired:

•    A certification (or enrolled in a program) in professional procurement is desirable

Required:

•    Extensive experience in procurement, contract management, and public-sector sourcing.
•    Strong knowledge of relevant trade agreements, Canadian contract law, and GoA policies.
•    Proven ability to lead complex procurement initiatives in a large, multi-stakeholder environment.
•    Demonstrated experience interpreting legislation, drafting procurement documents (RFP, PQR, RFI, SOW), and managing contract compliance.
•    Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and coaching skills.
•    Strong written and verbal communication abilities.

Preferred:

•    Experience in healthcare, social services, or government settings.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 
Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

Why Join Us?
This role provides an exceptional opportunity to influence how ALA delivers on its mission through strategic procurement leadership. You'll be part of a team dedicated to public service excellence, accountability, and operational integrity. Your contributions will support vital services impacting thousands of Albertans.

•    Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening.
•    (Optional: Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.)

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. 

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.

•    Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
•    Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
•    Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP) - https://www.mepp.ca.
•    Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
•    Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
•    Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
•    Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
Leadership and mentorship programs.