Senior Buyer

📍 Medicine Hat, AB | Full-Time | Permanent | On-Site Requirement

🛠️ About the Role

The Senior Purchaser/Buyer independently manages assigned sourcing and procurement activities to support production and operational requirements, taking accountability for procurement outcomes from requisition and sourcing strategy through supplier selection, negotiation, purchase order placement, delivery and issue resolution. Working with the QTS Supply Chain Manager and cross-functional stakeholders, the Senior Purchaser/Buyer manages supplier relationships and supports supply-risk mitigation while balancing cost, quality, delivery and technical requirements. The role maintains accurate procurement records, monitors supplier performance and ensures compliance with company policies and delegated approval authority.

• Manage assigned requisitions and sourcing activities from requirement through purchase order and delivery, prioritizing requirements to support production schedules and operational needs.
• Review ERP/MRP requirements, create and maintain purchase orders, confirm supplier commitments, expedite deliveries and maintain accurate purchasing records within delegated authority.
• Resolve complex purchasing, delivery, quality and order issues with suppliers and internal stakeholders; escalate material risks outside delegated authority with recommended actions.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Planning and Operations to define technical, quality, delivery and commercial requirements for sourcing activities.
• Identify, assess and recommend suppliers; develop and manage RFP/RFQ activities and coordinate technical, quality and commercial evaluations.
• Lead commercial negotiations with assigned suppliers covering pricing, lead times, delivery schedules and commercial terms within delegated authority.
• Evaluate supplier proposals considering technical compliance, quality, delivery, commercial terms, risk and total cost of ownership; develop evidence-based sourcing recommendations.
• Review material demand, shortages and supply risks with Planning, Production and Inventory teams; translate requirements into procurement and supplier actions.
• Manage assigned supplier relationships and performance, including corrective actions, delivery recovery, business reviews and improvement activities; escalate significant supplier risks as appropriate.
• Support effective inventory management and resolution of purchasing-related invoice and receipt discrepancies.
• Track and report procurement and supplier performance metrics, including delivery, quality, cycle time, savings and risk; identify and implement improvement opportunities.
• Ensure procurement activities and records comply with company policies, delegated authority, applicable regulatory requirements and QinetiQ standards.

Skill Requirements:

• Advanced procurement and sourcing skills with the ability to independently manage complex procurement requirements.
• Strong commercial negotiation, analytical and decision-making skills, including evaluation of total cost, technical compliance, quality, delivery and risk.
• Strong supplier relationship and performance-management skills, including issue resolution, corrective actions and delivery recovery.
• Ability to identify supply-chain risks, evaluate alternatives and develop practical recommendations and mitigation actions.
• Ability to interpret BOMs, SOWs, technical specifications, drawings and quality requirements.
• Strong understanding of ERP/MRP-based purchasing, material planning and inventory processes.
• Strong communication, cross-functional collaboration and influencing skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and provide functional guidance and mentoring to less-experienced employees.

🎓 What You Bring

• Diploma or degree in Supply Chain Management, Commerce, Operations Management, Engineering Technology or a related discipline.
• 7+ years of progressive procurement, purchasing or supply-chain experience, including independently managing complex sourcing and procurement requirements.
• Demonstrated experience managing competitive sourcing activities including RFP/RFQ development, supplier evaluation, commercial analysis, negotiation and sourcing recommendations.
• Experience sourcing technical, engineered, custom-manufactured or otherwise complex products and services, balancing technical requirements, quality, cost, delivery and supply risk.
• Demonstrated experience managing supplier performance, resolving complex commercial or delivery issues and identifying supply-chain risks and mitigation actions.

• Experience working cross-functionally in an ERP/MRP-based manufacturing or operational environment.

Additional Desirable Assets

• SCMP, ASCM CPIM, CSCP or equivalent recognized supply-chain/procurement credential.
• Experience in aerospace, defence, advanced manufacturing or another highly regulated technical environment.
• Experience sourcing engineered-to-order, build-to-print, custom-manufactured or low-volume/high-complexity products and services.
• Experience interpreting technical drawings, specifications, Bills of Material and Statements of Work.
• Experience with strategic sourcing, supplier development, long-term agreements and supplier performance improvement.
• Experience working within ISO 9001 environments and/or Canadian defence and controlled-goods requirements.

Project management certification such as PMP, PRINCE2, CAPM, or equivalent is considered an asset.

Strong understanding of project governance, risk management, and cost/schedule control

Experience working within a structured PMO and project governance environment.

Experience in defence, aerospace, uncrewed systems, or other highly regulated industries, with an understanding of defence customers, markets, and operating environments, is desirable.

🔐 Security

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in Canada and meet the eligibility requirements to obtain and maintain the Government of Canada security clearance required for the position
• Must be eligible for and maintain a clear background check, including criminal record screening, as required for security clearance

💡 Why QinetiQ?

We offer a high-performing, inclusive work environment where you can thrive, contribute meaningfully, and be your authentic self. Our people-first culture supports your wellbeing, growth, and ability to make a real impact.

You’ll also benefit from a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• Extended health and wellness spending accounts
• RRSP/TFSA matching
• Access to continuous learning and development opportunities
• And more!

🌐 Explore our culture