Senior Buyer (Engineering & Construction)

YVR is a place of connection, bringing together people, places and cargo while ensuring a safe and efficient experience for everyone. The Supply Management Team (SMT) supports fair, commercially sound and value-driven procurement that advances YVR’s strategic and operational objectives while promoting responsible stewardship of corporate resources.

Position overview

We have a permanent, full-time opportunity for a Senior Buyer on the Supply Management team. Reporting to the Manager, Supply Management, Engineering & Construction, the Senior Buyer leads strategic sourcing and category management initiatives across a broad portfolio of goods and services. The role develops and executes procurement strategies that deliver best overall value, mitigate risk, meet operational requirements, and contribute to YVR's long-term strategic objectives.

As a strategic procurement partner, the Senior Buyer leads procurement strategy and execution and influences business decisions throughout the procurement lifecycle, from business planning and requirements development through sourcing, negotiation, contract award, supplier governance, and performance management. The role delivers value through effective risk and supplier management. Drawing on business acumen, analytical thinking, and sound judgment, the Senior Buyer engages stakeholders and suppliers to achieve successful business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of sourcing, category management, and procurement strategies that deliver best overall value, mitigate risk, and advance YVR's operational and strategic objectives.
• Lead end-to-end procurement initiatives, including requirements development, market engagement, competitive sourcing, negotiations, contract award, and implementation.
• Shape business requirements in partnership with stakeholders, provide strategic procurement guidance, and identify innovative solutions that meet business needs.
• Translate market analysis, supplier assessments, and commercial evaluations into actionable recommendations that inform procurement decisions and category strategies.
• Lead commercial negotiations and shape contract terms to achieve appropriate risk allocation and intended business outcomes.
• Manage supplier relationships and drive performance and continuous improvement through effective supplier governance.
• Uphold procurement policies, governance requirements, applicable trade agreements, and ethical procurement standards throughout procurement planning and execution.

Key Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of progressively responsible procurement and strategic sourcing experience, supplemented by a degree in Business Administration or Commerce, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• A professional designation in Supply Chain Management or Procurement is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading procurement activities for construction, infrastructure, and capital projects, including the development, sourcing, negotiation, and administration of consulting agreements, professional services contracts, construction contracts, and construction-related purchase orders.
• Strong knowledge of construction procurement practices, contract delivery models, and commercial risk management, including bid evaluation, contract award, change orders, claims management, insurance and bonding requirements, contractor performance management, and project closeout.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, high-impact, high-risk procurement initiatives and deliver business outcomes.
• Strong business and financial acumen with the ability to assess risk, translate data into actionable insights, and develop innovative, value-driven procurement solutions.
• Advanced knowledge and experience in strategic sourcing, category management, supplier relationship management, and contract management.
• Proven ability to build collaborative relationships, influence decisions, and provide strategic procurement guidance at all levels of an organization.
• Strong analytical, communication, negotiation, project management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in procurement and business systems, including e-sourcing platforms, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office applications.

Although not required, French language skills are an asset as we are committed to providing bilingual services to our visitors and passengers. This helps us meet federal language obligations while ensuring a welcoming experience. Candidates who do not speak French are still strongly encouraged to apply.

This position is open to both Vancouver Airport Authority employees and external applicants. Previous job performance will be taken into consideration for all internal candidates that apply for this position.