Senior Contracting Officer

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the National Research Council (NRC), recently named one of Canada’s 2025 Top Employers for Young People, a 2025 Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers! 

As Canada’s leading research and technology organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.
 

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

The Role

We are looking for a Senior Contracting Officer to support our Finance and Procurement Services Branch. The Senior Contracting Officer would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

Under the guidance of the Director of Procurement Services and/or the Manager of Procurement Services, Senior Contracting Officers are responsible for supporting the organizations complex, high risk, high dollar procurement and contracting projects.

The work includes competitive and non-competitive procurement processes in accordance with Government Contracting Regulations (GCR’s), the Trade Agreements (CFTA, WTO-AGP and others), Treasury Board Directives and the Financial Administration Act (FAA).   

The work is challenging because of the high complexity projects, requiring a deep understanding of clients working environment and research.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as a Senior Contracting Officer with responsibility for sourcing a wide variety of goods, services and construction associated with complex contracts and procurement activities.
• Develop and prepare complex contracts for procurement of non-routine and technologically advanced commodities or long-range services; issues international tender invitations; evaluate responses to tender, and makes recommendations for finalization of purchases and award of contracts; sign procurement orders up to the authorized limit, and, in cases where the amount exceeds authorized signature authority, prepare submissions to the Contracts Committee for review and subsequent approval by the authorized official. 
• Advise requisitioning units and recipient entities on the full range of procurement issues, providing support and guidance at all stage of the procurement cycle with a particular focus on sole source justification, urgency, quality and best value to provide strategic advice and viable solutions.
• Apply LEAN procurement methods to reduce turnaround time for clients. 
• Establish the needs for standing offers, and supply arrangements to speed up purchasing processes and reduce execution times.
• Establish and maintain work program and schedule for ongoing contracts and newly planned ones.
• Conduct market research to keep abreast of market developments; research and analyze statistical data and market reports on the world commodity situation, production patterns and availability of good and services. 
• Identify new technologies, and products/services, evaluate and recommend potential supply sources and participates in the incorporation of research results into the procurement program.
• Oversee adherence to contractual agreements, recommends amendments and extensions of contracts, and advises concerned parties on contractual rights and obligations.
• Prepare a variety of solicitation documents, contracts, communications, guidelines, instructions, etc.
• Provide guidance to new/junior staff.

Screening Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

As a minimum, candidates must have a Secondary School Diploma according to provincial standards or degree from a recognized college or university OR an acceptable combination of secondary school education, training and (3) three years of relevant contracting experience performing a broad range of various and complex related procurement activities, in terms of the scope and the impact of the experience.

(SCMP) - Supply Chain Management Diploma/Certification or working towards designation would be considered an asset. 

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, contract management, contract administration or logistics and supply chain management or related area is required.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in conducting tender exercises to award contracts for procurement of complex goods and services is required. 
• Experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as SAP or similar system and/or working with e-tendering systems is desirable. 
• Experience in procurement process and procedures in support of research centers or federal organizations is desirable. 

Experience in business intelligence systems and data analysis is desirable.

Condition of Employment

Reliability Status

A thorough security clearance process will be applied.

For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Language Requirements

Various Linguistic Profiles 
 

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment Criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of all phases of the procurement cycle.
• Knowledge of the various laws, regulations, principles in procurement.
• Advanced knowledge of various methods of procurements.
• Knowledge of trends, developments and challenges of procurement in the public and or private sector.
• Ability to interpret, analyze and apply contracting policy.
• Knowledge of MS Office Suite (Excel & Microsoft Word) & SAP material management.

Behavioural Competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Management Services; 

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $92,985  -  $106,263 per annum. 

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

Notes

• In 2025, the NRC has been chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, the National Capital Region’s Top Employers and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers.
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one-year period.
• This position is being advertised internally and externally simultaneously.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted