Buyer (Temporary, up to 6 months)

Job Summary

Service Area: Office of the CAO

Department: Finance

Work Location: City Hall, 1 Carden Street

Work Mode: In Person

Job Type and Duration: Temporary, Full time Vacancy

Position Availability: 1 existing vacant position

Salary Range: $36.89 - $45.30 per hour

Affiliation: CUPE Local 973

Posting Period: June 18, 2026 to July 9, 2026 11:59 p.m.

When you join the City of Guelph, you join a team of over 2000 employees who deliver services the community relies on every day. Together, we are bringing to life Guelph’s vision of an inclusive, connected, and prosperous city where we look after each other and our environment. As a single tier municipality, we offer a variety of occupations and career specialities within our organization. Guided by the goals and objectives of the Future Guelph: Strategic Plan and committed to the Corporate Values of integrity, service, inclusion, wellness and learning, the candidate will aid in the achievement of the Community Vision for an inclusive, connected, prosperous city.

What We Offer

We offer competitive wages and comprehensive benefits to meet the needs of our diverse employees. Many of our positions offer:

• Paid vacation days, increasing with years of service
• Paid personal days;
• Defined benefit pension plan with OMERS, including 100-per-cent employer matching;
• Extended health and dental benefits, including Health Care Spending Account;
• Employee and Family Assistance Program;
• Parental leave top up program;
• Learning and development opportunities including tuition assistance
• Employee recognition programs.
  
  

Position Overview

Resumes are being accepted for the temporary position of Buyer within the Finance Department. Reporting to the Manager of Procurement, the successful candidate will assist the Manager and Purchasing Agent with purchasing requirements, contracts, leases and duties as assigned in the areas of purchasing research, sourcing, developing specifications, forecasting requirements, preparing procurement documents and analyses. A focus on quality customer service and continuous improvement processes is required. Guided by the goals and objectives of the City of Guelph Corporate Strategic Plan and committed to the Corporate Values of integrity, service, inclusion, wellness and learning, the candidate will aid in the achievement of the Community Vision for an inclusive, connected, prosperous city.

Key Duties And Responsibilities

• Respond to inquiries from customers, contractors, elected officials and public on procurement policies, procedures, services, products, tenders and proposals.
• Prepare tenders, proposals, spreadsheets, letters, reports, forms, specifications, advertisements for soliciting bids, council recommendations, correspondence, and presentations.
• Provides purchasing support and coordination in the development of RFQs, RFPs and Tenders with respect to identification of product / service specifications, contract deliverables and terms and annual estimates and ensuring that there are appropriate provisions in the RFQ / RFP Tenders (e.g. letter of credit, performance bond, insurance, managing vendor performance, etc.).
• Assist in assessing the needs of customers and assist in the development of specifications for required equipment, materials, supplies and services.
• Review departmental purchasing requirements and determine contract terms and conditions required to ensure the safeguard of the City of Guelph from legal ramifications or consequences.
• Be the main point of contact for the development and coordination of City wide corporate contracts (i.e. janitorial services, coveralls, uniforms, safety supplies etc.)
• Evaluation of proposals, bids, and quotations.
• Awarding or recommendation of contract awards within prescribed limits.
• Processes applications and issues corporate credit cards, maintains and updates cardholder listing and provide support to P-Card holders.
• Purchases promotional City of Guelph paraphernalia create and maintain published listings on the Infonet.
• Provides support, advice and training relating to purchasing procedures and automated systems (WAM and JDE).
• Provides research and analytical support as required.
• Troubleshoot and provide recommendations while assisting departments and accounts payable staff with issues as they arise.
• Represent the City of Guelph in assessing contractors, vendors, services, trends and market conditions in determining value for money for City purchasing.
• Regularly review/analyze products and services against the City department’s needs and requirements.
• Review purchasing policies and procedures for the procurement of goods and services and disposal of surplus assets, make recommendations for amendments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications And Requirements

• Experience related to the duties listed above, normally acquired through the completion of a 3-year post-secondary diploma in business administration or closely related field and a minimum of 3 years’ experience in procurement, preferably in a public sector environment. Candidates with equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• Enrolment in a professional procurement education program, such as Supply Chain Management Association Ontario (SCMAO) or Ontario Public Buyers Association (OPBA) or other college material management program.
• Demonstrate initiative, strong attention to detail and successful negotiation skills.
• Must possess excellent communication, customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks in a demanding environment.
• Intermediate computer skills with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook).
• Experience with WAM and JD Edwards would be considered an asset.
  
  

Hours of work

35 hours per week Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.

How To Apply

Qualified applicants are invited to apply using our online application system by July 9, 2026. Please note all applicants must complete the online questionnaire specific to this position at the time they submit their resume and cover letter in order to be considered.

Please visit the job posting listed on our City of Guelph careers page and click on the “Apply for this job” button. Instructions will follow.

Hiring Process Transparency

The City of Guelph is committed to fair and transparent recruitment practices. Candidates who participate in an interview for this position will be notified of the hiring decision within 45 days of their interview. Notifications will be provided in writing, or through technology.

Commitment to Diversity & Accessibility

The City of Guelph is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where employees feel welcome, valued and engaged. Our employment policies strictly prohibit all forms of discrimination on any of the grounds in relevant laws. All employment practices are solely based on individual merit, qualifications, and organization's needs at the time. In keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, we are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals in our job application procedures. If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the hiring process, you may contact us to make your needs known in advance.

Privacy Notice

Personal information collected through the recruitment process will be used solely to determine eligibility for employment. We thank all candidates in advance; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.