Contract Advisor

The Contract Advisor reports directly to the Manager, Finance and Business Operations, Recreation, Parks and Culture and contributes to the overall effective and efficient delivery of a corporate contracting centre-led program. Working across the department, this position will support a broad range of contract types across multiple lines of business including revenue, grants, goods and services, consultation, third party agreements and some smaller construction project contracts. The Contract Advisor position also mitigates risk that could result from substandard corporate contract processes, including value leakage, increased costs, reputational damage, legal challenges, and inefficient use of resources.

 Experience in paralegal services, project management, change management, and relationship building will support success in this position. 

This role may be eligible to participate in our hybrid work program. The successful candidate will be required to reside within 2 hours of Sherwood Park, Alberta.

Responsibilities:

• Developing and facilitating department processes that support the centre-led Corporate Contracting Directive
• Provide leadership, advice, and direction related to corporate contract management practices to a large number of department employees who participate in managing contract
• Work with business units to support contract management related issues and liaise with the Legislative and Legal Services department as required
• Conduct content review on executed contracts to ensuring that the contract is in the best interests of Strathcona County, it complies with applicable legislation, and it includes all required terms and obligations
• With guidance from the Senior Corporate Contracting Advisor, support the purchasing and administrative teams with drafting extension letters, amending agreements, termination letters and any other required agreements and correspondence
• Develop processes and perform audits on the contract repository to ensure that all contract related documents are being properly prepared, supporting documents are complete, and they are stored and updated throughout the life cycle of the contract
• Perform contract management evaluation, including evaluating contract values to purchase order balances, and evaluating department spend and opportunities for cross-branch and inter departmental aggregate spending
• Monitoring compliance with the Corporate Contracting Directive by department employees and to report the results of that monitoring
• Participate in department or corporate initiatives and projects as assigned

Qualifications and Skills:

• A post-secondary degree in public administration, business, law or another related field (equivalencies will be considered) along with at least two years experience in corporate contracting performing contract management responsibilities (public or private).
• Post secondary diploma with 4 years experience in paralegal studies, business, project management, contract/claim management with experience directly relevant in a corporate contracting environment performing contract management responsibilities (public or private)
• Requires an in-depth understanding of the directives, procedures and standards related to contract management and contract performance management requiring a quick turnaround
• Experience in public sector contract management, public sector supplier performance management, project management and change management is highly desirable
• Experience or coursework on Canadian Contract Law is considered an asset
• Experience with preparing and delivering training is an asset
• Ability to work with technology that supports contract management 
• Familiarity with Oracle, Adobe Sign, and Microsoft Office Suite is an asset 
• Excellent listening, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to mediate, lead and facilitate meetings with Business areas and suppliers is required 
• Strong attention to detail and an ability to perform work with a high degree of accuracy and completeness
• Strong leadership skills to be able to provide direct and/or indirect leadership

Conditions of Employment

• Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s license and submission of a 5-year Driver’s Abstract with less than 7 demerits  

Who we are:

Strathcona County is a specialized municipality located in the heart of Alberta. Our vision is to become Canada’s most livable community, where our workplace culture and identity are supported by our people plan and values of integrity, respect, safety, fairness, and cooperation. 

Why Join Strathcona County: (depending on position)

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, which includes:
  • Extended health and dental coverage   
  • Health and wellness spending account   
  • Life and disability insurance and critical illness programs
  • Retirement and pension programs 
  • Paid and unpaid leave programs 
  • Earned day off program
  • Employee and family assistance program
• Commitment to employee development, through internal and external training and development opportunities.
• Well-being programs and a safety culture focused on physical and psychological health in the workplace.

Equivalencies of education and experience may be considered. 

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies for similar positions within the next 6 months. 

Strathcona County is committed to an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace that represents the community we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who can contribute diverse perspectives and experiences.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.