Technical Writer – Procurement Services

Job Title: Technical Writer – Procurement Services
Job ID: 76212
Location: Edmonton, Alberta

Overview:
Our client is seeking a Specifications Writer to join the Procurement Services Branch in the company/organization. This branch provides centralized services for all ministries that need to acquire supplies. The successful candidate will be responsible for creating detailed and accurate requirements for the acquisition of goods. The candidate will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure Requests For Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Quotes (RFQs), etc. specifications are in alignment with trade agreements and provincial legislation. This role is critical in ensuring that RFx documents are clear and legally sound, resulting in competitive, fair, and transparent procurements.

What you will be doing:

• Draft and write specifications for RFx (Requests for proposals, quotes, information, etc.)
• Develop detailed technical, functional, and performance-based specifications for a wide variety of goods.
• Ensure specifications are clear, precise, and free from ambiguity to encourage fair competition among suppliers.
• Use industry standards, public sector regulations, and organizational guidelines to shape the specifications and ensure accuracy and completeness of all technical documents.
• Review and revise existing specifications to keep them current and aligned with organizational objectives.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to supplier performance, quality, or potential disputes.
• Understand all aspects of public sector procurement, including trade agreements and requirements for open, competitive tendering.

Research and Analysis:

• Research industry standards, best practices, and regulatory requirements to inform specifications.
• Analyze end-user needs, market trends, and supplier capabilities to create feasible, cost-effective, and quality-driven specifications.

Collaboration and Consultation:

• Collaborate with stakeholders such as GoA ministries, team members, and management to gather input on requirements.
• Liaise with legal, compliance, and risk teams to ensure specifications meet regulatory and contractual obligations.

Training and Support:

• Provide guidance to procurement officers and stakeholders on defining, interpreting, and applying technical specifications.
• Train end-users of the goods and project teams on how to apply specifications during procurement activities.

What you must have:

• Mandatory: 6 years experience assisting in reviewing, evaluating, and providing test input during business requirements gathering and detailed design specifications.
• Mandatory: 6 years experience in public sector procurement processes including an understanding of trade agreements and competitive bid law.
• Mandatory: 6 years experience providing guidance to procurement officers and stakeholders on defining, interpreting, and applying technical specifications for RFx (Requests for proposals, quotes, information, etc.)
• Nice-to-have: Completion of SCMP or other equivalent courses and associated certificates.
• Minimum: 4 years demonstrated experience working as a trainer on at least 1 project in a large organization or public service environment, impacting 100+ staff.
• Minimum: 4 years experience with professional research methodologies.