Tactical Technical Buyer

The role in a nutshell

The Tactical Technical Buyer is responsible for sourcing and purchasing technically complex goods and services that support Glencore's mining and smelting operations across North America.

This position combines procurement expertise with technical knowledge, partnering closely with Maintenance, Engineering, Reliability, Operations, and Projects teams. In addition to purchasing activities, the role evaluates technical specifications, recommends suitable alternatives, improves supplier selection, and ensures cost-effective, commercially sound procurement decisions.

More specifically, you will be expected to:

• Managing procurement activities in Coupa, from requisition review to purchase order issuance.
• Purchasing technical and complex equipment, materials, and services for operations.
• Reviewing specifications, drawings, OEM documentation, and technical requirements for accuracy and completeness.
• Collaborating with maintenance, engineering, operations, project teams, and end users to understand business needs.
• Evaluating and recommending technically sound alternatives that improve cost, lead times, availability, and reliability.
• Working directly with OEMs, manufacturers, suppliers, repair facilities, and engineering service providers.
• Supporting sourcing activities, RFQs, tenders, and supplier evaluations alongside Category Leads.
• Assessing supplier proposals from both technical and commercial perspectives.
• Identifying opportunities for alternative sourcing, standardization, inventory optimization, and supply risk reduction.
• Managing supplier relationships and ensuring timely delivery of critical materials and services.
• Ensuring compliance with procurement policies, Delegation of Authority (DOA), Procure-to-Pay (P2P) processes, and contractual requirements.
• Maintaining accurate procurement records and master data in Coupa, SAP, and related systems.
• Monitoring procurement performance through reporting and analytics.
• Conducting site visits to develop a better understanding of equipment, maintenance requirements, and operational challenges.
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives that enhance procurement performance and operational reliability.

 

Do you have what it takes?

• Trade certification or equivalent technical qualification (e.g., Millwright, Electrician, Instrumentation Technician, Welder, Heavy Equipment Technician).
• 3 to 5+ years of experience in maintenance, reliability, operations, maintenance planning/supervision, or technical procurement within mining, smelting, or heavy industrial settings.
• Solid knowledge of industrial equipment, mechanical and electrical systems, rotating equipment, and maintenance practices.
• Ability to interpret technical documents, drawings, manuals, and OEM specifications.
• Experience with procurement processes and ERP systems such as SAP or Coupa.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, commercial, and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proven ability to build relationships with suppliers and technical teams while managing multiple priorities in a centralized procurement environment supporting multiple sites.

 

Travel: Occasional travel to supported operating sites across North America is required.

Language: Advanced proficiency in written and spoken English and French is required.

Location: Corporate office in Laval 5 days a week.

 

The interview process may begin before the end of the posting period.

Only candidates with full working rights in Canada will be considered.

Glencore encourages diversity and provides an inclusive workplace. We provide and can arrange necessary support for applicants who may need assistance. (recruitment@glencore.ca)