AccessHR is excited to partner with EQUS for the recruitment of a full-time, permanent Supply Chain Services Leader working out of their Central Area office, just outside of Penhold, Alberta.

ABOUT EQUS

Founded on a strong co-operative spirit, EQUS is Canada’s largest member-owned utility, proudly serving rural Alberta for more than 75 years. Built from the legacy of Alberta’s Rural Electrification Associations (REAs), EQUS was created by communities coming together to deliver reliable, affordable power. Today, EQUS continues to connect rural Alberta and enrich the lives of its members through a commitment to service, collaboration, and innovation.

Guided by its core values of Accountability, Community, Knowledge, and Quality, EQUS fosters a culture where people take ownership, support one another, continuously learn, and deliver exceptional service with integrity and care.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Operations Leader, Standards, and working within a collaborative, hands-on team environment, the Supply Chain Services Leader will play a key role in supporting EQUS’s supply chain services. Leading a team of six, including warehouse staff, a supply chain coordinator and a fleet specialist, this role is responsible for warehousing, procurement, inventory management, fleet planning, and championing a consistent “One EQUS” approach to supply chain across the organization.

Working closely with internal teams, vendors, and industry peers, the Supply Chain Services Leader will support the continued development of supply chain processes, inventory planning, procurement practices, and reporting while helping modernize operations through systems, process improvements, and collaboration. This role is also responsible for RFQ/RFP processes, vendor management, contracts, and inventory optimization to ensure value and service for EQUS members.

Ultimately, we are seeking a collaborative, hands-on, and relationship-focused leader who enjoys solving problems, working closely alongside their team, building strong operational partnerships, and taking a practical approach to strengthening the supply chain function. This is an opportunity for someone who values teamwork, leads without ego, and enjoys rolling up their sleeves to help build something for the long term.

KEY DELIVERABLES

• Values-Based Leadership: Lead, train, coach, and support the supply chain team through a collaborative and accountable leadership approach based on organizational core values.
• Inventory Management: Review inventory management, forecasting, and KPIs; introduce best practices to support inventory optimization and reduction initiatives while maintaining operational readiness, service continuity, and minimizing stock risk and carrying costs.
• Strategic Purchasing: Manage purchasing activities and supplier coordination to ensure timely, cost-effective procurement of materials, equipment, and supplies.
• Procurement & Bids: Lead RFQ/RFP processes and bid evaluations to support operational needs and provide value for members.
• Vendor & Contract Management: Build and maintain solid and trusted supplier relationships; oversee contract reviews in collaboration with legal and other internal stakeholders.
• Risk Management: Identify supply chain risks and implement mitigation strategies that improve continuity and reliability while reducing inventory loads.
• Policy & Procedure Development: Review, develop, and standardize supply chain policies, processes, and operational practices across the organization.
• Cost Optimization: Identify opportunities and introduce best practices to reduce costs and improve inventory utilization.
• Fleet Program Support: Support the ongoing management, budgeting, and standardization of the fleet management program.
• Warehouse/Process Standardization: Lead the alignment and standardization of warehouse operations, inventory practices, and supply chain processes across all EQUS locations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Supply Chain Experience: Broad knowledge base including procurement, contracting, competitive bid processes, inventory management, warehousing, vendor relationships, and logistics.
• Team Leadership: Demonstrated ability to engage team members, provide clear direction, foster accountability, and develop teams across multiple locations.
• Business Acumen: Knowledge of how supply chain activities impact overall organizational success; able to balance strategic thinking with operational involvement and practical problem solving.
• Inventory Planning: Comprehensive understanding of inventory forecasting, controls, reporting, and optimization best practices.
• Systems & Technology: Experience working with ERP systems (ideally NetSuite) for procurement, inventory management, budgeting, reporting, and operational planning.
• Problem Solver: Brings a practical, solution-focused mindset with the ability to navigate challenges and change.
• Collaborative: Hands-on, low-ego leadership style that contributes to a positive, respectful culture where people roll up their sleeves and work together; does not like operating in silos.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in finance, business administration, supply chain management, or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years’ progressive procurement experience in a complex warehousing environment, including 2+ years of leadership experience.
• Knowledge of MS Office software including advanced Excel; experience with procurement software tools.

ASSETS

• Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) or comparable designation.
• Experience with NetSuite ERP system.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive total compensation package, including a base salary range of $115,000 to $125,000 CAD.
• Opportunity to be part of an organization that values people, safety, and member service.
• A collaborative work environment and investment in your values-based leadership journey.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work on-site at the Central Area office, just outside of Penhold, AB.
• Regular travel to warehouses and operational sites across Alberta, approximately 2 trips per month.
• Reliable transportation.