Spotlight on the Niagara Region Procurement Team

 

Serving a diverse urban and rural population of more than 430,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong, prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with twelve (12) local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high-quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities within its boundaries.

 

Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada’s most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in history and recreational and cultural opportunities. 

 

Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario’s most breathtaking countryside. An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S. neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses.

 

Led by Bart Menage, Director of Procurement and Strategic Acquisitions, the division is comprised of two teams:

• A Strategic Acquisitions (Real Estate) team of four (4) reporting to a Manager of Real Estate with the responsibility of managing all Regional property acquisitions, dispositions, leases, and licenses; and
• A Procurement team of 10 people, who facilitate approximately 260 formal procurements (annually) for essential capital and operational projects resulting in approximately $300 million in awarded contract value. At any one time, Procurement has direct oversite of 80-90 active procurements in varying stages from bid document development to contract execution.

Niagara Region is a Procure to Pay organization with a Procurement Team (a Division of Corporate Services) that provides support for Corporate Services, Public Health, Community Services, Economic Development, Human Resources, Planning, Clerks, Niagara Regional Police Service, and the Public Works team, including Go Implementation, Transportation Services, Water Wastewater and Waste Management Services.

 

The Procurement team consists of two (2) Managers, two (2) Analysts (Procurement and Business), two (2) Senior Purchasing Agents (currently vacant), six (6¬) Agents, one (1) Junior Buyer and one (1) Procurement Assistant.

 

The Team’s stories are as follows:

 

With 32 years in procurement, including 16 years in the aerospace, automotive, and design-engineering firms that specialized in thermal processing equipment and material handling systems, Bart transitioned to the public sector in 2006. Prior to joining the Niagara Region Procurement Team in 2017, Bart held the roles of Purchasing Agent (City of Welland), Manager of Procurement, Finance and Risk Management (Town of Fort Erie) and Director, Corporate Procurement (Niagara Parks Commission). 

 

Bart holds the designations of CSCMP, C.P.M (lifetime) and the Canadian Risk Manager (CRM) and now prefers a subtler approach to education focused on specific areas of interest including Supply Chain Analytics, Contract Management and Social Procurement. 

 

Outside of the office, Bart enjoys photography, music, and nature, including Balls Falls and Dufferin Islands and spending time with family enjoying the backyard and pool. 

 

With 19 plus years in Procurement, including 12 in Public Procurement, Jeff joined the Niagara Region Procurement Team in 2015.  At that time, the Region embarked on a Financial and Procurement transformation with the development and implementation on an ERP System (PeopleSoft). Jeff holds an MBA from University of Windsor as well as the CPPB and CPPO designations. Prior to working for the Region, he worked for four years (2011-2014) at the City of Hamilton in the roles of Procurement Specialist and Senior Procurement Specialist.

 

In my current role and in conjunction with Michelle, my responsibility is the management and support of all Agents for non-Public Works Procurements and departments such as Facilities, Public Health, EMS and Planning and Economic Development. In addition to the management of active procurement projects this role is responsible for overseeing the development of tracking mechanisms, spending reports and statistics from the ERP System.

 

Outside of work, Jeff has two children, Avery (12) and Austin (4). Most of his time is split between being a “Dance Dad” or an on-field/ice coach. When there is spare time, Jeff enjoys playing golf and slo-pitch in addition to watching and reading about all sports. Finally, Jeff has continued to work on his craft as a euchre player and looks forward to the next OPBA in-person conference to spend many late nights to test if he has improved his game.

 

With 29 plus years in public procurement, Michelle joined the Niagara Region Procurement Team in February of this year.  Michelle holds her CSCMP, CPPB, NIGP-CPP and is currently working towards her CIM designation.

 

To give back to the profession, Michelle volunteers for OPBA and has previously held the following positions – Director of Membership, Secretary, Treasurer, briefly Director of Education, and back as Treasurer, in addition to producing the virtual Principles suite of courses.

 

When not at work, Michelle is an avid reader, and also enjoys spending free time keeping active through golfing and camping with friends and hiking with her German Shepherd, “Cooper”.

 

Kristine joined Niagara Region in 2018 working as the Junior Buyer after starting her career in procurement in the private sector. Now a Senior Purchasing Agent at the Region, Kristine has achieved her CPPB certification and is responsible for complex and unique procurements across a variety of client groups.

  

As a certified Ontario primary school teacher (OCT) with a background in education, Kristine never expected a career in procurement, but the structure of public procurement and the variety of projects and creative solutions keeps her interested. She uses her education knowledge and skills when working alongside the client groups to assist them in finding the best fit for their needs.

 

Outside of work, Kristine keeps very busy as a certified fencing coach and official, coaching multiple fencing programs in the Region and organizing and working at tournaments across the country.

 

Jayan previously worked in the Wood Products area of the private sector and joined Niagara Region in 2015 to work as a Purchasing Agent. Jayan received the Certified Supply Chain Professional (SCMP) designation in 2011 and has been an active member of Supply Chain Canada since 2008. 

 

Currently responsible for procuring a wide variety of goods and services for Niagara Region Public services, Jayan is specifically responsible for procurements related to the following areas: Transportation, Waste Management, Construction Energy & Facilities Management and Corporate services. Though Jayan enjoys working in all of areas, his passion is working with construction related projects.

 

Outside of work, Jayan enjoys listening to music, travelling, and spending quality time with his family.

 

Elisha, originally from Sault Ste. Marie, moved to the Niagara Region to complete her schooling and soon after began a career in marketing/retail management. After 6 years, she decided to start a new career path and joined Niagara College’s purchasing department in 2018 on a temporary contract position. After learning the foundations of public procurement, Elisha knew she had found her career. Elisha joined the Niagara Region procurement team in 2019 and obtained her CPPB certification in 2021. “I really love that everyday in procurement is a new adventure and every project comes with its own unique challenges.” After working in public procurement for the last 4 years, Elisha looks to continue furthering her education in the profession. 

 

When Elisha is not working, she enjoys golfing, travelling, and spending time with her husband, friends, family, and Bernese Mountain Dog, “Winston.”

 

Shannon’s start into the procurement field was by pure happenstance as a graduate out of high school. Now, having worked in various procurement roles for nearly a decade Shannon has spent the last three years in public procurement with the Niagara Region, starting as a Junior Buyer and transitioning into her current role as a Purchasing Agent. 

 

Shannon holds a Diploma in Business Administration from McMaster University as well as a Certificate from Seneca College’s Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management program. 

 

Outside of work, Shannon is a running enthusiast who spends her free time fishing, exploring Southern Ontario on the back of a motorcycle with her fiancé, and listening to podcasts. 

 

Shannon considers herself very fortunate to work alongside such a great procurement team at the Niagara Region.

 

Savan Harsh has a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from CHARUSAT University, and Post Graduation in Supply Chain Management – Global from Conestoga College. He always appreciates challenges and finds his own way. His work experience is evident of Savan’s range of diversity. Savan has worked in the automation industry as an Electrical Project Engineer, with a Chinese MNC – TBEA as a Senior Procurement Engineer, and with Honda Trading Canada as a Purchaser and Database Analyst. Overall, Savan has seven years of public and private procurement experience. In addition, he is a certified Internal Auditor for ISO 9001:2015 and OHSAS 18001 by Bureau Veritas (UK). Savan does not shy away from change. He has lived in different countries, experienced diverse cultures, and can currently speak three (3) languages.

 

Savan joined the Niagara Region in 2021 with a strong desire to serve the public. He mainly handles Public Works projects and finds satisfaction in seeing his projects completed and open for use. Savan understands the challenges and sensitivity of public procurement work and continues to learn all aspects of the profession. His career interest is evident in all he does, and Savan takes every opportunity to enrich his knowledge and skills in pursuit of his professional development, currently preparing for CSCMP and CPPB certifications. 

 

Outside of work, Savan loves photography and reading. With the assistance of his father, he established a library in a small village in India that provides free services such as internet access, study materials and occasional career seminars for underprivileged students/villagers.

 

Rachel has spent the majority of her career in procurement since graduating from Brock University with an MBA degree in 2019, covering both the private and public sectors. She recently joined the Regional Municipality of Niagara as a Purchasing Agent in the Procurement and Strategic Acquisitions department. Rachel enjoys working with people, problem solving, and seeing her projects completed and open to the public. Rachel has a strong work-ethic and is very invested in her work. 

 

That being said, Rachel enjoys many things outside of her work, as well including traveling both locally and globally, and is always embarking on new adventures. At home she enjoys making and drinking coffee, taking film pictures, and caring for her many plants. In addition, she frequently hikes around the Niagara Region, and enjoys being in nature. You can always find Rachel at the beach, whether she is soaking up the sun with her friends or watching another beautiful sunset. 

 

Ashley joined Niagara Region at the height of the pandemic. While excited for the new opportunity, she prepared herself for the obstacles that would come with starting a position remotely and was impressed by how well the Region had adapted to the challenges of maintaining operations while protecting their staff during uncertain times. She has greatly appreciated the level of professionalism and kindness she has experienced from staff throughout the departments and is looking forward to opportunities to grow within public procurement.

 

Previously working in the private sector, Ashley stumbled into procurement after several years travelling and living overseas. Formally trained in languages and silversmithing, her favourite activities include hiking, cycling, photography, and getting lost in foreign countries. After living in an Airstream for several years, she is now navigating the challenges of owning a 140-year-old century home, which she shares with her husband and their two adopted Russian Blue kitties.