New manager ensures CNA has what it needs
Ever wonder how an organization like College of the North Atlantic (CNA) acquires the materials it needs for its day-to-day operations?
Sharon Alexander, Procurement and Bookstores Manager at CNA’s Headquarters offices in Stephenville, oversees a team that makes sure each campus has the supplies they need – one item at a time.
“My job is to plan, direct and supervise the daily procurement activities for all CNA campuses,” she said. “To provide direction to both internal and external customers on the Public Procurement Act, regulations and policy as well CNA purchasing policies and procedures to ensure compliance with legislative requirements.”
A CNA employee since 2007, Alexander is proud of her recent appointment to the manager position, which also makes her responsible for the bookstores across the province.
“I provide guidance and assistance to campus bookstores for purchase and sale of all resale items and review quarterly inventory reports for discrepancies. I also provide support to procurement staff to ensure CNA obtains competitively priced supplies and services that deliver the best value.”
She says she enjoys working for the finance department.
“I love my job; procurement is my favourite part of finance. It is a job that requires excellent people skills and strict adherence to purchasing policies. A very important part of my job is educating both internal and external customers about the policies and processes that must be followed to ensure we are fair, open and transparent with all our purchases.”
Aside from her role at CNA, Alexander is also celebrating her second year as the Regional Ambassador for Supply Chain Canada.
“Our purpose is to improve and enhance member experience and to grow membership participation and engagement throughout the province,” she explained. “We create and host supply chain-related events during the year and we can earn up to 10 Continuing Professional Development points. Last year, we hosted a virtual trivia night and happy hour event.”
Alexander’s experience also includes a Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) designation.
“I obtained my designation from Supply Chain Canada in 2013, this was sponsored by CNA while I was in the position of Procurement Officer III,” she recalled. “It’s a three-year program, and Supply Chain Management Professional designation is Canada’s principle and most sought-after professional designation for those entering the supply chain profession and advance as leaders in supply chain.”
She is also a CNA alumna having graduated from the Clerk Accounting program.
Alexander is not one to let dust gather under her feet, as she is an active member on the local Library Board and NL Division of Supply Chain Canada.
Alexander currently lives in Kippens, NL and enjoys spending time with her husband, Troy, and their two children, Tyler and Tamara. She is also a lover of the great outdoors, especially on the province’s west coast.
“I enjoy relaxing on my time off with family and friends, walking in nature and I especially love spending time on the beach,” she said.
Before coming to CNA, she worked in manufacturing, sales and operations with other organizations for 18 years, but says she plans on sticking with CNA.
“CNA is a great place to work, and I hope to work here until I retire,” she said with a smile.
For more information about CNA’s policies and procedures, visit www.cna.nl.ca.
