Procurement Strategist

The position of Strategic Sourcing Specialist is a key role within the Procurement Centre of Excellence, focused on providing sourcing value to Canadian business, Corporate, and IT spend categories. This includes group insurance and operations services, consulting, human resources, marketing, communications, finance services, software, IT services, and IT hardware/products.

This strategic role involves identifying and managing relationships with internal stakeholders, executing the sourcing process, and supporting clients on related governance requirements for their deals. Key responsibilities include third-party risk management, anti-money laundering screening, financial viability, and other similar aspects.

The goal of this role is to continuously improve various procurement processes, ensuring all related governance processes/policies are adhered to and completed prior to final approval.

• Support and manage the sourcing process for high-volume, low-risk engagements, aiming for prompt turnaround.
• Lead clients through the sourcing process, including contract negotiations, contract execution, risk and governance support, and approvals.
• Assess, define, and resolve procurement issues, including contractual terms and conditions, and escalations by internal stakeholders and suppliers.
• Apply project management concepts to plan and execute the sourcing process.

• Minimum 3 years of relevant sourcing/procurement experience.
• Proven expertise leading sourcing initiatives, processes, and developing strategies.
• Skills to work with internal stakeholders to drive the process.
• Comfort with ambiguity and uncertainty.
• Familiarity with vendor contract language, SAP Ariba Contracts, and Sourcing Modules.
• Understanding of general procurement challenges and solutions.
• Ability to work with internal legal counsel and other governance stakeholders.

• Effective client relationship management skills.
• Financial Analysis skills, including advanced Excel skills.
• Confidence in leading negotiations to conclusion.
• Ability to work with internal legal counsel and other stakeholders.
• Drive for results and sense of urgency.
• Excellent communicator in English.
• Experience creating project plans, managing to plans, communicating effectively, and engaging stakeholders as required.

• Experience with SAP Ariba Contracts and Sourcing Modules.
• Familiarity with third-party risk for Financial Service Institutions.