Vendor Manager IV

Job Title: Vendor Manager IV
Duration: 10 months (Possibility of extension/Conversion)
Location: Toronto or Mississauga (Hybrid – 4 days onsite per week)

Candidate Profile Details:
Degree/Level of Education: Bachelor’s Degree is a must
Certifications Required: Professional procurement, supply chain, or contract management certification – nice to have
Years of Overall Experience: 8+ years of experience
Preferred/Ideal Candidate Background: Ability to independently go through the sourcing lifecycles, technology and professional services knowledge

Role Overview
The Procurement Manager, Sourcing & Contracting, is responsible for leading complex procurement initiatives from strategy development through sourcing, negotiations, approvals, and contract execution.
This role combines responsibilities traditionally performed by Strategic Sourcing Managers and Contract Managers. The successful candidate will independently manage the commercial and contractual aspects of procurement transactions while partnering with business stakeholders, suppliers, Legal, and risk and control functions.
This requires strong experience in strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, contract negotiations, risk management, stakeholder management, and governance within a complex and regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities:
End-to-End Procurement Leadership
Lead procurement initiatives through the full procurement lifecycle, from intake through executed agreement.
Develop and execute sourcing and negotiation strategies that align with business objectives and risk requirements.
Manage supplier selection activities, commercial negotiations, contract negotiations, approvals, and execution activities.
Lead multiple procurement initiatives simultaneously while managing competing priorities and timelines.
Commercial & Contractual Negotiations
Lead negotiations with suppliers to achieve commercially and contractually sound outcomes.
Evaluate supplier proposals and provide recommendations to stakeholders and senior management.
Balance business objectives, commercial considerations, risk requirements, and contractual obligations.
Work closely with Legal and business stakeholders to resolve negotiation issues and drive timely execution.
Risk, Governance & Stakeholder Management
Ensure procurement activities comply with applicable policies, standards, controls, and governance requirements.
Partner with Legal, Third-Party Risk Management, Information Security, Privacy, Compliance, Finance, and other stakeholders as required.
Identify and escalate risks, issues, and contractual exceptions appropriately.
Build strong relationships with business partners, suppliers, and control functions.
Strategic Procurement Support
Provide strategic sourcing expertise and market insights to business partners.
Support procurement of best practices, process improvements, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Leverage available tools, data, analytics, and market intelligence to support decision-making and negotiations.
Contribute to knowledge sharing, coaching, and team development activities.

Must-Have Hard Skills:
1.) 8+ years of progressive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing or contract management
2.) 8+ years of experience leading end-to-end procurement transactions from sourcing strategy through contract execution
3.) Strong experience negotiating both commercial and contractual terms directly with suppliers
4.) Experience partnering with business stakeholders, Legal, and risk and control functions

Soft Skills:
1.) Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
2.) Strong commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and risk management capabilities
3.) Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and relationship-building skills
4.) Ability to manage multiple complex initiatives in a fast-paced environment
5.) Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Nice-To-Have
1.) Experience within financial services or another highly regulated industry
2.) Professional procurement, supply chain, or contract management certification
3.) Experience supporting technology, operations, or enterprise services procurement initiatives
4.) Experience working within formal governance and risk management frameworks

Interview process: 2 steps, virtual, 30 minutes, panel