Principal Sourcing Lead

About you:

You are a strategic and detail-driven sourcing expert with experience across both hardware and reagents/chemicals in life sciences or diagnostics. You can orchestrate sophisticated RFPs, and know what levers to apply when negotiating with a diverse range of suppliers. Equally at home building supplier relationships or problem-solving under pressure, you tailor your approach to fit unique product needs, regulatory requirements, and supply chain challenges.

What you’ll do:

• Execute global sourcing strategies for both hardware components and reagents/chemicals categories, custom formulations, and biotech raw materials, partnering closely with hardware engineering, assay development, and supply chain teams.

• Own commodity strategies across diverse hardware and chemical/reagent portfolios, including supplier segmentation, technology roadmaps, and supply risk mitigation.

• Lead supplier selection and initial qualification, design and execute RFP/RFQ processes, comparing suppliers on price, quality, lead time, compliance, and value-added capabilities leveraging technical expertise to evaluate and influence decisions in alignment with product and process requirements.

• Establish and negotiate master supplier agreements (MSAs), statements of work (SOWs) and strategic partnerships that drive total cost of ownership (TCO) improvements, leveraging deep industry knowledge to optimize for key specifications, payment structures, cost, quality, intellectual property, scalability, and supply continuity.

• Deliver measurable outcomes in cost savings, supply assurance, and innovation through strategic sourcing initiatives.

• Oversee supplier qualification, audits, and compliance in partnership with QA/RA teams, ensuring regulatory adherence while enabling innovation.

• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to serve as the technical liaison, translating both hardware and chemical/reagent requirements into clear sourcing priorities. Partner with supply chain and procurement teams to shape and execute overall supply chain strategies, including transitioning to ongoing supplier management.

• Proactively identify and partner with cross-functional engineering and assay teams to mitigate supply chain risks (single source, MOQs, component end-of-life, shelf life, market volatility) using scenario planning and contingency strategies.

• Drive continuous cost reduction and process optimization initiatives, applying should-cost modeling, make-versus-buy analysis, and volume leverage tactics.

• Serve as the flexible sourcing subject matter expert (SME) across both hardware and chemistry commodities in executive reviews and cross-functional operations forums.

• Champion supplier performance management, including QBRs, KPI tracking, and escalation resolution.

• Build and sustain strong supplier relationships, navigating the nuances of commodity suppliers, strategic partners, and niche specialty vendors, while driving supply assurance, innovation, and long-term value creation.

• Stay current on market trends, emerging technologies, supply chain dynamics, and regulatory changes impacting both hardware fabrication and reagent sourcing—anticipating their implications for Vital Bio’s needs.

• Support departmental initiatives to optimize quality, cost, time-to-market, and operational resilience.

• Partner with executive leadership to align sourcing strategies with company growth objectives.

• Drive supplier innovation initiatives that contribute to new product development and differentiation.

What you’ll need:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical/electrical engineering, chemistry, biochemistry, supply chain management, or a related technical or business field.

• 10+ years’ demonstrated experience sourcing both complex hardware assemblies/components and reagent/specialty chemical BOMs in life sciences, medical devices, diagnostics, or related regulated industries.

• Proven expertise executing RFP/RFQ and contract negotiation processes in a highly technical space.

• Strong knowledge of supplier qualification, onboarding, compliance (ISO, FDA, etc.), and risk management techniques.

• Ability to navigate complex supplier relationships across commodity, specialty, and strategic sourcing models.

• Demonstrated success in executing category strategies with multi-million-dollar impact.

• Experience negotiating with global suppliers in regulated industries, balancing cost, quality, and risk

• Proven ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams while maintaining ownership of strategic sourcing outcomes.

• Excellent technical, organizational, and communication skills, with attention to regulatory and operational details.

• Deep understanding of both hardware fabrication/assembly processes and specialty chemicals/reagents, with the ability to translate technical requirements across disciplines into actionable sourcing strategies.

Bonus points for:

• Experience in diagnostics

• Hands-on familiarity with scaling up supply from prototype through full production.

• Background in vendor management systems or ERP platforms.

• Advanced degree (MBA, MSc) or formal supply chain/sourcing certification.

• Appreciation for puns and a collaborative, curious approach!

Why join us:

At Vital Bio, you will:

• Drive sourcing strategies that directly impact the delivery and quality of cutting-edge diagnostic products.

• Work with a diverse, high-performing team dedicated to innovation, operational excellence, and patient impact.

• Grow your expertise and career in a supportive, fast-paced setting.

• Be part of a company that values your insight, adaptability, and sense of humor.

The compensation range for this role is $135,000-$165,000. Compensation will be determined based on the individual’s demonstrated experience, education, training, relevant certifications or licensure, and other applicable business and organizational factors.

This role is a current, hybrid vacancy.

About Vital

Vital is revolutionizing point-of-care diagnostics with our VitalOne platform, delivering real-time care wherever patients are. Our mission is to democratize health technology, making healthcare more accessible and proactive.

Our global team of experts spans chemistry, software, engineering, and microfluidics. We thrive on change, operate on trust, and value diverse perspectives. Our growth-minded culture empowers front-line decision-making and fosters impactful work.

We seek tenacious, bold individuals ready to transform healthcare. At Vital, your talent will make a difference as we work to ensure everyone has access to care when and where they need it.

Join us in revolutionizing healthcare and making a lasting impact on people's lives.

Vital Biosciences Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We are therefore happy to accommodate any individual needs in keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation in order to participate in our hiring process, please contact us to make your needs known in advance.