Strategic Sourcing Specialist

at  LifeLabs

LifeLabs is the largest community diagnostics laboratory in Canada, serving the healthcare needs of Canadians for over 50 years. Our team members are truly centred around our customers, and we know that behind every lab requisition, sample being tested, or investment in technology is an individual and their family counting on us.
Consistently named one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes, LifeLabs has also been recognized for having an award-winning Mental Health Program from Benefits Canada. The passion and commitment of over 6,000 diverse and innovative team members unites and motivates us to ensure our customers receive high quality tests and results that they can trust. Agile, customer-centred, caring and teamwork: we live these values every day in what we do to support our customers and healthcare providers, driving forward our vision of empowering a healthier you.
Reports to: Manager, Strategic Sourcing
Purpose of the Role The Strategic Sourcing Specialist is responsible for the contract lifecycle management of a portfolio of commodities. The incumbent will work and coordinate with team members to fulfill the operational goals of the team’s collective portfolio of commodities by actively leading or participating in contract management, (negotiation and execution), sourcing events (RFx), vendor relationship management & development, supplier business reviews, year over year costs savings and cost avoidance, continuous improvement and other projects as defined by the Manager.

CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES

Will drive operational efficiencies, savings, cost avoidance and vendor relationship development through the following activities associated with their assigned portfolios:

• Manage the contract lifecycle of their assigned portfolios by ensuring that contract renewals and terminations are completed in a timely manner in accordance with the policies, goals, and best practices of the organization. Coordinate with and support the Senior Sourcing Specialists to ensure that any contracts requiring more complex sourcing activity prior to renewal are initiated in a timely manner;
• Drafts, negotiates, and executes contracts to completion in accordance with LifeLabs Policy and best practices while striving to meet business needs, favourable terms and conditions and best total value for LifeLabs;
• Work closely with internal stakeholders (example: Legal, Privacy, CyberSecurity and IT) to execute such contracts in a timely manner often acting as first point of contact;
• Develop, drive, and improve vendor relationships to meet business goals. Support to closure any vendor communications to address vendor performance issues or compliance with contract terms.

Will work with the Senior Sourcing Specialist to support the following activities

• Support the preparation, execution and completion of Supplier Business Reviews and may be called on to lead or fully complete events;
• Execute and support to completion a number of Sourcing (RFx) events during the year;
• Develop and enhance the relationship with vendors to support LifeLabs primary supplier performance goals of excellence in Innovation, Quality, Support, Delivery and Cost Reduction;
• Support the development of the Commodity Strategy by gathering data, market reviews of supplier activities and market research.

Will work with the Sourcing Team to complete projects as required or directed by the Manager

• Support projects associated with department best practices including but not limited to contract lifecycle management, contract execution or sourcing project execution;

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Minimum 6 months experience
• University or College Undergraduate Degree – Business, Commerce, Accounting or Operations
• New Grads with relevant co-op experience in supply chain management, finance and related fields can apply
• An overall understanding of sourcing and procurement management.
• Effective contract working abilities with strong negotiation and business acumen.
• Experience in commercial contracts management and the ability to deliver cost effective strategic sourcing solutions to LifeLabs.
• A strong inclination towards continuous improvement coupled with the ability to do deep root-cause analysis is critical. Value stream mapping capability.
• Prefer candidates with experience in Strategic Sourcing and/or procurement. of Direct and Indirect Spend. A proven track record of managing sourcing categories and understanding of how to work with various procurement methodologies is desirable.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills along with time management and prioritization skills