Manager, Procurement and Vendor Management
About The Position
Science North is seeking a Manager, Procurement & Vendor Management to lead our enterprise-wide procurement function within a decentralized purchasing model. This is a strategic role responsible for advancing a transparent, compliant, and value-driven procurement framework that supports financial sustainability, operational excellence, and responsible stewardship of public resources. Science North is one of Canada’s largest science centres and an agency of the Government of Ontario. Procurement plays a critical role in ensuring we deliver impact while operating within our financial allocation and complying with public sector directives. Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Manager, Procurement & Vendor Management provides enterprise-wide functional leadership and oversight across the organization. It exercises organization-wide influence and accountability for procurement governance, vendor performance, compliance, and continuous improvement. The Manager acts as the central subject matter expert and steward of procurement policy, ensuring consistent interpretation, application, and enhancement across the organization. Procurement at Science North is viewed as a strategic enabler of: Financial sustainability Risk management and internal controls Value for money Supply chain resilience Operational efficiency and innovation
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
- 5-10+ years of experience and transferable skills relevant to leading an enterprise procurement function
- Demonstrated strength in an area such as; contract management, financial analysis, vendor negotiations, policy development, risk management, governance, compliance, or operational leadership
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply policy frameworks and regulatory requirements, including public sector directives
- Possess a foundational understanding of contract principles
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Strong relationship-building capability
- Demonstrated use of sound judgement and strict confidentiality
- Proven strengths in problem solving, organization, strategic thinking, and negotiation
Nice To Haves
- Direct procurement experience, particularly within the Ontario public or broader public sector (BPS), is considered a strong asset
Responsibilities
- Promote procurement from Ontario and Canadian businesses whenever feasible to support domestic supply chains and economic resilience
- Lead strategic sourcing initiatives for high-value, complex, or high-risk procurements
- Identify opportunities for cost optimization, supplier consolidation, and preferred vendor arrangements
- Integrate digital tools and technology to enhance procurement efficiency and reporting
- Ensure compliance with the Broader Public Sector Procurement Directive and other applicable government directives
- Maintain and continuously improve procurement policies, procedures, and tools
- Strengthen internal controls, documentation standards, and audit readiness
- Support proactive fraud risk mitigation and contract risk management practices
- Provide oversight to ensure fair, open, and transparent competitive procurement processes
- Provide training, advisory support, and guidance to staff across all divisions
- Ensure consistent policy application within a decentralized purchasing model
- Act as enterprise steward of procurement standards and practices
- Foster a collaborative approach that balances compliance, service excellence, and operational agility
- Lead and manage large and/or complex procurements (RFPs, RFQs, tenders)
- Develop and oversee a structured vendor performance management framework including KPI tracking and evaluation tools
- Establish and manage preferred supplier programs where appropriate
- Monitor supplier performance, contract compliance, and renewal strategies
- Assess supplier concentration risk and support supply chain resilience planning
- Develop procurement dashboards and spend analytics
- Analyze spending patterns to identify strategic sourcing opportunities and cost avoidance
- Provide quarterly and annual procurement reporting to senior leadership
- Support Board and Ministry reporting requirements through performance metrics and data insights
- Apply lean methodologies to reduce unnecessary administrative burden while maintaining compliance
- Identify opportunities to enhance efficiency and improve user experience in procurement processes
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices and emerging procurement innovations
Benefits
- Competitive salary package range ($53,700 to $80,000)
- Annual performance and merit increase consideration
- Participation in the Science North Employee Incentive Plan
- Flexible work arrangements
- Comprehensive group benefit package including medical, dental, vision, paramedical, life/travel insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, 24/7 telemedicine access, wellness spending account/ onsite physio/chiro services
- Pension plan following one year
- Science North annual family membership
- Onsite gym
- Free or discounted admission to other attractions outside Sudbury, Science North facilities and program discounts
- Professional development opportunities
- Minimum 4 weeks vacation with incremental entitlements of one week after 5 and 10 yrs of service
- Free onsite parking
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
