Manager, Strategic Sourcing

Why join us?

Are you looking to join a dynamic pension plan that embodies the strong values of its 500,000 members and is an industry leading global investor?

If so, we would love to tell you our story.

At OMERS we put our people first and are proud to embrace the diversity of thought and leadership that comes from having locations in Toronto, London, New York, Singapore, Sydney and other major cities across North America and Europe.

Our culture is truly one of a kind. We get stuff done, and have fun doing it! We take great pride in contributing to the communities where we live with an ever-constant eye to the global investment markets.

Reporting to the Director, Strategic Sourcing, you will be responsible for leading and executing the Strategic Sourcing process to reduce costs, improve quality, and optimize supplier relationships across the Data & Technology spend category enterprise wide.

The role is focused on supporting business partners by implementing sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives, while also managing supplier relationships, ensuring compliance with company polices and procedures and identifying and driving opportunities for continuous improvement.

This role and its direct report(s) will manage all Procurement engagements for the for the Data & Technology spend category, including strategic opportunities, RFX’s, sole source engagements, and renewals, end-to-end from initial request through to contract and PO execution.

You will work with Business Partners in Data & Technology and various stakeholders across the Vendor Governance program at all levels of the enterprise to deliver on Procurement engagements.

As the Manager, Strategic Sourcing, Data & Technology, you will be responsible for :

Category Management

• Build and maintain category plans for all Data and Technology cost centres and spend categories
• Management of an annual third party spend
• Oversight and management of third party vendors
• Identify, develop, and execute Strategic Sourcing strategies to reduce costs, improve quality and optimize supplier relationships
• Conduct market analysis, supplier assessments, and risk assessments to identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements
• Manage supplier relationships, performance, and contracts to ensure compliance with established agreements and continuous improvement
• Create, monitor, and analyze key performance indicators to track progress, identify trends, and develop action plans for improvement

Strategic Sourcing & Vendor Governance

• Executing and managing team members in the execution of the Strategic Sourcing process end-to-end, from needs identification to RFX to contract(s) and PO execution
• Lead supplier negotiations to achieve favorable terms and conditions, including pricing, payment terms, and service level agreements
• Oversight and enforcement of Procurement Policy
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including procurement, finance, operations, and quality to align sourcing strategies with business objectives
• Collaborate across all Vendor Governance stakeholders to ensure compliance with required policies and security of OMERS data
• Drive initiatives to standardize processes, streamline operations, and enhance efficiency within the strategic sourcing function
• Stay up to date on industry trends, market dynamics, and best practices in strategic sourcing to inform decision-making and drive innovation.

Relationship Management & Communication

• Foster strong relationships with Executives and key stakeholders across Data and Technology as well as key Tier-1 suppliers
• Build and maintain quarterly reporting to key stakeholders, budget owners and Executives to inform budgeting process
• Provide and enhance reporting to Business Partners and Governance Committees on Procurement Policy compliance

Team Management

• Recruit, manage, and develop direct report(s) on the Strategic Sourcing, Data & Technology Team
• Provide leadership, guidance, and support to team members, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning

To succeed in this role, you have :

• 5+ years experience in IT Category Management, including experience as a people leader, preferably within a Financial Institution or other complex, matrixed global organization.
• University degree in business administration, supply chain management, or related discipline
• Strong project management skills, experience managing complex projects, and keen attention to detail
• Strength in Professional Services and IT Procurement
• Strong track record of building relationships, consulting / advising, gaining consensus, and influencing stakeholders across all levels, especially at the senior executive and C-suite levels
• Exceptional communication skills
• Passion for OMERS values and ability to add to a positive culture and working environment

We believe that time together in the office is important for OMERS and Oxford, the strength of our employees, and the work we do for our pension members.

Our flexible hybrid work guideline requires teams to come to the office a minimum of 3+ days per week.

Our story :

Founded in 1962, OMERS is one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension plans, with $128.6 CAD billion in net assets as of December 31, 2023.

OMERS is a jointly-sponsored pension plan, with more than 1,000 participating employers ranging from large cities to local agencies, and over half a million active, deferred and retired members.

OMERS members include union and non-union employees of municipalities, school boards, local boards, transit systems, electrical utilities, emergency services and children’s aid societies across Ontario.

Contributions to the Plan are funded equally by members and employers. OMERS teams work in Toronto, London, New York, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Singapore, Sydney and other major cities across North America and Europe serving members and employers and originating and managing a diversified portfolio of high-quality investments in public markets, private equity, infrastructure and real estate.

OMERS is committed to having a workforce that reflects the communities in which we live and work. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to a barrier-free recruitment and selection process.

At OMERS inclusion and diversity means belonging. How we create a sense of belonging is through our employees and our vast network of Employee Resource Groups.

Whether you are passionate about gender, pride, or visible minorities, we have groups that are focused on making a difference in all of our lives.