Lead

The Category Specialist is a professional position in the Contracting, Procurement and Supply Management Department. This position provides support and expert advice to AHS stakeholders on all aspects of contracting, procurement, and strategic business decisions impacting contracts with vendors supplying equipment, goods and services to AHS. The position will develop and execute strategic RFx activity for needs within their assigned category of goods/services (e.g. Facilities and Construction sourcing) working in concert with AHS program groups, projects, corporate services and CPSM functional areas. This position will act as a subject matter expert having in-depth knowledge with respect to the development of contracting strategies, Request for Proposal documents, and resulting contracts that are of significant value, complexity, typically longer term and provincial in scope. The work product that this individual and team of direct reports is required to produce is expected to be of high quality, with attention to detail, as for the consequences of the work product will impact budgets, project timelines and patient care. The position will provide instructional task advice, management, and supervision, to Contract Coordinators and other contracting professionals conducting competitive bidding processes to assist with standardizing work methods, protocols, and procedures related to Sourcing/Contracting and contractual commitments. This work includes knowledge sharing sessions which involves the educational tools/resources for purposes of facilitating periodic training sessions for contracting staff relating to industry best practices in competitive bidding and contracting.

The Category Specialist will provide functional expertise to develop and execute multi-year procurement & contracting strategies for Facilities and Construction sourcing needed by various AHS programs and projects provincially. Lead a team of procurement staff dedicated to a specific category ensuring that all work product is of high quality, with attention to detail. Assume full responsibility for the portfolio specific sourcing plan for the assigned category, project and end-user operating practices, change management capacity, the CPSM department ' s contracting plan, organizational resources, and changing priorities. The position will be required to make documented recommendation with respect to procurement selection of equipment within departments, sites, zones and projects. Provide market intelligence to guide contracting process, including areas of opportunity, and recognition of risks. Lead/facilitate in-depth fact-based analysis throughout all aspects of contracting process and present to stakeholders to formulate strategy, collective goals, and assist with informed decision making. Conduct negotiations within established parameters independently. Conduct complex competitive bidding/sourcing process. Exercise prudent due diligence when making business decisions. Promote and manage a work environment that focuses on a provincial strategy for effective sourcing. Promote creative sourcing ideas that will " bend the trend " towards strategic sourcing and benefits to AHS. Strive for pro-active procurement vs reactive purchasing. Provide leadership in cost savings to AHS through the use of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) concept.

Bachelor of Commerce, or other Bachelor degree with additional business or legal training. MBA is preferred. Five years’ experience in contracting or sourcing, preferably in an organization of significant size, complexity and diversity. Knowledge and demonstrated application of business strategy, planning, policy development, modelling concepts, and project management. Understanding of business practices relating to corporate administration. Excellent quantitative and qualitative analytical and problem-solving skills. Deep knowledge of contract negotiations. Progressive experience writing contracts. Contract management experience. Health Care Supply Chain or Project Management courses an asset. Equivalencies of education and experience will be considered. This position will also consult with project management teams as needed for planning of Sourcing/Contracting projects, implementation/conversion of contracts that are provincial in scope.

Experience in concluding and implementing large dollar value business transactions that deliver effective business solutions on complex matters to users. Effective communicator with strong organizational skills, and ability to influence others. Ability to relay or explain complex issues or difficult situations using skills in negotiation, facilitation and conflict resolution. Ability to develop and facilitate presentations to convey information or transfer knowledge. Ability to get buy-in and commitment from both internal and external stakeholders. Ability to prioritize competing responsibilities. Ability to manage change and create innovative solutions for complex and diverse issues. Ability to manage diverse human, financial and physical resources in a changing and multifaceted environment with diverse, complex and sensitive issues. Ability to develop high-impact sourcing and contracting strategies. Ability to understand, use, and mentor staff on financial analysis concepts (e.g. total cost of ownership, make vs. lease vs. buy, NPV, ROI). Ability to develop actionable recommendations and implementation plans.

Strong negotiating skills based on a thorough understanding of sales/marketing practices, market intelligence gained through fact based empirical research. Interprets user needs, assesses requirements and identifies solutions to complex, time- sensitive and non-standard issues. Leadership skills, including demonstrated ability and comfort with decision making responsibilities, coaching and teaching, and the ability to inspire and build confidence in others.