Manager - Strategic Sourcing

University of Guelph; Guelph; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Guelph is seeking a Manager, Strategic Sourcing to provide strategic leadership for sourcing initiatives across the university’s academic, research, and operational priorities. The role demands expertise in supplier management, contract negotiations, governance, and regulatory compliance within a highly regulated public-sector environment.

The Manager will advise university leaders, researchers, and administrative units, driving sustainable procurement, stakeholder alignment, and

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or related field with several years of experience.
• SCMP designation or equivalent professional credential.
• Experience leading strategic sourcing and supplier management in complex or public-sector environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives and high-value procurements, including contract negotiations and category management.
• Provide guidance to academic and administrative leaders on sourcing decisions balancing value, risk, and sustainability.
• Use spend analytics and market intelligence to drive continuous improvement and value across suppliers.
• Ensure compliance with public-sector procurement laws, trade agreements, and university policies.
• Lead and develop a team of procurement professionals with a culture of collaboration and service excellence.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Contract negotiations

Supplier relationship management

Spend analytics

Stakeholder engagement

Public sector procurement

Education

Undergraduate degree in Business / Supply Chain

SCMP designation or equivalent

Tools

Spend analytics tools

Contract management software

Job description

Location:

Guelph, ON, CA, N1G 2W1

Primary Category Page: Staff and Management

Division: Financial Services

Requisition ID: 2692

Department: Procurement Operations

This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph

General Purpose

Reporting to the Director, Procurement Operations, the Manager, Strategic Sourcing provides strategic leadership for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of sourcing and procurement initiatives that support the University's academic, research, and operational objectives. The role leads the delivery of complex, high-value procurement projects and provides expert guidance on sourcing strategies, supplier management, contract negotiations, governance, and regulatory compliance. The position operates within a highly regulated public-sector environment where decisions have significant financial, operational, and reputational implications.

The Manager serves as a trusted advisor to University leaders, faculty, researchers, and administrative units, helping to identify procurement solutions that maximize value while supporting institutional priorities, sustainability objectives, accessibility requirements, and compliance obligations.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, including complex, high-value procurements, contract negotiations, and category management strategies that support the University's academic, research, and operational priorities.
• Provide expert procurement advice and guidance to academic and administrative leaders, ensuring sourcing decisions balance value, service quality, risk management, sustainability, and stakeholder needs.
• Leverage spend analytics, market intelligence, and performance metrics to inform sourcing strategies, identify opportunities for continuous improvement, and maximize value across the supplier portfolio.
• Ensure compliance with public-sector procurement legislation, trade agreements, University policies, and governance requirements, while supporting effective supplier performance and risk management practices.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of procurement professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, service excellence, and continuous learning.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related discipline and 6 years related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) designation or equivalent professional designation.
• Significant progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, category management, or supply chain leadership within a complex organization, preferably in the public sector or higher education environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex sourcing initiatives, contract negotiations, and supplier relationship management programs.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex financial, contractual, and market data.
• Excellent relationship-building, negotiation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Thorough knowledge of public-sector procurement practices, trade agreements, and regulatory requirements.
• Proven leadership experience developing and supporting high-performing teams.

Employee Type: Regular

Position Number: 10927402

Classification: P&M FT- Band 08

Professional/Managerial Salary Bands

The target hiring salary for this position is minimum and up to 96% of midpoint for the salary grade.

Tentative evaluation; subject to committee review.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 07/31/2026

Closing Date: 08/21/2026