Procurement Category Specialist

Ernst & Young Advisory Services Sdn Bhd; Toronto; Remote; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global professional services firm is seeking a dynamic procurement professional specializing in Indirect Procurement. This position is based in Canada, with a strong preference for candidates in Ontario, particularly near Toronto. You'll be responsible for driving procurement strategies and managing sourcing projects within the Talent category. Candidates should have at least 5-7 years of experience in HR procurement, excellent negotiation skills, and a solid understanding of procurement processes. Apply today to help shape the future with confidence.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of procurement experience, especially in Talent/HR services.
• Proven track record in defining and delivering procurement strategies.
• Knowledge of procurement technologies and ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Deliver strategic projects across Talent categories.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to EY stakeholders.
• Manage end-to-end sourcing projects effectively.
• Lead complex RFx processes and negotiations.
• Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders.

Skills

Procurement experience

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Business acumen

Communication skills

Tools

SAP Ariba

Microsoft Office

Job description

At EY, we’re all in to shape your future with confidence. We’ll help you succeed in a globally connected powerhouse of diverse teams and take your career wherever you want it to go.

We’ll build a better working world. Please note that the role is open across Canada, with a strong preference for candidates based in Ontario—particularly those located in or near Toronto.

Location Flexibility

This role is open across Canada, with a strong preference for candidates based in Ontario, especially those in or near Toronto.

About Our Team

Our Supply Chain Services team consists of approximately 300 professionals operating in 31 countries. We are innovators at heart, leveraging the latest technologies and trends to enhance our services. In a rapidly changing world, we embrace transformation and strive to deliver best‑in‑class services and supplier partnerships across four key categories:

• Talent (including Brand, Marketing, and Communications)
• Technology & External Content
• Travel, Meetings & Events

The Opportunity

EY is on the lookout for a dynamic procurement professional with a passion for Indirect Procurement. If you have at least five years of experience in procuring Talent/HR products and services, we want to hear from you! We seek someone with a visionary outlook, capable of driving transformative change and delivering exceptional stakeholder value as part of our ambitious procurement journey.

In this role, you will be a key contributor within our Global Procurement’s Talent Procurement team, reporting to the Procurement Talent Lead for Canada. You will spearhead procurement strategies, sourcing execution, transformation initiatives, and stakeholder engagement for selected projects primarily in Canada.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver a portfolio of strategic projects across Talent (HR) categories, focusing on brand value and quantitative outcomes through strategic change, strong negotiations, and process efficiencies.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to EY stakeholders, aligning procurement projects with business needs while providing exceptional customer service.
• Manage end‑to‑end sourcing projects and category management activities, ensuring effective commercial management of EY’s Talent suppliers.
• Leverage digital tools and procurement technologies to enhance efficiency and support data‑driven decision‑making.
• Lead complex RFx processes and negotiations, collaborating with stakeholders and shared functions such as Legal and Risk Management.
• Foster strong relationships with key EY business stakeholders and report on project progress regularly.

Skills and Attributes for Success

To qualify for this role, you should have:

• A minimum of 5‑7 years of procurement experience, particularly in sourcing Talent/HR services.
• A proven track record in defining and delivering procurement strategies in HR categories.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to identify opportunities that align with EY’s needs.

Ideally, you’ll also have:

• An ability to influence and align efforts with key stakeholders.
• A solid understanding of strategic trends in talent and HR.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to travel up to 5% for strategic engagements.

What We Look For

• Procurement Expertise: Strong understanding of procurement processes, particularly in Talent/HR, with a proven track record of developing effective sourcing strategies.
• Commercial Acumen: Ability to analyze market trends and identify cost‑saving opportunities that align with business objectives.
• Influencing and Negotiation Skills: Exceptional skills in influencing stakeholders and negotiating favorable terms while maintaining strong relationships.
• Analytical and Strategic Thinking: Strong analytical skills to evaluate supplier performance and market conditions, translating data into actionable insights.Project Management Proficiency: Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring alignment with timelines and budgets.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Strong oral and written communication abilities to effectively convey ideas and present to senior leadership.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with procurement technologies, ERP systems (such as SAP Ariba), and tools for online Rfx and e‑Auctions is advantageous. Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools is also expected.

Reminder

While we appreciate your effort to showcase your full range of experiences and skills, the hiring team prefers a more concise and focused CV—ideally limited to one page. This helps ensure key qualifications stand out clearly and aligns with our review process. If possible, kindly attach a revised one‑page CV for consideration.

What We Offer

At EY, we’ll develop you with future‑focused skills and equip you with world‑class experiences. We’ll empower you in a flexible environment, and fuel you and your extraordinary talents in a diverse and inclusive culture of globally connected teams.

Are you ready to shape your future with confidence? Apply today.

To help create an equitable and inclusive experience during the recruitment process, please inform us as soon as possible about any disability‑related adjustments or accommodations you may need.

EY | Building a better working world