Senior Supplier Relations Specialist

Sun Life Financial; Waterloo; Hybrid; CAD 54,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company as a Senior Supplier Relations Specialist, where you'll enhance supplier relationships and streamline contract processes. This hybrid role demands strong analytical and communication skills, with opportunities for professional growth and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

15 vacation days per year

Flexible Benefits

Pension, stock and savings programs

Career path opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong contract and relationship management skills.
• Supply chain, procurement or vendor management experience.
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Tableau, SAP Ariba.

Responsibilities

• Streamline contract processes and foster supplier relationships.
• Support contract renewals, editing contracts, drafting Service Level Agreements.
• Manage supplier base and support governance activities.

Skills

Supply chain

Procurement

Vendor management

Negotiation

Organizational skills

Time management

Education

University degree in accounting

University degree in business

University degree in finance

University degree in data analysis

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Tableau

SAP Ariba

Job description

Senior Supplier Relations Specialist page is loaded

Senior Supplier Relations Specialist

Apply locations Waterloo, Ontario Sun Life Toronto One York time type Full time posted on Posted Yesterday job requisition id JR00111034

You are as unique as your background, experience and point of view. Here, you’ll be encouraged, empowered and challenged to be your best self. You'll work with dynamic colleagues - experts in their fields - who are eager to share their knowledge with you. Your leaders will inspire and help you reach your potential and soar to new heights. Every day, you'll have new and exciting opportunities to make life brighter for our Clients - who are at the heart of everything we do. Discover how you can make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities around the world.

Job Description:

Location: Hybrid (Waterloo or Toronto)

Join Sun Life's Supplier Relations team as a Senior Specialist, where you will streamline contract processes and foster strong supplier relationships, while being part of a team dedicated to excellence in supplier relations and operational efficiency.

The Senior Supplier Relations Specialist is responsible for supporting contract renewals, editing contracts, drafting Service Level Agreements, supporting contract drafting, managing the supplier base and supporting governance activities including scorecards, data collection, analysis and acting as a liaison between Sun Life business units and suppliers. In addition to being an excellent communicator, the incumbent has strong analytical skills in analyzing contract pricing, service levels and in-depth knowledge of procurement regulations, contract agreements and legal terminology and is comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with competing priorities.

What will you do?

• Create and communicate concise and consistent contract provisions, align contract terms with legal requirements and policies, ensure contracts attain achievable risk levels and suggest changes where needed
• Coordinate and summarize competitive analysis, spend analysis, KPIs and operational reports
• Build familiarity with contract terms, payment structure and reimbursements
• Assist the monthly finance reconciliation that outlines the variances between actual and plan expenses
• Support service provider escalations, audits and reports.
• Create contract status reports and create descriptions on aging contracts
• Manage and analyze high tier suppliers’ delivery of services, cross reference with contract, track and report accordingly
• Support team projects related to suppliers and contracts as needed
• Consult on efficiency improvements and best practices in supplier relationship management and cross-functional processes
• Handle pressure with grace and persuade parties in full fairness of Sun Life’s position

What do you need to succeed?

• Supply chain, procurement or vendor management experience
• Strong contract and relationship management skills, with industry knowledge of best practices for sourcing and contracting
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Tableau, SAP Ariba and/or other enterprise resources planning systems
• Negotiation and reasoning skills, with an ability to support and explain reasons for decisions and recommendations
• Organizational and time management skills to handle diverse duties efficiently within a fast-paced, changing environment
• As a condition of the role, the successful candidate must obtain a Government of Canada Reliability Status security clearance through Sun Life

Preferred Skills:

• In process of obtaining Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) designation
• Experience with sourcing, benchmarking activities, competitive analysis and market research
• University degree in accounting, business, finance or data analysis
• Familiarity with supplier selection and performance management practices
• Familiarity with insurance industry practices
• Exposure to Lean and Six Sigma methodology
• Experience with identifying and analyzing key performance indicators

What's in it for you?

• We are proud to be on the 2024 Best Workplaces in Canada list by Great Place to Work!
• As a hybrid organization, you and your leader use business and Client needs to choose where you work, at home or in the office.
• 15 vacation days per year
• Flexible Benefits from the day you join to meet the needs of you and your family
• Pension, stock and savings programs to help build and enhance your future financial security
• The opportunity to move along a variety of career paths with amazing networking potential

#LI-Hybrid

The Base Pay range is for the primary location for which the job is posted. It may vary depending on the work location of the successful candidate or other factors. In addition to Base Pay, eligible Sun Life employees participate in various incentive plans, payment under which is discretionary and subject to individual and company performance. Certain sales focused roles have sales incentive plans based on individual or group sales results.

Diversity and inclusion have always been at the core of our values at Sun Life. A diverse workforce with wide perspectives and creative ideas benefits our clients, the communities where we operate and all of us as colleagues. We welcome applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.

Persons with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process or those needing job postings in an alternative format may e-mail a request to [e-mail] .

At Sun Life we strive to create a flexible work environment where our employees are empowered to do their best work. Several flexible work options are available and can be discussed throughout the selection process depending on the role requirements and individual needs.

We thank all applicants for showing an interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Salary Range:

54,000/54 000 - 91,000/91 000

Job Category:

Procurement

Posting End Date:

23/05/2025

Shine together

At Sun Life, you can be your most brilliant self. Our supportive, flexible, and inclusive work environment is one where you – and your career – can thrive. Whatever your aspirations, collaborative leaders and colleagues are ready to help you learn, grow, and succeed.

We’re a global company with a passion for people. Our purpose is to help Clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. As a team of 30,000 across 26 countries, our impact is far-reaching, and locally relevant There’s power in numbers. As part of Sun Life’s growing team, you have an impact on people in your community and around the world.

Shape the future

With an optimistic eye on a brighter future, we drive to innovate. Be part of leading change, push boundaries and try new ways of working. Use data to drive bold actions. Be agile and pivot as we test and learn. At Sun Life, we’re driving transformation, sustainability and innovation for our Clients, employees, partners, and communities. Join us. Together, we can make the future brighter.