Supplier Development Manager

**Purpose**

Under the general direction of the Manager of Supplier Relations, the Supplier Development Manager will focus on building and maintaining strong relationships with program suppliers. This role will include hosting regional Canoe/supplier training sessions, exploring opportunities to enhance partnerships, and providing support to Canoe and its associated partners.

The Supplier Development Manager will also engage with potential suppliers during the procurement planning phase to encourage high-quality and competitive responses. Additionally, the role will involve supplier management and performance evaluation to ensure alignment with Canoe's strategic goals.

This position is remote, based within Ontario, Alberta or BC. It will require regular travel within region, and some travel within Canada.

**If position is filled in the Edmonton area, this will be an in-office role, in addition to travel.

**Responsibilities and Activities**

The Supplier Development Manager will be responsible for assisting in the implementation of Canoe’s Procurement and Supplier Relations activities. This will include but not be limited to:
Supplier Development:

- Identify new program opportunities and suppliers
- Educate suppliers on Canoe’s values, compliance requirements, and the benefits of cooperative purchasing, with the goal of influencing them to bid on opportunities.
- Attending industry trade shows for the purpose of identifying or researching new categories, suppliers, and programs.
- Supplier Contract negotiation and award
- Provide resources, tools, and training to help suppliers leverage their Canoe contract.
- Coordinate contracts launch activities with Marketing, Client Relations and Finance Departments.

Supplier Relationship Management:

- Serve as the primary point of contact for suppliers, addressing questions and concerns related to contracts.
- Collaborate with suppliers to ensure their offerings align with Canoe’s mission and meet member expectations.
- Provide guidance and training to suppliers.
- Track contract engagement, performance metrics and generating reports for internal and external stakeholders/suppliers
- Analyze data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
- Identify growth opportunities for suppliers.

Client Relations Support:

- Answer contract inquiries, liaise with suppliers to address contract compliance and member support needs.
- Act as a resource for Client Relations Managers, offering education and support on understanding Canoe’s contracts effectively.
- Ongoing Supplier planning and strategy
- Establish and conduct regular Supplier reviews
- Attend supplier meetings and events

Collaboration and Communication:

- Partner with the Manager of Supplier Relations and other departments to align contract strategies with organizational goals.
- Represent Canoe at trade shows, webinars, and other events to promote supplier and member engagement.
- Partner Association relationship management.

Other duties as required

**Scope**
- Strong understanding of business and sales processes
- Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information to a diverse audience
- Excellent negotiation, analytical and interpersonal skills
- Ability to set and reach marketing objectives
- Experience working with multiple teams on multiple projects
- Aptitude for providing customer support and direction to Canoe’s membership and suppliers
- Strong time management skills
- A willingness to take on leadership roles
- Ability to travel (clean drivers abstract)
- Strong understanding of procurement laws, compliance standards, and industry best practices.
- Proven ability to create and facilitate presentations.

**Knowledge, Skills and Abilities**
- Completion of related post-secondary degree or diploma (Business Administration preferred)
- Marketing or business development experience
- 3-5 years of experience in contract management, supplier relations, or procurement, preferably in a municipal or non-profit environment.
- Requires a high degree of initiative, professionalism and judgement
- Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.

**Contacts**

Works alongside the Manager of Supplier Relations as well as other employees within the Supplier Relations department and the Canoe team.

The RMA is an equal opportunity employer. Any applicant that meets the qualifications above is encouraged to apply. Priority will be given to Canadian citizens and those already legally entitled to work in Canada.

We thank all applicants, but due to the high volume of responses expected, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
- Wellness program

Schedule:

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