Reagents Sourcing Manager

Please note: We welcome candidates across North America who can collaborate effectively with our Toronto-based team in a hybrid or remote capacity.

About you:

You are a strategic and detail-driven sourcing expert with deep experience managing complex reagent bills of materials (BOMs) in life sciences or diagnostics. You understand the technical nuances in sourcing specialty reagents, can orchestrate sophisticated RFPs, and know what levers to apply when negotiating with a diverse range of suppliers. Equally at home building supplier relationships or problem-solving under pressure, you tailor your approach to fit unique product needs, regulatory requirements, and supply chain challenges.

What you'll do:

• Develop and lead the global sourcing strategy for reagents and chemistry categories, biotech raw materials and custom formulations, for diagnostic and biotech product development and manufacturing partnering with assay development and supply chain management teams.

• Own the global commodity strategy including supplier segmentation, technology roadmaps, and supply risk mitigation.

• Lead supplier selection and initial qualification, design and execute RFP/RFQ processes, comparing suppliers on price, quality, lead time, compliance, and value-added capabilities leveraging technical expertise to evaluate and influence decisions in alignment with product and process requirements.

• Establish and negotiate master supplier agreements (MSAs), statements of work (SOWs) and strategic partnerships that drive total cost of ownership (TCO) improvements, leveraging deep industry knowledge to optimize for key specifications, payment structures, cost, quality, intellectual property, scalability, and supply continuity.

• Deliver measurable outcomes in cost savings, supply assurance, and innovation through strategic sourcing initiatives.

• Oversee supplier qualification, audits, and compliance in partnership with QA/RA teams, ensuring regulatory adherence while enabling innovation.

• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to serve as the technical liaison, translating product requirements into clear sourcing priorities. Partner with supply chain and procurement teams to shape and execute the overall supply chain strategy for reagents and specialty assays, including the transition to ongoing supplier management and procurement activities.

• Proactively identify and partner with assay teams to mitigate supply chain risks (single source, MOQs, shelf life, market volatility, etc.) using scenario planning and contingency strategies.

• Drive continuous cost reduction and process optimization initiatives, applying should-cost modeling, make-versus-buy analysis, and volume leverage tactics.

• Serve as the sourcing subject matter expert (SME) for chemistry commodities in executive reviews and cross-functional operations forums.

• Champion supplier performance management, including QBRs, KPI tracking, and escalation resolution.

• Build and sustain strong supplier relationships, navigating the nuances of commodity suppliers, strategic partners, and niche specialty vendors, while driving supply assurance, innovation, and long-term value creation.

• Stay current on market trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes that impact reagent sourcing—anticipating their implications for Vital Bio's needs.

• Support departmental initiatives to optimize quality, cost, time-to-market, and operational resilience.

• Partner with executive leadership to align sourcing strategies with company growth objectives.

• Drive supplier innovation initiatives that contribute to new product development and differentiation.

What you'll need:

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, supply chain management, or a related technical or business field.

• 5+ years' demonstrated experience sourcing complex reagent BOMs and specialty chemicals in life sciences, diagnostics, pharmaceutical, or related regulated industries.

• Proven expertise executing RFP/RFQ and contract negotiation processes in a highly technical space.

• Strong knowledge of supplier qualification, onboarding, compliance (ISO, FDA, etc.), and risk management techniques.

• Ability to navigate complex supplier relationships across commodity, specialty, and strategic sourcing models.

• Ability to lead with a strategic mindset while executing tactical initiatives with precision.

• Demonstrated success in building and executing category strategies with multi-million-dollar impact.

• Experience negotiating with global suppliers in regulated industries, balancing cost, quality, and risk

• Proven ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams while maintaining ownership of strategic sourcing outcomes.

• Driven by opportunities to enhance product performance and reduce total unit cost through strategic sourcing initiatives.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to present to senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

• Experience managing global reagent supply chains and negotiating in rapidly changing market environments.

• Excellent technical, organizational, and communication skills, with attention to regulatory and operational details.

• Deep understanding of specialty chemicals and reagents, with the ability to translate technical requirements into sourcing strategies.

Bonus points for:

• Experience in diagnostics

• Hands-on familiarity with scaling up supply from prototype through full production.

• Background in vendor management systems or ERP platforms.

• Advanced degree (MBA, MSc) or formal supply chain/sourcing certification.

• Appreciation for puns and a collaborative, curious approach

Why join us:

At Vital Bio, you will:

• Drive sourcing strategies that directly impact the delivery and quality of cutting-edge diagnostic products.

• Work with a diverse, high-performing team dedicated to innovation, operational excellence, and patient impact.

• Grow your expertise and career in a supportive, fast-paced setting.

• Be part of a company that values your insight, adaptability, and sense of humor.

About Vital

Vital is revolutionizing point-of-care diagnostics with our VitalOne platform, delivering real-time care wherever patients are. Our mission is to democratize health technology, making healthcare more accessible and proactive.

Our global team of experts spans chemistry, software, engineering, and microfluidics. We thrive on change, operate on trust, and value diverse perspectives. Our growth-minded culture empowers front-line decision-making and fosters impactful work.

We seek tenacious, bold individuals ready to transform healthcare. At Vital, your talent will make a difference as we work to ensure everyone has access to care when and where they need it.

Vital Biosciences Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We are therefore happy to accommodate any individual needs in keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation in order to participate in our hiring process, please contact us to make your needs known in advance.