The Vendor Manager (VM) is responsible for establishing and managing project supplier and vendor scope, timelines, and costs for awarded opportunities throughout the project life cycle, including the execution of work orders and change orders. Additionally, the VM will ensure ongoing operational and financial oversight, and risk and issue management of vendors. The Vendor Manager acts as the project main point of contact vendors and is a client-facing member of the team who works in close collaboration with the global project team to ensure the quality delivery of vendor services.

This role is perfect for you if you:

• Have at least 3 years of experience in clinical research and in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and/or CRO industry.
• Are a nimble learner, agile and creative team member
• Are a good communicator and fair conflict manager

More specifically, the Vendor Manager will:

• Oversee and manage study specific vendors throughout the project life cycle (i.e., start-up, conduct, and closeout).
• Review vendor contracts and ensure study requirements are captured and represented in the vendor contractual documentation. Manage and monitor vendor contract compliance; prepare change order for out-of-scope services (renewal, prolongation of agreement, new services) for ongoing studies.
•  Manage and control vendor project budget, scope, and timelines in partnership with the PM. 
•  Collaborate with Innovaderm SMEs to ensure clarity of specifications for vendors.
•  Develop and maintain the project Vendor Management Plan, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Analyze discrepancies between planned and actual results and participate in the development of corrective actions to be taken as needed.
• Lead project-specific vendor meetings, attend, and participate in internal and client facing project meetings. 
• Manage the quality of work done by vendors, and support vendor performance assessments.
• Perform ongoing risk management activities, work with relevant business units to facilitate issue resolution with vendors.
•  Oversee and manage vendor project specific non-conformance and CAPAs, consult with Quality Assurance as needed.
•  Resolve vendor, project team, and sponsor complaints and escalations.
• Maintain service controls by applying lessons learned and vendor performance assessments to ensure vendors meet the Project standards.
•  Review, manage and verify vendor invoices to ensure billing is appropriate based on the terms of the WO/CO of each project.
• Manage vendor technological systems that track the shipment, inventory, and supply of project materials and/or data.
• Collect, review and analyze project specific KPIs as applicable.
• Ensure appropriateness and timeliness of filing of applicable vendor-related documents in study eTMF.

Other VMO Responsibilities:

• Participates in functional and/or corporate initiatives and special projects, as assigned.
• May participate in business development opportunities (e.g. strategy meetings, bid defense meetings).
• May participate in identification and assessment of new vendors for qualification.
• VMO team member back-up for planned and unplanned absences, as assigned.

IDEAL PROFILE

Education

• Bachelor degree in science or relevant field of study

Experience

• At least 3 years of Experience in clinical research and in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and/or CRO industry.
• Project management experience. PMP Certification is an asset.
• Good knowledge of good clinical practices, and applicable Health Canada, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations/guidelines as well as European Union (EU) pharmaceutical legislation for the Clinical Trials Regulation (CTR).
•  Dermatology, aesthetics, and/or rheumatology experience is an asset. 

 Skills and knowledge

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must be able to communicate effectively and understand stakeholder motivations and emotions. Service focus to Sponsor, Sites and Patients stakeholders.
• Management: Highly organized and detail-oriented with effective project planning and time management skills. Quick learner, good adaptability and versatile. Proven competency in fast-paced and matrix environment.
• Networking: Demonstrates an aptitude for connecting with others and building relationships with team members and stakeholders. 
• Negotiation: Negotiation and conflict management skills, appropriately assertive to advocate fairly for Innovaderm and Client best interests.
• Risk Management: Ability to identify, mitigate or control threats to the project.
• Technical and digital aptitude: Use of business platforms to capture business intelligence.
•  Data management & analytics: Problem solver with a strong analytical mindset. Ability to gather, clean and interpret data, including KPIs.  

The work environment

At Innovaderm, you will work with brilliant and driven colleagues. Our values are collaboration, innovation, reliability, and responsiveness. We offer a stimulating work environment and attractive advancement opportunities. 

In this position, you will be eligible for the following perks: 

• Flexible work schedule
• Permanent full-time position
• Complete benefits (medical, dental, vision, RRSP, vacation, personal days, virtual medical clinic, public transportation rebates, social activities)
• Ongoing learning and development

Work location 

The successful candidate for this position is given the option to work from home anywhere in Canada, or from our headquarters in Montreal (in accordance with company policies and public health directives).

Occasional visits to our Montreal headquarters may be required or encouraged.  

About Innovaderm 

Innovaderm is a contract research organization (CRO) specialized in dermatology. Since its beginnings in 2000, our organization has benefited from a solid reputation for the quality of its research and services exceeding the expectations of its clients. Based in Montreal, Innovaderm continues to grow and expand in North America and Europe. 

Innovaderm is committed to providing equitable treatment and equal opportunity to all individuals. As such, Innovaderm will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process to applicants with disabilities, upon request.

Innovaderm only accepts applicants who can legally work in Canada.