The Clinical Procurement Specialist (CPS) is a highly analytical, detail-oriented individual who identifies, evaluates, and qualifies suppliers and vendors to meet Innovaderm business needs and negotiates contracts and pricing for services and/or supplies. The CPS is also responsible for performing vendor annual risk assessments, market research concerning vendor and supplier needs, network across Innovaderm functional groups, and requesting bids from these organizations. The CPS will monitor and adapt to changing global and economic conditions and maximize the value of vendor partnerships through frequent and productive communications. The CPS works in close collaboration with all Vendor Management Office (VMO) team members to support robust service and quality outputs of Innovaderm vendors and suppliers.  

This role is perfect for you if:

• You have a strong understanding of the Clinical Research environment, procurement strategies and vendor relationship management
• You have a proven ability to navigate evolving environments and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines
• You are proficient in MS Excel and SharePoint, with experience compiling information and analyzing data to drive decision-making

More specifically, the Clinical Procurement Specialist will:

• Identify, support development, and deploy best practices in supplier and vendor selection, cost containment, and management practices. Including:

1. Regional procurement strategies that are innovative and incorporate the growing complexities and challenges within the industry.
2. Collaboration with SMEs to ensure clarity of specifications for suppliers and vendors.
3. Upon new vendor qualification, familiarizing vendors with processes and establishing Innovaderm expectations of suppliers and vendors.
4. Participation in BD proposal activities by recommending vendor strategies and solutions. Supporting the compilation of proposals for Innovaderm business opportunities through facilitating RFPs with vendors and suppliers. Comparing proposals for price and specifications. Performing analysis and QC of received information, and formulating suggestions to the business development team.
5. Negotiating with vendors to reduce costs.
6. In partnership with Legal, negotiating MSAs and pricing models with suppliers and vendors.

• Forecast supply and service needs. Identify new strategic needs, evaluate appropriateness of potential new vendor services, and ongoing appropriateness of maintaining currently qualified vendors.
• Organize and standardize vendor data to facilitate fair, transparent, and data-based decision making. Maintain information in the vendor tracking systems.
• Ensuring procurement policy compliance, review legacy information and business intelligence to inform existing vendor partnerships and strategic decisions.
• Lead vendor performance review and risk evaluations
• Be an SME supporting transformational activities to build procurement organizational capabilities and improve procurement efficiency. Participate in performance metrics (KPIs), reporting, and improvement opportunities.
• Develop strategies for optimization of timelines and costs across projects through developing preferred partnerships with various service providers for functions supported (e.g., central labs, analytical labs, etc).
• Oversee vendor relationship health and vendor performance across Innovaderm roster of projects.
• Develop and implement cross-functional process improvement strategies to advance vendor data, functional infrastructure, and analysis.
• Represent the VMO through participation in sponsor audits and regulatory agency inspections, as necessary.
• Participate in functional and/or corporate initiatives and special projects, as assigned.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by Management.

Education & experience:

• 5+ years of progressive experience in a Biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and/or CRO industry with experience in contracting, procurement and supply chain management, or equivalent combination of education and experience in a senior or lead contracting/negotiating capacity.

Skills & knowledge:

• APICS, CSCMP, PMP certifications or equivalent are considered assets. Dermatology experience is an asset.
• Expertise in the end-to-end sourcing and contracting process, including RFI, RFP, contract negotiation and management.
• Ability to identify, mitigate or control threats to the business.
• Strong knowledge of emerging technologies and opportunities for workflow automation. Use of business platforms to capture business intelligence.
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills, along with the proven ability to mediate and negotiate well.
• Strong problem solver with a strong analytical mindset
• Excellent business judgement and savvy with a proven ability to make decisions under pressure.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• 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)
• Proficient in MS Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint

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

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.