Director, Procurement and Vendor Management Services

About Us

The Ontario Cannabis Store provides safe, responsible access to recreational cannabis for adults 19 and older. We operate the sole legal online store for recreational cannabis in Ontario and are the provincial wholesaler of cannabis for private retail stores.

Working at the OCS is a unique opportunity to be part of an agile start-up in a ground-breaking new industry.  We’re a diverse team passionate about delivering a great customer experience, working together with mutual respect and building value out of our differences.  We’re an inclusive organization that understands that delivering great results comes out of ensuring every voice is heard.  

About the Role

We’re looking for a Director, Procurement and Vendor Management Services to join our Procurement team. The Director, Procurement and Vendor Management Services will report to the Chief Financial Officer and will be responsible for leading all procurement and vendor management services across the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) related to acquisition of goods and services to support OCS operations (excluding products for sale to retail or wholesale customers). This role will involve ensuring all procurement programs and practices adhere to the Ontario Public Service Procurement Directive and the OCS procurement policy.  This role will also manage vendor relationships, ensuring cost-effective purchasing practices and adherence to contract requirements. 

The Director, Procurement and Vendor Management Services will be a trusted business advisor to the organization  with respect to policies, procedures,  and proposed initiatives, systems and methodologies utilized by the OCS.  The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in procurement, particularly in a government entity or highly regulated industry, vendor management, strong leadership skills, and a strategic mindset to drive efficiency and value for the OCS.

About Your Day

• Develop and implement procurement and vendor management strategies aligned with the OCS’ business goals and objectives.
• Lead and mentor the procurement and vendor management teams to achieve high performance, continuous improvement and personal growth.
• Collaborate with Senior Leaders across the organization to align procurement and vendor management activities (including long-term and short-term plans) with organizational priorities.
• Update the Senior Leadership Team and Board of Directors regularly on the status of organizational procurements, providing strategic advice as needed to ensure business goals and objectives are being met
• Oversee procurement and vendor management training initiatives across the organization to ensure comprehensive understanding of procurement, compliance requirements, and vendor management policies, procedures and best practices.
• Deliver best in class procurement services to the OCS in accordance with government directives, OCS policies and procedures.
• Implement best practices in procurement to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and mitigate risks.
• Ensure goods and services are procured only after consideration of both financial and non-financial factors, including government objectives, conflicts of interest, intended outcomes, business requirements, procurement alternatives, timing, supply strategy, and method.
• Apply processes and procedures that ensure money is spent with due regard for effectiveness and efficiency, including consideration for comparative pricing options and cost reduction.
• Negotiate contracts, terms and conditions to ensue favorable outcomes for the organization.
• Monitor vendor performance and scorecard tracking, make recommendations to senior leaders as needed.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with procurement and vendor management activities.
• Analyze procurement data and trends to provide insights and recommendations for cost optimization, etc., to business areas and senior leaders.
• Stay informed about market trends, industry developments and changes to government directives and policies that may impact procurement and/or vendor management.
• As required, present value for money analysis upon expiry/extensions of contracts to demonstrate vendors fulfilled required objectives.

About You       

• Bachelor’s degree in related field
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in procurement, with at least 5 years in a leadership role
• 5+ years’ experience in a Procurement Leadership position (manager or above) within Ontario Public Service, Broader Ontario Public Service, Federal or Municipal Public Service, highly regulated industry or similar field/industry is preferred
• Ongoing professional development
• Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) designation is preferred
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful procurement strategies
• Strong negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills 
• Ability to analyze complex data and make strategic decisions
• Experience with procurement systems and processes in the public sector 
• Knowledge of relevant best practices in procurement and vendor management in the public and private sectors

About the Job

• This position currently offers a hybrid work schedule. The current in office requirement is a minimum of 3 days/week (may be more depending on business needs). The OCS office is located near York Mills and Yonge Street. However, OCS reserves the right to change this policy and its office location at any time.
• City: Toronto, ON 
• Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time  
• Required Travel: Rare, usually within the GTA

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $145,000-$165,000. This is a pay grade 9 role, with a salary range of $110,030.03 - $169,081.58. Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

We are committed to providing an accessible, equitable and inclusive candidate and employee experience. We provide reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process and in employment. If you require an accommodation please let us know, we will work with you to meet your needs.