Reagents Sourcing Manager

Our direct client is looking for a Reagents Sourcing Manager for a full-time direct hire position. Reagents Sourcing ManagerOpen to Remote for US and Canada. Travel: up to 25 % travel to Toronto Canada; as needed Full Time Direct Hire SalaryPlease note: We welcome candidates across North America who can collaborate effectively with our Toronto-based team. ( Eastern Time Zone )Must have Industry experience: Life Sciences, Medical Device, Biotech, diagnostics or PharmaThe Reagents Sourcing Manager will 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.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.Required SkillsBachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, supply chain management, or a related technical or business field.Industry experience with in: Life Sciences, Medical Device, Biotech, diagnostics or Pharma5+ years’ demonstrated experience sourcing complex reagent BOMs and specialty chemicalsMin 2 out of 5 Reagent Souring Enzymes & polymerasesOligos & labeled probesAntibodiesRecombinant proteins & calibratorsFill/finish & lyophilizationMust have strong experience with Reagents and souring Reagents: direct reagent sourcing depth to lead supplier strategy, cost modeling, and commercial negotiationsDeep understanding of specialty chemicals and reagents, with the ability to translate technical requirements into sourcing strategies.5+ years’ demonstrated experience sourcing complex reagent BOMs and specialty chemicals in life sciences, diagnostics, pharmaceutical, or related regulated industries.Experience managing global reagent supply chains and negotiating in rapidly changing market environments.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.Experience negotiating with global suppliers in regulated industries, balancing cost, quality, and riskAbility 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.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.Excellent technical, organizational, and communication skills, with attention to regulatory and operational details.Strategic Sourcing Competencies (Must Own) | Must Own the process and not just support it:Building and executing supplier category strategies, not simply placing POs or coordinating quotes.Leading RFPs/RFQs, supplier selection, cost-modeling, and make-vs-buy decisions.Drafting and negotiating MSAs, SOWs, payment terms, volume pricing structures, and supply continuity frameworks.Partnering directly with Assay Development, R&D, QA, and Manufacturing to translate assay-level technical requirements into supplier specifications.Reagent Sourcing Capability:Demonstrated experience sourcing critical assay components such as enzymes, oligos, antibodies, recombinant proteins, and calibration controls.Hands-on experience working with custom formulations, including understanding purity specs, activity stability, and cold-chain handling requirements.Ability to evaluate suppliers at a technical level, not just commercially, including assessing batch-to-batch variability, QC data, and regulatory documentation.Direct negotiation experience with reagent manufacturersNice to Have:Experience in diagnosticsHands-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!Responsibilities: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 client 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.If you are interested, please send me your updated Word Resume, along with your direct phone number and email.