Procurement Specialist

Strategic Sourcing Manager- Expert

Job Summary: Talent Software Services is in search of a Procurement Specialist for a contract position in Chicago, IL. The opportunity will be for six months with a strong chance for a long-term extension.

Position Summary: Join a team that’s shaping the future of sourcing at BMO. We’re looking for a strategic thinker who thrives in complexity, builds strong relationships, and is excited to grow with us. This role is a unique opportunity to work with the People & Culture team and broader BMO enterprise, helping drive innovative sourcing strategies that deliver value, reduce risk, and support our purpose-driven culture. The Human Resources category includes work supporting the Enterprise across the subcategories of Administration Services, Benefits, Recruitment, Relocation, and Training.

Primary Responsibilities/Accountabilities:

• Strategic Leadership & Advisory
  • Act as a trusted advisor to business partners, primarily within People & Culture.
  • Influence and negotiate to achieve business and cost management objectives.
  • Recommend and implement sourcing solutions based on strategic analysis.
  • Assist in developing long-term sourcing plans aligned with enterprise goals.
  • Identify emerging trends and issues to inform decision-making.
• Sourcing Strategy & Execution
  • Lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives, including competitive events (RFI/RFP), supplier selection, and contract negotiations.
  • Develop and execute category management frameworks and sourcing strategies.
  • Conduct market assessments to identify preferred suppliers and evaluate risk.
  • Apply disciplined procurement methodologies and ensure compliance with policies.
  • Manage multiple sourcing projects simultaneously, resolving conflicting priorities.
• Supplier Relationship & Risk Considerations
  • Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
  • Collaborate with suppliers to create value, drive innovation, and mitigate risk.
  • Incorporate supplier risk assessments results into agreements, working with colleagues in Legal & Regulatory Compliance, and Risk Support Areas (RSAs) and engaging with Third Party Risk support teams.
  • Maintain awareness of supplier performance, and consider controls in contracts to ensure alignment with BMO’s standards.
• Data-Driven Insights & Continuous Improvement
  • Conduct analysis to inform strategic recommendations and develop business cases.
  • Use performance metrics and dashboards to track progress and identify opportunities, including a sourcing pipeline of supplier agreements.
  • Brings a mindset of continuous improvement and change leadership, proactively identifying opportunities to enhance processes and drive meaningful impact.
  • Stay current on leading procurement practices and sourcing methodologies.

Qualifications:

• 8-10 years of relevant experience in strategic sourcing, procurement and contract negotiations.
• 8-10 years in a banking/financial institution background strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of sourcing/procurement processes and controls.
• Skilled in contract negotiation, business analysis, and project delivery.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and influence skills.
• Comfortable making data-driven decisions and synthesizing insights from research.
• Proficient in Excel and data analysis.
• Ability to build a strategic plan based on analysis without much oversight.
• Able to lead an end-to-end sourcing and contract negotiation process.
• Experience in a large complex organization and regulatory environment.

Preferred:

• Communicates clearly - both in conversation and writing.
• Is curious, adaptable, and thrives in ambiguity - seeking new perspectives and better ways of doing things.
• Builds relationships easily and enjoys solving complex problems - collaborating as One Bank to deliver results.
• Has a growth mindset, takes responsibility, and is eager to learn and contribute.
• Is organised, analytical, and comfortable working across diverse teams and viewpoints.
• Solution-oriented, able to problem-solve without much oversight.
• Able to build trusting relationships with business partners.
• Takes accountability.
• Attention to detail.
• Post-secondary degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Aptitude requirements – must be assertive, with excellent contract knowledge, ability to influence offers for desired results, working with senior stakeholders.