Vendor Management Specialist - Claims (Kitchener)

Job Overview The Vendor Management Specialist supports the Vendor Management team in developing, coaching, and performance managing the Preferred Provider Network (PPN). This role drives continuous improvement, challenges the status quo, identifies issues, and mediates between PPN vendors and claims operations. The specialist contributes to delivering an exceptional member experience through active coaching and guidance of local Preferred Provider Network vendors. Salary and Benefits Salary range: $80,000 - $100,000. Eligible for an annual bonus plan, leave of absence top‑up programs, generous vacation time, personal days, premium‑free benefits, and a pension plan. Working Business Language Full proficiency in English is required for communicating with stakeholders across Canada. - Directly or indirectly manages $10+ Million contracted spend, identifying opportunities for improved expense/indemnity management. - Provides coaching and guidance to local Preferred Provider Network vendors. - Conducts technical reviews or analyses of services provided by PPN vendors for performance and program status. - Utilizes available data to conduct and report on compliance with company standards and industry best practices. - Manages and resolves claims‑related concerns or escalations. - Prepares reports for Vendor Management on the performance of PPN providers or the PPN Program. - Performs vendor evaluations and produces well‑written reports to assist with claim resolution. - Identifies trends in service delivery behaviors by reviewing data and performing evaluations during any phase of the service cycle. - Coaches for performance improvements based on identified trends and within Vendor Management direction. - Performance‑manages and oversees suppliers on a program level aligned to service level agreements and organizational objectives. - Participates or leads monthly operational performance reviews with PPN vendors. - Participates or leads the management of various vendor commodities. - Assists vendor activities related to catastrophe (CAT) events and provides support as requested (remotely and/or in the field). - Coordinates and oversees vendor response in the field to ensure productivity and member experience targets are met during a CAT. - Stays current with legislative changes, industry trends, or relevant issues in the supported line of business. - Adheres to Wawanesa Gift & Gratuities policy and Vendor Governance Model. - Travels locally and out of province as required (up to 50% of the time). - Maintains a flexible work schedule to respond to CATs and member needs. - Performs other duties as assigned. - Must have 3+ years of estimating experience. - Expert knowledge of estimating software is an asset. - Ability to quickly adopt and facilitate change in a positive setting. - Demonstrates accountability, reliability, transparency, and alignment with Wawanesa values. - Effective and self‑managed contributor driven to achieve targets, providing alternative solutions and a positive mindset during adversity. - Excellent oral and written communication skills. - Strong investigative and analytical skills, supported by effective negotiation skills. - Detail oriented with a critical degree of accuracy regarding data entry. - Agile and flexible to organize and/or shift priorities as needed in a fast‑paced, changing and ambiguous workplace. - Ability to shift priorities or line of business within Vendor Management to support departmental objectives. - Commitment to continuous/continuing education. - Proficient in MS Office applications such as Excel, PowerPoint, etc. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including racialized persons, women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, gender‑diverse and neurodiverse individuals, and anyone who can contribute to the further diversification of thought and ideas. We aim to ensure our recruitment process is accessible to all candidates. Apply on Kit Job: kitjob.ca/job/2pk6qy