Supplier Relationship Specialist

The Opportunity

Quidel Ortho unites the strengths of Quidel Corporation and Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, creating a world-leading in vitro diagnostics company with award-winning expertise in immunoassay and molecular testing, clinical chemistry and transfusion medicine. We are more than 6,000 strong and do business in over 130 countries, providing answers with fast, accurate and consistent testing where and when they are needed most – home to hospital, lab to clinic.

Our culture puts our team members first and prioritizes actions that support happiness, inspiration and engagement. We strive to build meaningful connections with each other as we believe that employee happiness and business success are linked. Join us in our mission to transform the power of diagnostics into a healthier future for all.

As our next Supplier Relationship Specialist, your role focuses on supplier performance tracking, issue resolution, stakeholder coordination, and execution of sourcing and improvement initiatives. This role works closely with internal teams and suppliers to maintain service levels, support sourcing activities, and contribute to continuous improvement across the supply base. This position will be onsite in San Diego, CA.

• Day‑to‑day management of assigned suppliers, including maintaining communication, tracking performance metrics, and coordinating supplier business reviews. Help ensure suppliers meet expectations for quality, cost, and delivery.
• Maintain supplier scorecards and performance dashboards. Analyze data on financial, delivery, quality, and service levels, and highlight risks or trends to stakeholders and suppliers.
• Support resolution of supply or performance issues by coordinating with suppliers and internal teams. Escalate risks as needed and help track corrective actions.
• Partner with Supply Chain, Quality & R&D, and Finance to support operational needs, including supply continuity, product changes, and new product introductions.
• Assist in RFIs/RFPs, supplier onboarding, and contract administration. Support negotiations through data preparation and market research.
• Identify and support opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and supplier performance enhancements.
• Maintain accurate supplier records, contracts, and documentation. Ensure compliance with internal procurement policies and Approved Supplier List requirements.
• Perform other work‑related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, or related field.
• 3–5 years’ experience in procurement, supply chain, or supplier management.
• Experience working with suppliers or external partners.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Good communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• This position is not currently eligible for visa sponsorship.

• Exposure to supplier performance management or scorecards.
• Understanding of procurement processes (RFx, contracts, supplier onboarding).
• Basic commercial awareness (cost drivers, pricing, total cost concepts).
• Experience in a regulated or manufacturing environment.
• Professional certification (e.g., CIPS) or working towards one.

Internal Partners:

• Supply Chain – supply planning and issue resolution.
• Quality & Regulatory – supplier compliance and quality management.
• R&D / Technical Operations – product and supplier changes.
• Finance – cost tracking and reporting.
• Legal – contract management.
• Procurement Category Manager/Sr. Manager – sourcing strategy alignment.

External Partners:

• Suppliers – primary point of contact for relationship management, performance tracking, and escalated issues follow‑up.

Traditional office workspace or remote/home (hybrid). Flexibility to manage suppliers in different time zones. Travel: up to 10% – US and international.

Typically 40% of time in meetings; 50% of time at the desk on computer/do paperwork/on phone, doing analytical work and 10% travel to work related events. Walking, standing, and sitting for long periods are routine to accomplish tasks in this role.

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