Strategic Procurement Advisor - Product And In - flight Services

Strategic Procurement Manager

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We are seeking a Strategic Procurement Manager, based out of our Montreal Headquarters to become part of Air Canada's Strategic Procurement (SP) team which is comprised of several Category Management teams and a Knowledge Management (KM) team. The successful candidate will play a key role in leading and contributing to a broad range of sourcing events. Given the cross-functional nature of procurement at Air Canada, this opportunity will provide interaction with key stakeholders in many parts of the organization.

This role requires someone who will be a key contributor to important sourcing projects for Air Canada, as we focus on long-term sustainability. The successful candidate will apply a passion for leadership and collaboration to obtain the best value for the airline and to develop mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will report to the Principal, SP – Product and In-flight Services, and will support sourcing projects related to Air Canada's Product categories (including but not limited to catering services, food and beverage items, onboard amenities and premium lounge services).

The candidate will lead individual projects as well as supporting the Principal SP Manager by collaborating with cross-functional teams and delivering high quality services with a strong focus on value. This individual will also bring a strong focus on process optimization and customer-centricity through a variety of initiatives.

In this role, responsibilities will include conducting supply market research, building category/project baselines, establishing sourcing strategies, seeking proposals, conducting pricing and contract negotiations, and contributing to the overall improvement of procurement practices at Air Canada.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Lead and manage procurement events, independently or in collaboration with the Principal Strategic Procurement:
  • Conduct supply market research and baseline spend analysis.
  • Work with cross functional teams to determine business requirements and establish sourcing strategies that deliver financial and non-financial benefits (e.g. service levels, risk mitigation)
  • Prepare and issue RFPs, evaluate responses and conduct negotiations.
  • Design and implement category strategies that deliver financial and other performance targets such as service, quality, and risk management.
  • Lead contract negotiations and oversee contract drafting and execution.
• Contribute to the improvement of internal procurement practices:
  • Participate in the establishment of best-in-class procurement methods.
  • Develop models to evaluate supplier proposals using quantitative and qualitative criteria.
• Act as an ambassador for Strategic Procurement and Air Canada:
  • Further develop SP relationships with internal customers through all engagements and current/potential service providers to Air Canada
  • Effectively communicate and promote the successes of SP
  • Actively engage in learning Corporate and Commercial subject matter, negotiation best practices, Air Canada's governance and business processes

Qualifications

• University degree combined with at least 2-3 years of experience related to the role (Procurement, Sourcing, Supply chain, Analytics, Finance and/or Airline business experience)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, SharePoint, Teams). Experience and/or certification in Power-Bi, Power Apps and data analysis tools is an asset.
• Demonstrated analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating with third parties.
• Ability to multi-task, work under pressure, and manage changing priorities.
• Strong organizational skills, entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to innovate.
• High degree of professionalism and discretion is essential.
• Flexibility with work hours and occasional travel may be required.
• Experience using procurement technology, especially SAP Ariba is an asset.
• Completion of (or working towards) a designation in PMP, SCMA, ISM or other procurement designation is an asset.
• Demonstrate punctuality and dependability to support overall team success in a fast-paced environment.

Conditions of Employment: Candidates must be eligible to work in the country of interest, at the time any offer of employment is made and seeking any required work permits/visas or other authorizations which may be required is the sole responsibility of the candidates applying for this position.

Linguistic Requirements: Based on equal qualifications, preference will be given to bilingual candidates.

Diversity and Inclusion: Air Canada is strongly committed to Diversity and Inclusion and aims to create a healthy, accessible and rewarding work environment which highlights employees' unique contributions to our company's success. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all to help us build a diverse workforce which reflects the diversity of our customers, and communities, in which we live and serve.

Air Canada thanks all candidates for their interest; however only those selected to continue in the process will be contacted.