Job Description
Description
Being part of Air Canada is to become part of an iconic Canadian symbol, recently ranked the best Airline in North America. Let your career take flight by joining our diverse and vibrant team at the leading edge of passenger aviation.
We are seeking a Manager, Strategic Procurement 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 pandemic recovery and long-term sustainability. The successful candidate will apply a passion for leadership and collaboration in order to obtain the best value for the airline and to develop mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers.
Responsibilities:
Reporting to Senior Manager, Strategic Procurement, the successful candidate will oversee essential sourcing projects related to Air Canada’s Catering categories (including but not limited to sourcing catering services, lounge services, onboard products and airport related customer facing services).
The candidate will lead projects and coordinate sourcing initiatives 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 include the following:
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Establish Catering category management strategies:
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Develop and maintain an understanding of emerging industry and supply market trends to strengthen Air Canada’s negotiating positions
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Stay abreast of Air Canada’s strategic initiatives and priorities through close collaboration with the business units
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Analyze and monitor category spend and expiring contracts to uncover potential sourcing and consolidation opportunities
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Conduct research and analysis
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Implement management strategies that deliver financial and other performance targets such as service, quality, and risk management
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Lead and manage procurement events:
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Conduct supply market research and baseline spend analysis
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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)
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Prepare and issue RFPs, evaluate responses and conduct negotiations
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Lead contract negotiations and oversee contract drafting and execution
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Collaborate with internal subject matter experts to obtain alignment on contract terms
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Ensure that Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) is in place following the sourcing process
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Contribute to the improvement of internal procurement practices:
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Participate in the establishment of best-in-class procurement methods
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Develop models to evaluate supplier proposals using quantitative and qualitative criteria
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Act as an ambassador for Strategic Procurement and Air Canada:
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Further develop SP relationships with internal customers through all engagements and current/potential service providers to Air Canada
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Effectively communicate and promote the successes of SP
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Actively engage in learning Safety, Catering and On board product related subject matter, negotiation best practices, Air Canada’s governance and business processes
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Continually seek areas for improvement
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Qualifications
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Minimum of 7 years of Procurement/Sourcing or related experience
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University degree in in a relevant field of study (marketing, commerce, information technology, supply chain or engineering)
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Excellent communication (verbal and written), analytical, negotiation, interpersonal, presentation and project management skills
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Must be knowledgeable and confident in preparing term sheets and negotiating contracts
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Strong business acumen and leadership skills
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The individual must have the ability to effectively communicate and lead all levels of employees as well as facilitate group work, communication, and development
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Ability to assert influence without authority
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A strong entrepreneurial spirit, a desire to innovate, intellectual curiosity and creative thinking
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Strong organizational skills and work ethic
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Ability to multi-task, work under pressure and accommodate changing priorities
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High degree of professionalism and discretion is essential
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Flexibility with work hours is required. Occasional travel may be required.
Conditions of Employment:
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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.
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.
Air Canada thanks all candidates for their interest; however only those selected to continue in the process will be contacted.
