Principal, Strategic Procurement - IT, Data and Digital - Temporary

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Air Canada, recognized as one of Canada’s top diversity employers and one of Montreal’s top employers, is seeking a Principal, Strategic Procurement - Information Technology, Data and Digital, who will be based at our Montreal Headquarters.

Strategic Procurement (SP) is comprised of several Category Management teams and a Centre of Excellence (CoE) team. The successful candidate will play a key role as a category manager for Information Technology (IT). Given the cross-functional nature of IT 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 at Air Canada and who will also play a key role in the development and management of resources and procurement best practices.

The successful candidate will apply a passion for leadership and collaboration in order to obtain the best value for the airline, to promote the growth of team members and peers and to develop mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers.

Responsibilities

In this role, responsibilities will include managing a team of procurement professionals, partnering with internal business units and the IT department to understand and articulate needs related to IT services, systems and infrastructure, conducting supply market research, establishing sourcing strategies, seeking proposals, conducting commercial and contractual negotiations, and contributing to the overall improvement of procurement practices at Air Canada.

In greater detail, key areas of responsibility include the following:

• Establish IT category management strategies
• Develop and maintain an understanding of emerging industry and supply market trends to strengthen Air Canada’s negotiating positions
• Analyse and monitor category spend in order to uncover strategic sourcing and potential supplier consolidation opportunities
• Introduce strong rigor and planning around expiring contracts and upcoming projects
• Work with the CoE team to conduct research and analysis
• Stay abreast of the Air Canada IT strategy through collaboration with the IT department and other business units
• Lead and manage procurement events
• Conduct supply market research and baseline spend analysis
• Work with cross functional teams to determine business requirements and establish sourcing strategies
• Prepare and issue RFPs, evaluate responses
• Manage all communications with suppliers throughout the sourcing process
• Lead contract negotiations and oversee contract drafting and execution
• Collaborate with the Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) team and ensure proper contract handover and governance is in place at the conclusion of an event
• Ensure sourcing events and contract negotiations are conducted in accordance with the AC Procurement Policy and the company's Code of Conduct to minimize undue risk to the corporation.
• Contribute to the improvement of internal procurement practices
• Participate in the establishment of best-in-class procurement methods
• Devise models to evaluate supplier proposals using quantitative and qualitative criteria
• Provide input for the development of standard templates and reusable methods of clear communication
• Continuously find innovative ways of solving challenges encountered by peers
• Contribute to simplifying and automating low risk / tactical purchases in favor of strategic engagements
• Act as an ambassador for Strategic Procurement and Air Canada
• Further develop SP relationships with internal customers
• Effectively communicate and promote the successes of SP
• Actively engage in learning Air Canada’s business processes
• Manage and build a team of procurement professionals
• Recruit and develop resources to become well-rounded professionals that add depth and contribute to the team’s success
• Actively monitor performance and find areas for improvement and opportunities for growth
• Provide mentorship and coaching to both direct reports and peers where experience and know-how can be shared
• Foster professionalism, collegiality, and respect in all dealings with peers, internal customers and suppliers

Qualifications

• In addition to a University degree in a relevant field of study (commerce, law, information technology, engineering), the successful candidate will demonstrate excellent analytical, communication, negotiation, and project management skills plus the ability to multi-task, work under pressure, and accommodate changing priorities. Experience managing multiple direct reports and building high performing teams also a key requirement. A strong entrepreneurial spirit and desire to learn will also be essential. MBA or procurement designation is desirable.
• Due to the confidential nature of the work, a high degree of professionalism and discretion is required. Flexibility with work hours and occasional travel may also be necessary. 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 are responsible for obtaining any required work permits, visas, or other authorizations necessary for employment. Prior to their start date, candidates will also need to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the country of interest.

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.