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Strategic Procurement (SP) is comprised of several Category Management teams and a Centre of Excellence (COE) to support SP. The successful candidate will play a key role as a category manager for Air Canada Maintenance and Technical Services initiatives. Given the breadth and varied nature of the activities within this portfolio, this opportunity will provide interaction with key stakeholders in many parts of the organization. This position will report to the Senior Director Strategic Procurement ACM and Technical Services.

This role requires someone who will be a key leader to important and strategic sourcing projects for Air Canada Maintenance. 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:

The Principal, Strategic Procurement – Air Canada Maintenance and Technical Services will lead complex and strategic sourcing projects related to Air Canada Maintenance’s key commercial and operational priorities. The Air Canada Maintenance Category includes procurement related to airframe, engine, component maintenance, and cabin maintenance retrofit projects. This individual will lead cross-functional senior teams to deliver high quality services with a strong focus on value.

In this role, responsibilities will include formulating and recommending sourcing strategies, leading significant contract negotiations valued in excess of $20m usd and contributing to the overall improvement of procurement practices at Air Canada.

This role will also be responsible to lead and manage a team, this will include developing targets and goals for the team and guiding managers throughout negotiation strategies and the procurement process. The role will also coach and mentor the team to implement best practices in negotiation strategies.

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

• Develop Maintenance and Technical Services category procurement strategies.
  • Develop and implement a longer-term understanding of emerging industry and supply market trends to strengthen Air Canada’s negotiating positions.
  • Stay abreast of Air Canada Maintenance and Technical Services strategic initiatives and priorities through close collaboration with the departments and guide team accordingly.
  • Develop analysis for category spend and expiring contracts to uncover potential sourcing and consolidation opportunities.
  • Engage and provide insights to the COE team to conduct research and analysis.
• Oversee procurement events.
  • Present complex procurement strategies to senior executives of Air Canada Maintenance and Finance.
  • Guide team in conducting supply market research and baseline spend analysis.
  • Work with leaders in 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, validate responses and lead negotiations.
  • Lead contract negotiations and oversee contract drafting and execution.
  • Guide internal subject matter experts to obtain concurrence on contract terms.
  • Support and coach managers of strategic procurement (their team) through the RFP process.
  • Establish team goals and ensure annual performance metrics are met.
• Guide and influence the improvement of internal procurement practices.
  • Lead team in the establishment of best-in-class procurement methods.
  • Formulate models to evaluate supplier proposals using quantitative and qualitative criteria.
• Act as an ambassador for Strategic Procurement and Air Canada.
  • Guide team in developing SP’s relationships with internal customers over the course of procurement events.
  • Effectively lead team to communicate and promote the successes of SP.
  • Actively engage team in learning Air Canada’s business processes.
  • Continually monitor and recommend areas for improvement.

Qualifications

• Display and practice excellent leadership qualities to influence change when developing procurement strategies.
• Strong business acumen to develop cost savings targets when developing negotiation strategies.
• Excellent presentation skills and the ability to simplify complex initiatives while communicating to senior executives.
• University degree in in a relevant field of study (commerce, supply chain, engineering, information technology).
• Excellent communication (verbal and written), analytical, negotiation, and project management skills.
• Ability to influence without formal authority.
• A strong entrepreneurial spirit, a desire to innovate, intellectual curiosity and creative thinking.
• Strong project management skills and work ethic.
• Ability to multi-task, work under pressure and accommodate changing priorities.
• High degree of professionalism and discretion is essential.
• Completion of (or working towards) a SCMP designation, ISM or other procurement designation is an asset.
• Flexibility with work hours is required. Occasional travel may be required.
• 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.