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

Air Canada•Dorval, QC

8d•Onsite

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

University degree in a relevant field of study (commerce, law, information technology, engineering)
Excellent analytical, communication, negotiation, and project management skills
Ability to multi-task, work under pressure, and accommodate changing priorities
Experience managing multiple direct reports and building high performing teams
A strong entrepreneurial spirit and desire to learn
High degree of professionalism and discretion
Flexibility with work hours
Occasional travel may also be necessary
Punctuality and dependability
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.

Nice To Haves

MBA or procurement designation is desirable
Bilingual candidates (preference given based on equal qualifications)

Responsibilities

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.
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
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