Category Manager, Technology

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director, Commercial Services (Procurement), the Category Manager, Technology will provide functional leadership by assuming prime responsibility for sourcing Porter’s IT, flight operations, telecom and corporate technology-related goods and services, inclusive of the broad range of third party systems and software at the organization. As part of our ongoing IT transformation, this role is critical to supporting our ambitious plans. Porter is currently expanding its fleet of 29 DHC Dash 8 aircraft to include 75 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. As North America’s fastest-growing airline, Porter is seeking top talent to join our dynamic organization with significant growth potential. This manager role is a new and exciting position on the procurement team. We are looking for an individual with strong leadership and negotiation skills and someone who is a self-starter with a results-oriented approach. The successful candidate will have a background in technology procurement or technology-related roles, aligning with our broader goal of driving innovation and efficiency across the organization. Building a small team of sourcing professionals is part of the roadmap for this role. Duties & Responsibilities Develop and Implement Category Strategies: Create and implement comprehensive category strategies specifically tailored to IT, software development, support services, hardware, and outsourced technology services. Conduct Complex Supplier Negotiations: Lead and manage complex negotiations with suppliers to achieve the best value for Porter. Business Partner Management: Key point-of-contact for internal business leaders for project prioritization and issues resolution. Vendor Management: Oversee relationships with current and prospective suppliers, ensuring they meet Porter's standards for quality, cost, and delivery. Manage Procurements of Varying Complexities: Handle procurements ranging from low complexity items like laptops to high complexity procurements such as cybersecurity solutions or industry-specific tools. Leverage and Maintain Vendors of Record: Develop and maintain relationships with vendors of record for various IT services, ensuring reliable and cost-effective procurement. Contract Management: Negotiate, draft, and manage contracts with technology vendors, ensuring compliance with terms and mitigating risks. Support Procurement Processes: Collaborate closely with internal teams such as IT, Legal, Finance, and Accounts Payable to ensure seamless procurement processes and integration. Monitor Market Trends: Stay informed about benchmarking, market trends, advancements in technology, and best practices in procurement to maintain a competitive edge. Performance Tracking: Track and analyze vendor performance, addressing any issues and implementing improvement plans as necessary. Establish quarterly business reviews with key suppliers and business leadership. Budget Management: Manage procurement budgets, ensuring cost-effective purchasing decisions and financial accountability. Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure all procurement activities comply with corporate policies and regulatory requirements, managing risks effectively. Reporting and Analysis: Prepare and present detailed reports on procurement activities, vendor performance, and cost savings to senior leadership. People Management: Build and manage a small, cohesive team of technology sourcing experts. Actively participate in Porter’s Security and Safety Management System (SMS), including reporting hazards and incidents encountered in daily operations; understand, comply and promote the Company Safety Policy. Behavioural Competencies Concern for Safety: Identifying hazardous or potentially hazardous situations and taking appropriate action to maintain a safe environment for self and others. Teamwork: Working collaboratively with others to achieve organizational goals. Passenger/Customer Service: Providing service excellence to internal and/or external customers (passengers). Initiative: Dealing with situations and issues proactively and persistently, seizing opportunities that arise. Results Focus: Focusing efforts on achieving high quality results consistent with the organization’s standards. Fostering Communication: Listening and communicating openly, honestly, and respectfully with different audiences, promoting dialogue and building consensus. Exemplifying Integrity: Treating others fairly, honestly, and respectfully, furthering the integrity of the organization and its relationships of trust with team members and the broader community. Inspiring Others: Energizing and inspiring others to strive for excellence and commit to common goals and purposes, creating a sense of self-efficacy, resilience, and persistence in followers. People Leadership: Assuming a leadership role in helping others achieve excellent results. Leading Change: Recognizing the need for change, being open to new ideas and methods, and championing transformational change within the organization and beyond. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration, commerce, accounting, engineering, or similar field is desired. At least three years of people management experience. Experience building teams is preferred. Extensive background and functional leadership in procurement / sourcing specifically related to technology/software. In-depth technology experience, with a strong understanding of IT infrastructure, software development, and support services. Experience managing procurements of varying complexities, from low complexity items like laptops to high complexity solutions such as cybersecurity and industry-specific tools. Strong business acumen with a focus on technology procurement. Assertive negotiation and networking skills with a focus on technology vendors. Proven track record in managing large-scale IT procurement projects. Ability to leverage and maintain vendors of record for different IT services. Solid aptitude for category and performance benchmarking, data analysis and decision-making in a technology context. Superior verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly. Strong leadership capabilities in technology procurement. Working knowledge of Google software (Docs, Sheets, Slides) or Microsoft suite of applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Preference given for working knowledge of Coupa and Microsoft Dynamics GP or other P2P/ERP systems.