Principal, Strategic Procurement - Air Canada Maintenance and Engineering

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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, and will lead cross‑functional senior teams to deliver high quality services with a strong focus on value.

Responsibilities

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 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 of any offer of employment 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.

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