Senior Procurement Specialist, IT

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Job Summary

The Senior Procurement Specialist, Information Technology is responsible for the development and implementation of the procurement strategy for large complex corporate programs and complex multi-category Information and Technology (I&T) and Operational Technology (OT) projects. The role effectively handles the entire sourcing and contractual lifecycle from strategizing to drafting. Furthermore, the role prepares, reviews and negotiates various technologies commercial and contractual agreements in line with the CN Procurement Policy and standard terms and conditions. The Senior Procurement Specialist will also monitor the delivery of key contracts, capture of financial savings through negotiation of contract terms, conditions and monitoring of supplier performance.

Main Responsibilities

Contract Negotiations

• Lead negotiations of complex contracts with a multitude of vendors for CN corporate strategic programs and operational technology projects
• Drive all activities leading to contract execution including drafting and redlining contracts as well as liaise with the suppliers, internal stakeholders and CN Legal
• Negotiate specific elements such as data ownership, derivative data, and intellectual property rights and ownership
• Negotiate Master Terms and Conditions with new suppliers (commercial and legal clauses)
• Negotiate cloud-based solution agreements and Software as a Service agreements
• Negotiate risk-sharing and benefit-sharing types of commercial frameworks
• Ensure contractual protections are put in place to protect CN’s interests and mitigate project risks
• Identify and negotiate commercial cost reduction opportunities based on a solid understanding of cost drivers and contracts
• Act as a single point of contact with the business units for gathering, understanding, and translating business requirements into contracts
• Ensure clear and frequent communication between peers and other departments ensuring updates on status and action plans to achieve requirements within project timing and constraints

Sourcing

• Propose and execute procurement strategy and sourcing efforts to secure the most optimal solution that supports the business while minimizing total cost of ownership
• Develop strong collaborative relationships with key stakeholders across the company to strategically handle spend and the supply base for the assigned categories
• Act as a procurement Subject Matter Expert (SME) in consulting with the business on procurement strategies, processes, policies, and best practices
• Resolve and handle risks to supply proactively and take preventative actions to mitigate risks
• Perform market analysis and provide business appropriate recommendations for category spend based on this analysis
• Ensure compliance with CN Procurement Policy and Delegation of Authority
• Complete sourcing processes comprised of initial exploratory sessions and discovery sessions for defining complex technology requirements

Contract Lifecycle Management

• Handle the contract management lifecycle process and day-to-day contract administration
• Use tools effectively in processes and methodologies linked to contract management
• Act as the SME for any contract-related matters pertaining to the assigned vendors
• Identify and report key performance metrics to measure success and drive continuous improvement of suppliers
• Lead complex governance frameworks with our internal stakeholders and suppliers on critical, large-scale, and complex technology projects

Working Conditions

The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday. Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure, and stress.

Requirements

Experience

Contracts

• Minimum 4-5 years relevant work experience
• Experience in planning, sourcing, negotiating, contracting, and supplier management
• Experience in drafting and negotiating technology contracts for major projects including hardware, software licensing and professional services
• Experience or background in I&T or OT – any experience for these above would be considered an asset

Education/Certification/Designation

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Information Technology, Law, a related field, or equivalent work experience

Competencies

• Demonstrates agility and drives change
• Knows the business and stays current on industry needs
• Collaborates with others and shares information
• Sets direction and inspires others
• Communicates with impact
• Demonstrates active listening
• Identifies needs and finds solutions to create value for all stakeholders
• Identifies potential safety and security risks
• Applies critical thinking

Technical Skills/Knowledge

• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Strong understanding of legal frameworks and concepts
• Fluently bilingual, both written and verbal (English, French)
• Exposure to I&T, software development and open-source industry – any knowledge for any of the above would be considered an asset

As an equal opportunity employer, qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.

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