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Qualifications

Air Canada is looking for a Strategic Procurement Manager to join the company's Strategic Procurement (SP) team, which will be situated in Montreal. The selected candidate will be responsible for leading and participating in a variety of sourcing activities. Because procurement at Air Canada is cross-functional, this opportunity will allow you to interface with key stakeholders from all parts of the company.

This position demands someone who will play a vital role in Air Canada's important sourcing programs, particularly as the company focuses on pandemic recovery and long-term sustainability. To gain the best value for the airline and to build mutually beneficial partnerships with suppliers, the chosen candidate will use a passion for leadership and teamwork.

Responsibilities

The successful applicant will report to the Senior Manager of Strategic Procurement and will be responsible for leading and supporting sourcing projects for Air Canada's Commercial and Corporate categories (including but not limited to loyalty, e-commerce, marketing, payments and distribution, product design and sales).

The Strategic Procurement Manager will work closely with cross-functional teams to provide high-quality services with a strong value focus. Through a number of initiatives, this person will also place a significant emphasis on process improvement and customer-centricity.

Conducting supply market research, establishing category/project baselines, establishing sourcing strategies, seeking proposals, conducting pricing and contract negotiations, and contributing to the overall improvement of Air Canada procurement practices are all part of this position's responsibilities.

The following are some of the key areas of responsibility:

• Independently or in partnership with the Senior Manager, Strategic Procurement, lead and manage procurement events:
• Conduct supply market research and a study of baseline spending.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify business needs and develop sourcing solutions that provide both financial and non-financial benefits (e.g. service levels, risk mitigation)
• Prepare and send out RFPs, as well as assess and negotiate responses.
• Create and implement category strategies that meet financial and other objectives such as service, quality, and risk management. Oversee contract drafting and execution as well as lead contract discussions.
• Organize contract database management tasks.

Assist in the enhancement of internal procurement practices:

• Assist in the development of best-in-class procurement techniques.
• Create models that use quantitative and qualitative factors to evaluate supplier proposals.
• Assist Strategic Procurement and Air Canada as an ambassador:
• Develop Strategic Procurement's relationships with internal customers and current/potential service providers to Air Canada across all interactions.
• Effectively discuss and promote Strategic Procurement's successes.
• Actively participate in studying the subject matter of Corporate and Commercial mandates, negotiating best practices, and Air Canada's governance and business processes.

Desired Experience & Skills

• To support the obligations of this function, a university degree in a suitable field of study (Commerce, Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering) or education combined with professional experience is required.
• Communication (verbal and written), analytical, negotiation, and project management abilities must be demonstrated.
• Work experience in a related subject of at least 2-3 years is required. Procurement, passenger airlines, partnerships, marketing, project management, supply chain, and/or logistics experience are all advantageous.
• Microsoft Office software is a must-have (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Multitasking, working under pressure, and managing changing priorities are all skills you'll need.
• A strong entrepreneurial spirit as well as a desire to innovate are required.
• Exceptional organizational abilities.
• It is critical to maintain a high level of professionalism and secrecy.
• It may be necessary to be flexible with work hours and travel on occasion.
• Experience with procurement software, particularly SAP Ariba, is a plus.
• Completion of (or progress toward) a PMP, SCMA, ISM, or other procurement certification is a plus.

Employment Conditions:

• Candidates must be eligible to work in the nation of interest at the time of any offer of employment, and candidates applying for this post are solely responsible for obtaining any necessary work permits/visas or other authorizations.
• Vaccination against Covid-19 is required.

Requirements in Linguistics

On the basis of equal qualifications, multilingual candidates would be given precedence.

Inclusion and Diversity

Air Canada is dedicated to diversity and inclusion, and strives to establish a healthy, accessible, and fulfilling workplace that recognizes employees' unique contributions to the company's success.

We encourage applications from all qualified individuals to help us establish a diverse staff that represents the diversity of our clients and the communities in which we live and serve.

Air Canada appreciates all applicants' interest; however, only those who are chosen to continue in the process will be contacted.

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