Strategic Procurement Advisor - In-Flight Products and Services

Belonging to Air Canada is akin to belonging to a Canadian symbol, Air Canada recently voted best airline in North America. Take your career off to a flying start by joining our innovative and diversified team at the forefront of passenger air transport.

We are looking for a Strategic Procurement Advisor - In-Flight Products and Services for the Montreal headquarters, who will join Air Canada's Strategic Procurement team, composed of several teams dedicated to category management and a Knowledge Management team. The successful candidate will play a key role: leading and contributing to a wide range of procurement activities. Given the cross-functional nature of procurement at Air Canada, the incumbent will have the opportunity to interact with key stakeholders across many sectors of the Corporation.

This position is for an individual who will play a key role in major supplier selection projects for Air Canada as part of its long-term sustainability efforts. The successful candidate will draw on their passion for leadership and collaboration to achieve the best value for the Corporation and build mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will report to the Senior Manager - Strategic Procurement - Onboard Products and Services and will support procurement projects related to Air Canada's Product categories (including catering services, food and beverages, onboard amenities, and premium lounge services).

They will lead individual projects and support the Senior Manager - Strategic Procurement by collaborating with cross-functional teams and providing high-quality, value-focused services. They will also play a major role in process optimization and customer orientation through various initiatives.

As part of their duties, the incumbent will conduct procurement market research, establish category and project benchmarks, develop supplier selection strategies, obtain proposals, conduct price and contract negotiations, and ensure the overall improvement of procurement practices at Air Canada.

Main responsibilities:

• Lead and manage sourcing events, autonomously or in collaboration with the Senior Manager - Strategic Procurement:
  • Conduct procurement market research and baseline spend analysis.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to determine business requirements and establish supplier selection strategies that offer financial or non-financial benefits (e.g., service levels, risk mitigation).
  • Prepare and issue calls for tenders, evaluate responses, and conduct negotiations.
  • Design and implement category strategies that establish financial or other performance objectives, for example regarding service, quality, and risk management.
  • Conduct contract negotiations and oversee contract drafting and signing.
• Contribute to the improvement of internal procurement practices:
  • Develop and maintain an understanding of emerging trends in the industry and in procurement markets to strengthen Air Canada's negotiating power.
  • Keep abreast of Air Canada's product strategy by collaborating with the Products and In-Flight Service departments and other business units.
  • Participate in defining the industry's best procurement methods.
  • Develop models to evaluate supplier proposals using quantitative and qualitative criteria.
• Act as an ambassador for Strategic Procurement and Air Canada:
  • Strengthen Strategic Procurement's relationships with internal clients through overall engagement and current and potential Air Canada service providers.
  • Effectively communicate and promote Strategic Procurement's successes.
  • Actively engage in learning more about commercial and corporate business topics, best negotiation practices, as well as Air Canada's governance and business processes.

Qualifications

• University degree combined with at least two to three years of experience in functions related to the position (experience in procurement, supplier selection, supply chain, data analytics, finance, or air transport).
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, SharePoint, Teams). Experience with Power BI, Power applications, and data analysis tools, or a relevant certification, is an asset.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills, and critical thinking.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven negotiation skills with third parties.
• Ability to multitask, work under pressure, and manage changing priorities.
• Excellent organizational skills, strong entrepreneurial spirit, and a desire to innovate.
• High sense of professionalism and discretion, essential.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule and adapt to occasional travel.
• Experience with procurement technologies, specifically SAP Ariba, an asset.
• Acquired (or in-progress) professional title from PMI, SCMA, ISM, or another procurement designation, an asset.
• Proven punctuality and reliability to contribute to the overall success of the team in a fast-paced environment.

Employment conditions

Candidates must be eligible to work in the country concerned at the time a job offer is presented and are responsible for obtaining work permits, visas, or other necessary authorizations. Proof of eligibility must be provided before the start date.

Language Requirements

Equal skills permitting, preference will be given to bilingual candidates.

Diversity and inclusion

Air Canada is firmly committed to diversity and inclusion and aims to create a healthy, accessible, and rewarding workplace that highlights the unique contribution of our employees to our company's success.

As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage diverse applications so that we can have a workforce that is varied and representative of our customers and the communities where we live and provide our services.

Air Canada thanks all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.