Strategic Procurement Advisor - In-Flight Products and Services

Joining Air Canada is about joining a Canadian symbol, recently named Best Airline in North America. Take your career to new heights by joining our innovative and diverse team at the forefront of passenger air transport.

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

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 Company and build mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers.

Responsibilities

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

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

As part of their duties, the position holder 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 procurement events, independently 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 provide financial or non-financial benefits (e.g., service levels, risk mitigation).
  • Prepare and issue tenders, evaluate responses, and conduct negotiations.
  • Design and implement category strategies that establish financial or other performance objectives, for example in service, quality, and risk management.
  • Conduct contract negotiations and oversee the drafting and signing of contracts.
• Contribute to the improvement of internal procurement practices:
  • Develop and maintain an understanding of emerging trends in the industry and procurement markets to strengthen Air Canada's bargaining power.
  • Stay 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.

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 transportation).
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, SharePoint, Teams). Experience with Power BI, Power applications, and data analysis tools, or relevant certification, an asset.
• Proven analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven third-party negotiation skills.
• Ability to multitask, work under pressure, and manage changing priorities.
• Excellent organizational skills, strong entrepreneurial spirit, and a desire to innovate.
• A high sense of professionalism and discretion is essential.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule and adapt to occasional travel.
• Experience with procurement technologies, particularly SAP Ariba, an asset.
• Acquired (or in progress) professional title from PMI, SCMA, or ISM, or another procurement designation, an asset.
• Proven punctuality and reliability to support the team's overall success in a fast-paced environment.

Employment Conditions

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

Language Requirements

All things being equal, 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 that showcases our employees' unique contributions to our company's success.

As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage diverse applications to build a workforce that is varied and representative of our customers and the communities where we live and serve.

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