Strategic Procurement Advisor - Ramp Services

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We are looking for a person to fill the position of Strategic Procurement Advisor - Ramp Services at our Montreal headquarters.

Strategic Procurement includes several category management teams and a Center of Excellence. The successful candidate will report to the Senior Manager - Strategic Procurement - Ramp Services.

They will play a key role in leading and supporting a wide range of supplier selection initiatives in the category. Given the cross-functional nature of procurement at Air Canada, the incumbent will have numerous interactions with stakeholders from across the organization.

The successful candidate for this position must be proactive and capable of assuming responsibility for major supplier selection initiatives, supporting improved customer service, and identifying innovative opportunities to reduce costs and create value. They must demonstrate excellent collaboration skills, good judgment, and a commitment to building mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers.

Responsibilities:

The person occupying the position of Strategic Procurement Advisor will work in close collaboration with the Senior Manager - Strategic Procurement - Ramp Services to execute procurement and Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) activities in the Ramp Services category.

Ramp Services concern airport operations, notably ground services and cargo handling, de-icing operations, ground equipment, security, accessibility services, and other related activities. The category includes cargo-focused transport and logistics services (delivery and handling of cargo and baggage) which, like Ramp Services, extends across passenger and cargo operations.

The successful candidate will lead projects autonomously and support the senior manager by collaborating with cross-functional teams and providing high-quality services focusing on value. They will contribute to cost reduction and revenue opportunities, service improvement, and the achievement of customer-focused results through various initiatives.

Responsibilities include notably conducting procurement market research and spend analysis, establishing category and project benchmarks, developing supplier selection strategies, leading request for proposal processes, evaluating proposals, conducting negotiations, supporting contract execution, managing supplier relationships and performance, and contributing to the continuous improvement of Air Canada's procurement practices.

Main responsibilities:

• Lead and manage procurement events, autonomously or in collaboration with the Senior Manager - Strategic Procurement:
  • Conduct procurement market research and spend analysis.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define business requirements and develop supplier selection strategies.
  • Prepare and issue requests for proposals, evaluate submissions, and coordinate on-site inspections where applicable.
  • Lead request for proposal processes and commercial negotiations.
  • Develop and implement category strategies that establish goals regarding finances, service, quality, and risk management.
  • Lead the drafting, review, execution, and implementation of contracts in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to the improvement of procurement practices:
  • Support the development and adoption of the sector's best procurement methods.
  • Develop models to evaluate supplier proposals using quantitative and qualitative criteria.
  • Identify opportunities to simplify processes, improve cycle times, and strengthen compliance with Strategic Procurement policies and procedures.
• Actively manage supplier relationships and performance:
  • Track supplier performance against contractual obligations and service level expectations.
  • Coordinate periodic supplier performance evaluations with key suppliers and internal stakeholders.
  • Support the development and execution of supplier improvement plans.
  • Resolve operational issues reported by internal clients and facilitate prompt resolution between parties.
  • Maintain constructive relationships with suppliers while protecting Air Canada's commercial and operational interests.
• Act as an ambassador for Strategic Procurement and Air Canada:
  • Establish effective relationships with internal clients, cross-functional partners, and current and potential suppliers.
  • Communicate and promote the successes, vision, strategy, and objectives of Strategic Procurement.
  • Acquire deep knowledge of Ramp Services, negotiation best practices, Air Canada's governance requirements, and relevant management methods.
  • Conduct all activities in accordance with Air Canada's purchasing policies and Air Canada's Code of Conduct.

Qualifications

• University degree in a relevant field (commerce, supply chain management, finance, or related discipline), or equivalent professional experience.
• Relevant experience in procurement, passenger carriers, airport or ramp services, supply chain, transportation, or logistics.
• Experience in airports, ground services, or cargo operations, an asset.
• Proven skills in analysis, written and oral communication, negotiation, stakeholder management, and project management.
• Ability to manage projects autonomously and collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Strong business acumen, solid organizational skills, high attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• High sense of professionalism and discretion, and good judgment.
• Excellent command of Microsoft Office applications, notably Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong entrepreneurial spirit and manifest willingness to innovate and improve processes.
• Ability to work outside regular working hours and undertake occasional travel, as needed.
• Professional designation acquired or in progress from PMAC or ISM or another procurement title, an asset
• Proven punctuality and reliability to foster overall team success 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 necessary work permits, visas, or other authorizations. Proof of eligibility must be provided before the start date.

Language Requirements

Equal skills being equal, 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 varied workforce representative of our customers and the communities where we live and offer our services.

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