Job Title: Procurement Specialist

Location: Toronto, ON (Remote)

Procurement Analyst / Category Lead
Reporting to the Director, Commercial Services (Procurement), the Category Lead, Technology will be the primary individual responsible for sourcing IT, aviation, telecom and corporate technology-related goods and services, inclusive of the broad range of third-party systems and software at the organization.
 As part of the client’s ongoing IT transformation, this role is critical to supporting their ambitious plans. The client is currently expanding its fleet of 29 DHC Dash 8 aircraft to include 75 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. As North America’s fastest-growing airline,  our Client is seeking top talent to join our dynamic organization with significant growth potential. 
The client is looking for an individual with strong leadership and negotiation skills and someone who is a self-starter with a results-oriented approach. The successful candidate will have a background in technology procurement or technology-related roles, aligning with our broader goal of driving innovation and efficiency across the organization.

 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and Implement Category Strategies : Create  and implement comprehensive  category strategies specifically tailored to IT, software development, support services,  hardware, and outsourced technology services.
• Conduct Complex Supplier Negotiations : Lead and manage  complex negotiations with  suppliers to achieve the best value for  our Client.
• Vendor Management : Oversee relationships with current and prospective suppliers, ensuring  they meet  our Client's standards for quality, cost, and delivery. 
• Manage Procurements of Varying Complexities : Handle  procurements ranging from low  complexity items like laptops to high complexity procurements such as cybersecurity solutions  or industry-specific tools.
• Leverage and Maintain Vendors of Record : Develop and  maintain relationships with vendors  of record for various IT services, ensuring reliable and cost-effective procurement.
• Contract Management : Negotiate, draft, and manage  contracts with technology vendors, ensuring compliance with terms and mitigating risks. 
• Support Procurement Processes : Collaborate closely with internal teams such as IT, Legal,   Finance, and Accounts Payable to ensure seamless procurement processes and integration.
• Monitor Market Trends : Stay informed about market  trends, advancements in technology, and  best practices in procurement to maintain a competitive edge.

 Position Description

• Performance Tracking : Track and analyze vendor performance, addressing any issues and  implementing improvement plans as necessary.
• Budget Management : Manage procurement budgets, ensuring  cost-effective purchasing  decisions and financial accountability.
• Compliance and Risk Management : Ensure all procurement activities comply with corporate  policies and regulatory requirements, managing risks effectively.
• Reporting and Analysis : Prepare and present detailed  reports on procurement activities,  vendor performance, and cost savings to senior leadership.

 BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Concern for Safety:  Identifying hazardous or potentially  hazardous situations and taking  appropriate action to maintain a safe environment for self and others
• Teamwork:  Working collaboratively with others to achieve  organizational goals
• Passenger/Customer Service:  Providing service excellence  to internal and/or external  customers (passengers)
• Initiative:  Dealing with situations and issues proactively  and persistently, seizing opportunities  that arise
• Results Focus:  Focusing efforts on achieving high  quality results consistent with the  organization’s standards
• Fostering Communication:  Listening and communicating  openly, honestly, and respectfully with  different audiences, promoting dialogue and building consensus

 QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration, commerce,  accounting, engineering, or similar field is desired
• Extensive background in procurement / sourcing specifically related to technology/software
• In-depth technology experience, with a strong understanding of IT infrastructure, software  development, and support services.
• Experience managing procurements of varying complexities, from low complexity items like  laptops to high complexity solutions such as cybersecurity and industry-specific tools.
• Strong business acumen with a focus on technology procurement.
• Assertive negotiation and networking skills with a focus on technology vendors.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale IT procurement projects.
• Ability to leverage and maintain vendors of record for different IT services.
• Solid aptitude for data analysis and decision-making in a technology context.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical  information clearly.
• Strong leadership capabilities in technology procurement.
• Working knowledge of Google software (Docs, Sheets, Slides) or Microsoft suite of applications  (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Preference given for working knowledge of Coupa and Microsoft Dynamics GP or other P2P/ERP  systems.