Strategic Procurement Advisor - Airside Services

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We are seeking a Strategic Procurement Advisor – Airside Services, based at our Montreal headquarters.

Strategic Procurement (SP) comprises several Category Management teams and a Centre of Excellence (COE). The successful candidate will report to the Principal, Strategic Procurement –- Airside Services.

The Advisor will play a key role in leading and supporting a broad range of sourcing initiatives within the category. Given the cross-functional nature of procurement at Air Canada, the role provides significant interaction with stakeholders across the organization.

This role requires a proactive professional who will take ownership of important sourcing initiatives, support improved customer service, and identify innovative opportunities innovative to reduce cost and create value. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong collaboration, sound judgment, and a commitment to developing mutually beneficial supplier relationships.

Responsibilities:

The Strategic Procurement Advisor will work closely with the Principal, Strategic Procurement –- Airside Services, to execute procurement and Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) activities for the Airside Services category.

Airside Services relate to operations at airports, including ground and cargo handling, de-icing operations, ground support equipment, security, and accessibility services, and other related activities. The category also includes transportation and logistics services focusing on freight (delivery and handling of cargo and baggage), and similar to Airside Services, spans across our passenger and cargo operations.

The Advisor will independently lead assigned projects and support the Principal in collaborating with cross-functional teams and delivering high-quality services with a strong focus on value. The role will contribute to cost savings / revenue opportunities, service improvements, and customer-centric outcomes through a variety of initiatives.

Responsibilities include conducting supply market research and spend analysis, developing category and project baselines, establishing sourcing strategies, leading competitive bid processes, evaluating proposals, conducting negotiations, supporting contract execution, managing supplier relationships and performance, and contributing to the continuous improvement of procurement practices at Air Canada.

Key areas of responsibility include the following:

• Lead and manage procurement events independently or in collaboration with the Principal, Strategic Procurement:
  • Conduct supply market research and spend analysis.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define business requirements and develop sourcing strategies.
  • Prepare and issue requests for proposals, evaluate submissions, and coordinate site inspections when required.
  • Lead competitive bid processes and commercial negotiations.
  • Develop and implement category strategies that deliver financial, service, quality, and risk-management objectives.
  • Lead contract drafting, review, execution, and implementation in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of procurement practices:
  • Support the development and adoption of best-in-class 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:
  • Monitor supplier performance against contractual obligations and service-level expectations.
  • Coordinate periodic supplier performance reviews with key suppliers and internal stakeholders.
  • Support the development and execution of supplier improvement plans.
  • Address operational issues escalated by internal customers and facilitate timely resolution between parties.
  • Maintain constructive supplier relationships while protecting Air Canada’s commercial and operational interests.
• Act as an ambassador for Strategic Procurement and Air Canada:
  • Build effective relationships with internal customers, cross-functional partners, and current and prospective suppliers.
  • Communicate and promote Strategic Procurement’s successes, vision, strategy, and goals.
  • Develop strong knowledge of Airside Services, negotiation best practices, Air Canada’s governance requirements, and relevant business processes.
  • Conduct all activities in accordance with Corporate Purchasing Policies and Air Canada’s Code of Conduct. 

Qualifications

• University degree in a relevant field, such as commerce, supply chain management, finance, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Relevant experience in procurement, passenger airlines, airport or airside services, supply chain, transportation, or logistics.
• Airport, ground handling, or cargo operations experience is an asset.
• Demonstrated analytical, written and verbal communication, negotiation, stakeholder-management, and project-management skills.
• Ability to lead projects independently and collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Strong business acumen, organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• High degree of professionalism, judgment, and discretion.
• Full proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong entrepreneurial mindset and a demonstrated desire to innovate and improve processes.
• Flexibility to work outside regular business hours and travel occasionally, as required.
• Completion of, or progress toward, an SCMA, ISM, or other recognized procurement designation is an asset.
• Demonstrate punctuality and dependability to support overall team success in a fast-paced environment. 

Conditions of Employment:

Candidates must be eligible to work in the country of interest at the time any offer of employment is made and are responsible for obtaining any required work permits, visas, or other authorizations necessary for employment. Prior to their start date, candidates will also need to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the country of interest.

Linguistic Requirements

Based on equal qualifications, 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 which highlights employees’ unique contributions to our company’s success.

As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all to help us build a diverse workforce which reflects the diversity of our customers, and communities, in which we live and serve.

Air Canada thanks all candidates for their interest; however only those selected to continue in the process will be contacted.