Why WestJet:
Every WestJet journey has the potential to enrich lives; a career with us is no exception.
WestJet arrived on the Canadian airline scene in 1996 and changed the industry for the better. We made air travel more affordable for Canadians and now we're going global.
Join us and love where you’re going.
Hybrid Role:
This is a hybrid position; you will be required to work at the WestJet Campus in Calgary approximately 3 days / week.
Candidates need to be located within Calgary Metropolitan Region.
Westjet is currently looking for a Category Specialist. The ideal candidate will bring procurement experience as it relates to strategic sourcing, negotiations, contracting, category management and vendor relationship management. The successful candidate will be responsible of independently managing category areas, supplier performance management, cost savings, ensuring adherence to policies and processes, relationship development and providing business unit support.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct strategic sourcing activities (scoping, spend analysis, market research, leading Rfx events, and negotiating and contracting including the completion of contracts/service level agreements);
- Act as a Subject Matter Expert in assigned category areas such as Information Technology, Contingent Workforce, including guiding internal stakeholders on the development of solid business requirements and scopes of work, including documentation of specific deliverables and acceptance criteria;
- Lead pricing and contract negotiations (including contract drafting for master service agreements, product/service agreements, service level agreements and amendments);
- Establish, maintain and foster internal customer relationships: collaborate category and supplier strategies, ensure organizational requirements are being met and facilitate resolution of vendor issues;
- Work collaboratively with business units to identify additional areas of opportunity for cost improvement, supplier optimization, spend consolidation, contract renegotiation and strategic sourcing initiatives through research and data analysis (e.g. supplier/market intelligence, industry trends, best practices);
- Consult with Legal, Finance, Insurance and other internal partners, to ensure the mitigation of risk to WestJet through solid contractual terms and conditions, and identify/communicate potential impacts where risk is contemplated;
- Foster partnerships and conduct business reviews with key suppliers to create differentiation and accountability for ongoing improvements and value-add in quality and delivery of services, support of Strategic Procurement governance and adherence to performance requirements;
- Effectively use available procurement tools and systems to manage RFx initiatives (including e-Sourcing and reverse auctions), drive accuracy of reporting and perform end-to-end contract lifecycle management (including contract administration and maintenance);
- Support the timely and accurate reporting of Procurement Key Performance Indicators e.g. cost improvement, spend under management, contract cycle times, etc.;
- Participate in the implementation of best practices, continuous improvement processes and the generation of cost improvement opportunities;
- Responsible for the communication and clarification of standard procurement processes and providing status reports and updates to business unit stakeholders, suppliers and Procurement leadership, as required;
- Ensure compliance to all regulatory, procurement and corporate policies and procedures;
- Other Procurement-related administrative and functional duties as required.
Professional Qualifications:
- Recognized Diploma at a College/Technical School, Business degree or equivalent;
- SCMP designation or equivalent desirable;
- 3-5 years strategic procurement and contract management experience or six (6) years relevant business experience;
- Understanding of procurement, supply chain levers and category management as it pertains to the sourcing, negotiation and contracting of assigned categories;
- Knowledge of negotiation and contracting knowledge, including contract law, reviewing/writing contracts and developing service level agreements;
- Knowledge of e-Sourcing and spend analysis programs an asset;
- Solid interpersonal, change management, organizational and problem solving skills, with the ability to develop and manage strong internal and external relationships;
- Professional communication skills; written and verbal;
- Able to work successfully as team player, as well as independently with minimal supervision;
- Ability to work in a fast paced and dynamic environment;
- Strong computer skills including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Office 365;
- Experience in project management skills or LEAN Six Sigma experience or certification an asset;
- Airline industry knowledge / airport operational experience an asset.
The benefits of being a WestJetter:
WestJet provides all WestJetters with a competitive total rewards package. On top of that, we offer:
- A fun and friendly culture with colleagues who work together to win
- Travel privileges for you and your family, effective from your start date
- Savings and Benefit programs that are flexible to meet your specific needs
Think we are a fit? Apply now!
About WestJet Group of Companies
Together with WestJet's regional airline, WestJet Encore, we offer scheduled service to more than 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe and to more than 175 destinations in over 20 countries through our airline partnerships.
Our Safety Promise
At WestJet, the safety and security of our people and our guests is a core value and at the heart of what we do. As safety and security is a shared responsibility, it is expected that you will use safe work practices to ensure your well-being and the safety of others.
WestJet recognizes that the use of Alcohol and Drugs can adversely impact a safe work environment and the well-being of others including guests, suppliers and the public, as well as place WestJet's operations at risk. All roles that are identified as safety sensitive are required to pass a Pre-Employment Alcohol and Drug Test as per WestJet's Alcohol and Drug Policy.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
We embrace what makes us each unique, and what makes us uniquely WestJet. WestJet is committed to inclusiveness, equity, and accessibility and if you require accommodation during the selection process, please let our Talent Acquisition team know. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply. We thank all applicants for their interest in WestJet; however, only those candidates who are selected will be contacted.
For more information about everything WestJet, please visit WestJet.com.
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