Reporting to the Category Manager, Procurement and Supply Management (P&SM) of Specialized Services & Multimodal, the Senior Procurement Specialist will support the development, analysis and execution of innovative procurement strategies that deliver sustainable enterprise value including achievement of cost reduction targets. The Senior Procurement Specialist will also monitor the delivery of key contracts, capture of financial savings through negotiation of contract terms, conditions and monitoring of supplier performance.
- Interact with internal stakeholders, understand their needs and promote value creation, ensure alignment with procurement processes and strategies.
- Conduct data analytics during different stages of the sourcing process to inform decision-making and drive cost efficiencies.
- Develop the procurement category strategy and supplier market knowledge as it relates to Environmental Services, Automotive, Docks and Multimodal portfolios.
- Maintain strong market intelligence and stay current on industry trends, supplier capabilities, and cost drivers.
- Build and handle the RFx process, evaluate supplier responses and prepare business cases to submit for management approval, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
- Negotiate contracts with suppliers, including commercial and legal clauses, to secure favorable agreements.
- Lead contract management, supplier relationships and supplier performance to ensure supplier compliance and optimal service delivery.
- Collaborate with Buyers to ensure all rates and agreements are appropriately administered in the Purchase to Pay (P2P) process (i.e., System, Applications and Products (SAP), Ariba, Fieldglass).
- Ensure that all internal organizational requirements in terms of compliance to procurement policy are met and addressed.
- Participate and support department-wide projects when required, contributing to cross-functional initiatives.
This position is located in Montreal, Quebec Headquarters and the reporting structure is to P&SM in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday and is eligible to participate in CN’s hybrid work model. The role requires travel within North America and abroad. The successful candidate will enjoy working in a high‑impact, deadline‑driven environment, demonstrating strong resilience, problem‑solving skills, and the ability to perform effectively under pressure.
- Minimum five (5) years of experience in procurement and supply management roles.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Finance, or equivalent
- Negotiation skills: able to conduct complex negotiations, seeks and value all perspectives. Able to recommend and present negotiation strategy to CN executives when required.
- Brings strong curiosity and a proactive mindset to understand the business and remain up to date on evolving industry requirements
- Analytical, critical thinking and detailed-oriented
- Understands and displays a customer centric mind-set to adopt to the customer’s requirements
- Demonstrates active listening
- Solves problems to create value
- Collaborates with others and shares information
- Able to adapt, manage and perform under pressure with shifting priorities
- Demonstrates agility and drives change
- Extensive knowledge and ability to understand complex contractual Terms and Conditions, Statement of Works (SOW), Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and Letter of Intent (LOI) types of agreements
- Knowledge of contractual financial aspects such as Net Present Value (NPV), Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), Cost Performance Index (CPI), and Producer Price Index (PPI)
- Ability to drive innovative analysis to understand the market trends, cost drivers, suppliers and best practices
- Strong technical skills related to data tools and presentation of data
- Knowledge of strategic sourcing best practices
- Knowledge of Procure‑to‑Pay (P2P) processes
- Knowledge of supplier performance principles
- Basic knowledge of Incoterms, Customs and documentation required for delivery within North America and international imports
- Knowledge of commercial aspects of product and service categories
- Knowledge of rail transportation or logistic industry*
- Fluently bilingual both written and verbal (English, French)*
- Any knowledge for any of the above would be considered as an asset
About CN
CN is a premium railroad that sustainably generates value for our customers, shareholders, employees, and stakeholders with an unwavering commitment to safety and service. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. CN's network connects Canada's Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 20,000-mile rail network. CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN powers the North American economy and is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
At CN, we are dedicated to building North America's safest, most inclusive and sustainable railroad, which includes reflecting the communities in which we operate. Research shows that candidates often don't apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%. To all potential applicants, even if you don't meet every job requirement listed in a posting, we still encourage you to apply. If you require an accommodation for the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials, accessible meeting rooms or other accommodations), please get in touch with our team at [email protected].
As an equal opportunity employer, qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.
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