Category Manager

Employment Type: Full-time Regular

City: Calgary, AB (YYC)

Posting Open Date: 12/19/2024

Posting Close Date: 01/08/2025 (Please note the posting will close at 9:59pm MST)

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, this is where your story takes off.

Hybrid Work:
This is a hybrid work position in Calgary, Alberta and requires in-person collaboration at the WestJet Campus (22 Aerial Place NE) 3 days per week. This provides flexibility the remaining 40% of the work week. This hybrid work plan allows for critically important learning, collaboration and networking with our colleagues. Specific days in the office are agreed upon by the team.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Strategic Procurement, the Category Manager will bring strong experience as it relates to category management, strategic sourcing, contract life cycle management, and supplier relationship management. Under the guidance of their leader, they will be responsible for leading category strategy development, complex and/or high-risk sourcing projects and negotiations, relationship development internally and externally, and occasional coaching and support to team members.

Potential Category Scopes:

• Ground Handling, Cabin Cleaning, Mobility Support, and Aviation Security
• Cargo Operations

Main Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain category strategies in close collaboration with Airports, Cabin Provisioning, Corporate Security, Regulatory and other internal business stakeholders.
• Develop and foster internal customer relationships with stakeholders to understand business objectives & strategic procurement priorities. Gain a comprehensive understanding of relevant business unit operations to enable effective category strategy development.
• Develop and maintain external supplier relationships to manage performance, identify new business opportunities, escalate issues, and conduct successful negotiations.
• Conduct market research, investigate supplier capabilities, and analyze industry best practices and technology trends to effective strategy development.
• Establish and execute sourcing strategies: Lead high value/high risk/complex strategic sourcing activities and contract renewals (cross-functional team leadership, scoping, spend analysis, sourcing, negotiating, contracting).
• Maintain and improve contracting templates, working in collaboration with stakeholders and supporting Supply Chain and Procurement teams.
• Deliver value creation to support company financial and operational goals.
• Ensure compliance with purchasing policies and procedures, ethical practices, and adherence to relevant laws and regulations.
• Manage supplier contracts, governance, and control programs to ensure delivery of expectations and comply with corporate and regulatory policies.
• Drive and report Procurement Key Performance Indicators including cost savings, spend under management, supplier rationalization, etc.
• Complete timely and accurate reporting of procurement data and metrics including cost improvement, spend under management, contract cycle times, etc.
• Create, drive, and implement (with the collaboration of the Strategic Procurement Leadership Team) initiatives to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of procurement processes.

Knowledge and Skills

• Advanced business degree (e.g. Bachelor, Master, etc.) or equivalent required; Supply Chain designation considered an asset but not required.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in leading & executing strategic projects, developing category strategy, strategic procurement, contract development, contract management, and experience within designated categories.
• Excellent relationship-building, interpersonal, and communication (verbal and written) skills required.
• Able to work successfully as a team player as well as individually; demonstrated leadership capability and/or formal leadership experience would be an asset.
• Strong negotiation, contract terms and conditions drafting, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Self-starter capable of quickly engaging with numerous stakeholders across diverse scopes and lead initiatives to successful execution. Exceptional agility, communication, contract negotiation, and resourcefulness are essential to excel in this role.
• Knowledge of source-to-pay tools including e-sourcing, contract management, and spend analytics.
• Demonstrated knowledge in categories related to the airline industry / airport operations is considered 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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