Category Specialist

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 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.

Reporting to the Strategic Procurement Leader (Sr. Manager or Director), the Category Specialist will bring procurement experience as it relates to strategic sourcing, price and terms negotiations, contract development, category management and vendor relationship management. The successful candidate will be responsible for independently executing strategic sourcing projects, conducting data organization and analysis for team members, ensuring adherence to policies and processes, delivering value to WestJet, and building internal and external working relationships. Under the guidance of their leader or a peer, they will be responsible to support category strategy development, supplier performance management, complex strategic sourcing projects and negotiations, relationship development and business unit support.

Potential Category Scopes:

• Onboard Products
• Catering Uplift Services
• Human Resources Services
• Commercial & Marketing
• Technical Operations Parts & Services

Responsibilities:

• Conduct category management and strategic sourcing activities which may include scope development, spend analysis, market and best practices research, sourcing events, negotiating, and developing contracts;
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert in assigned category areas, including completing internal and external research, guiding internal stakeholders on the development of business requirements and scopes of work, documentation of deliverables and criteria, developing and providing strategy and contract award recommendations;
• Work collaboratively with business units to identify areas of opportunity for cost improvement, supplier optimization, spend consolidation, contract renegotiation, and risk mitigation;
• Engage in sourcing projects (either as lead or as a supporting team member) ranging from direct negotiations to competitive bids;
• Engage in negotiations (either as lead or as a supporting team member) on pricing and contract terms and conditions (including vary types and forms of contracts - single-use, multiple-use, third party);
• Consult with internal teams to ensure contract expectations are met and risk profiles are acceptable (Legal, Finance, Insurance, Tax, IT, and others);
• Establish and maintain internal stakeholder relationships: collaborate on category and supplier strategies, ensure organizational requirements are being met and facilitate resolution of vendor issues;
• Establish and maintain external supplier relationships: conduct reviews with existing key suppliers ensure performance and generate value, identify and develop potential new suppliers to engage in future sourcing activities;
• Use available procurement tools and systems to manage sourcing activities (including electronic sourcing), collect approvals, and perform end-to-end contract lifecycle management (including contract administration and maintenance);
• Support the timely and accurate reporting of procurement data and metrics including 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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