Category Specialist

Socket.dev; Calgary; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel privileges

Savings and Benefit programs

Fun and friendly culture

Job summary

WestJet is seeking a Category Specialist to lead strategic sourcing and category management for technology, IT infrastructure, software, telecommunications, contingent workforce, and professional services. The role reports to the Senior Manager, Strategic Sourcing.

You will drive RFx events, contract drafting, supplier relationships and cost‑improvement opportunities, while ensuring governance and risk controls across procurement activities.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in supply chain, business or related field.
• SCMP designation is desirable but not required.
• Proven experience in strategic procurement and contract management.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing across enterprise technology, IT infrastructure, software and services.
• Negotiate and draft master service agreements, SLAs, and amendments.
• Manage supplier relationships and drive cost improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with Legal, Finance and other stakeholders to mitigate risk.
• Provide end-to-end procurement lifecycle management and reporting.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Contract management

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

e-Sourcing tools

Spend analysis

Project management

MS Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint)

Education

Diploma / degree in supply chain or business

SCMP designation desirable

Tools

Coupa

Job description

This position requires in-person collaboration up to five days a week. This arrangement is subject to change based on business requirements.

Why WestJet

Since our story took off in 1996, WestJet has strived to enrich the lives of everyone in our world; a career with us is no exception. We’re proud to be one of Canada’s most admired and respected corporate cultures and continuously aim for the highest standards of service and success.

Join us, this is where your career story takes off.

Overview of role

WestJet is seeking a Category Specialist. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Strategic Sourcing, this role is responsible for leading strategic sourcing and category management initiatives across enterprise technology, IT infrastructure, software, telecommunications, contingent workforce, and professional services categories.

Key deliverables include

• 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 Lead 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

Experience and qualifications

• Recognized Diploma at a College/Technical School, Business degree or equivalent

• SCMP designation or equivalent desirable
• 3 years strategic procurement and contract management experience or 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
• Prior experience working with Coupa an asset
• 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

About WestJet Group of Companies

WestJet took to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations. Since then, WestJet has pioneered low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half, and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Since the Sunwing Airlines integration in 2025, more than 15,000 WestJetters support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to our global network of more than 100 destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. The WestJet Group is a major Canadian employer and includes WestJet Airlines, WestJet Encore and Sunwing Vacations Group. We’re Canada’s leading value airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians.

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. Safety and security are shared responsibilities all team members are expected to use safe work practices to ensure their 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 Safey-Sensitive are required to pass a Pre-Employment Alcohol and Drug Test as per WestJet'sAlcohol and Drug Policy.

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

We embrace what makes each of us unique, and what makes us uniquely WestJet. We welcome diverse skills, experiences and backgrounds so if you're passionate about this role, we encourage you to apply – even if you don't meet every qualification listed. WestJet is committed to inclusiveness, equity and accessibility throughout the selection process. If you require accommodation at any stage, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at [e-mail]. We value the time and effort you put into your application. Our recruitment process is highly competitive and while every applicant will receive communication regarding their application status, only those selected to move forward will be contacted with next steps. If this role isn’t the right fit, we encourage you to explore future opportunities with us.

For more information about everything WestJet, please westjet.com/aboutus.

If you wish to withdraw your application or request that your personal information be deleted, please contact us at [e-mail].