Senior Category Lead, Technology

Porter Airlines Inc.; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading airline is seeking a Senior Category Lead, Technology to steer its IT procurement. This role involves crafting category strategies, conducting supplier negotiations, and managing vendor relationships. Ideal candidates will possess strong negotiation skills and extensive experience in technology procurement, contributing significantly to the company's IT transformation initiatives.

Qualifications

• Extensive background in procurement/sourcing related to technology/software.
• In-depth technology experience with a strong understanding of IT infrastructure.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale IT procurement projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies for IT and software.
• Conduct complex supplier negotiations to achieve best value.
• Manage procurement budgets and ensure compliance with corporate policies.

Skills

Negotiation

Vendor Management

Data Analysis

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration, commerce, accounting, engineering

Tools

Google software (Docs, Sheets, Slides)

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Coupa

Microsoft Dynamics GP

Job description

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director, Commercial Services (Procurement), the Senior Category Lead, Technology will be the primary individual responsible for sourcing Porter’s IT, aviation, telecom and corporate technology-related goods and services, inclusive of the broad range of third party systems and software at the organization.

As part of our ongoing IT transformation, this role is critical to supporting our ambitious plans. Porter is currently expanding its fleet of 29 DHC Dash 8 aircraft to include 75 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. As North America’s fastest-growing airline, Porter is seeking top talent to join our dynamic organization with significant growth potential.

This individual contributor role is a new and exciting position on the procurement team. We are looking for an individual with strong leadership and negotiation skills and someone who is a self-starter with a results-oriented approach. The successful candidate will have a background in technology procurement or technology-related roles, aligning with our broader goal of driving innovation and efficiency across the organization.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and Implement Category Strategies: Create and implement comprehensive category strategies specifically tailored to IT, software development, support services, hardware, and outsourced technology services.
• Conduct Complex Supplier Negotiations: Lead and manage complex negotiations with suppliers to achieve the best value for Porter.
• Vendor Management: Oversee relationships with current and prospective suppliers, ensuring they meet Porter's standards for quality, cost, and delivery.
• Manage Procurements of Varying Complexities: Handle procurements ranging from low complexity items like laptops to high complexity procurements such as cybersecurity solutions or industry-specific tools.
• Leverage and Maintain Vendors of Record: Develop and maintain relationships with vendors of record for various IT services, ensuring reliable and cost-effective procurement.
• Contract Management: Negotiate, draft, and manage contracts with technology vendors, ensuring compliance with terms and mitigating risks.
• Support Procurement Processes: Collaborate closely with internal teams such as IT, Legal, Finance, and Accounts Payable to ensure seamless procurement processes and integration.
• Monitor Market Trends: Stay informed about market trends, advancements in technology, and best practices in procurement to maintain a competitive edge.
• Performance Tracking: Track and analyze vendor performance, addressing any issues and implementing improvement plans as necessary.
• Budget Management: Manage procurement budgets, ensuring cost-effective purchasing decisions and financial accountability.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure all procurement activities comply with corporate policies and regulatory requirements, managing risks effectively.
• Reporting and Analysis: Prepare and present detailed reports on procurement activities, vendor performance, and cost savings to senior leadership.

Behavioural Competencies

• Concern for Safety: Identifying hazardous or potentially hazardous situations and taking appropriate action to maintain a safe environment for self and others.

• Teamwork: Working collaboratively with others to achieve organizational goals.

• Passenger/Customer Service: Providing service excellence to internal and/or external customers (passengers).

• Initiative: Dealing with situations and issues proactively and persistently, seizing opportunities that arise.

• Results Focus: Focusing efforts on achieving high quality results consistent with the organization’s standards.

• Fostering Communication: Listening and communicating openly, honestly, and respectfully with different audiences, promoting dialogue and building consensus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration, commerce, accounting, engineering, or similar field is desired
• Extensive background in procurement / sourcing specifically related to technology/software
• In-depth technology experience, with a strong understanding of IT infrastructure, software development, and support services.
• Experience managing procurements of varying complexities, from low complexity items like laptops to high complexity solutions such as cybersecurity and industry-specific tools.
• Strong business acumen with a focus on technology procurement.
• Assertive negotiation and networking skills with a focus on technology vendors.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale IT procurement projects.
• Ability to leverage and maintain vendors of record for different IT services.
• Solid aptitude for data analysis and decision-making in a technology context.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly.
• Strong leadership capabilities in technology procurement.
• Working knowledge of Google software (Docs, Sheets, Slides) or Microsoft suite of applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Preference given for working knowledge of Coupa and Microsoft Dynamics GP or other P2P/ERP systems.

Location

Toronto Downtown Office (250 Yonge Street) #LI-Hybrid

Company Description

Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter’s fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves a North American network from Eastern Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline in the World Airline Star Rating. Visit www.flyporter.com or follow @porterairlines on Instagram, Facebook and X.