Senior Specialist Procurement Category

Canadian National Inc.; Montreal; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Employee share investment program (ES年

Pension

Benefits

Job summary

CN is seeking a senior procurement leader to drive end-to-end category activities that deliver measurable value and support safe rail operations. Working within the category management framework, you will develop sourcing strategies, lead RFx events, negotiate supplier agreements, and manage relationships across Engineering, Operations, Finance and more.

This role also coaches procurement specialists, promotes compliance, and contributes to process, digital, and AI-enabled improvements across

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of progressive experience in procurement, supply chain operations, or a related field.
• Experience leading complex sourcing events and contract negotiations.
• Track record of delivering measurable savings, value improvements, supplier performance outcomes, and total cost of ownership benefits.
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of category procurement strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Drive end-to-end RFx processes from strategy formulation through supplier selection and award.
• Perform advanced spend analytics, market intelligence, and total cost modelling to identify opportunities and support sourcing decisions.
• Develop business cases with quantified value propositions for management approval.
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers covering commercial, legal, financial, operational, and risk-related terms.
• Structure agreements that balance risk, value, service levels, quality, and operational requirements.
• Manage supplier performance against contractual obligations and KPIs, including supplier business reviews and improvement action plans.
• Identify opportunities for supplier consolidation, partnership development, sustainability improvement, and total cost of ownership reduction.
• Coach and support Procurement Specialists while promoting procurement best practices, policy compliance, and knowledge sharing within the team.
• Analyze complex data to determine risks and exposures and recommend holistic mitigation measures to protect CN's interests.
• Use procurement technologies, data, and AI-enabled opportunities to generate insights, improve outcomes, and increase sourcing lifecycle efficiency.
• Develop project plans with defined timelines, prioritize tasks, monitor progress against milestones, address issues proactively, and elevate when required.

Skills

Procurement analytics

Spend management

Strategy development

Negotiation

Communication

Bilingual English/French

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management or related

MBA or professional procurement certification (SCMP, CPSM, CIPS)

Tools

SAP

Ariba

Fieldglass

Job description

Please note that the language you select on this site will be the primary language used for all future communications regarding your application.

Highest Level Division: Procurement & Supply Management

Posting Start Date: 10/6/26

Posting End Date: 10/20/26

Hiring Salary Range: $89900 - 118000

This range represents the hiring range. Salaries are determined individually depending on skills and experience. You will also be eligible to an annual bonus, employee share investment program (ESIP), Pension, Benefits and other perks.

At CN, we are committed to our pursuit of excellence. We take pride in delivering work of the highest standard, continually innovating to shape the railroad of the future. As responsible railroaders, we make the right decisions every time, putting safety first, acting with unwavering integrity, and holding ourselves accountable for our actions. We believe in succeeding together—by fostering inclusivity and collaboration, we sustainably deliver exceptional results for our customers.

Join us today and get your career moving!

Job Summary

The incumbent is responsible for leading end-to-end category procurement activities that deliver measurable commercial value, support safe and reliable rail operations, and strengthen supplier performance across CN. Working within the category management framework, the role independently develops sourcing strategies, leads complex RFx events, negotiates supplier agreements, manages supplier relationships, and supports business partners across Engineering, Mechanical, Operations, Finance, and corporate functions. The role also coaches Procurement Specialists, promotes procurement compliance and best practices, and contributes to process, digital, and AI-enabled improvements across the sourcing lifecycle.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of category procurement strategies aligned with business objectives
• Drive end-to-end RFx processes from strategy formulation through supplier selection and award
• Perform advanced spend analytics, market intelligence, and total cost modelling to identify opportunities and support sourcing decisions
• Develop business cases with quantified value propositions for management approval
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers covering commercial, legal, financial, operational, and risk-related terms
• Structure agreements that balance risk, value, service levels, quality, and operational requirements
• Manage supplier performance against contractual obligations and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including supplier business reviews and improvement action plans
• Identify opportunities for supplier consolidation, partnership development, sustainability improvement, and total cost of ownership reduction
• Coach and support Procurement Specialists while promoting procurement best practices, policy compliance, and knowledge sharing within the team
• Analyze complex data to determine risks and exposures and recommend holistic mitigation measures to protect CN's interests
• Use procurement technologies, data, and AI-enabled opportunities to generate insights, improve outcomes, and increase sourcing lifecycle efficiency
• Develop project plans with defined timelines, prioritize tasks, monitor progress against milestones, address issues proactively, and elevate when required

Working Conditions

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 up to 10% within North America.

Experience

Strategic Procurement or Supply Chain Operations

• Minimum 4 years of progressive experience in procurement, supply chain operations, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience leading complex sourcing events and contract negotiations*
• Track record of delivering measurable savings, value improvements, supplier performance outcomes, and total cost of ownership benefits*
• Candidates with an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered

*Any requirement marked with (*) will be considered an asset (not mandatory)

Education/Certification/Designation

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Finance, or related field
• Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master's degree, professional procurement certification (SCMP, CPSM, CIPS), or professional designation (CPA, CFA)*
• Candidates with equivalent practical experience, education, or training will be considered

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Finance, or related field
• Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master's degree, professional procurement certification (SCMP, CPSM, CIPS), or professional designation (CPA, CFA)*
• Candidates with equivalent practical experience, education, or training will be considered

*Any requirement marked with (*) will be considered an asset (not mandatory)

• We Care About Each Other
• We Strive for Excellence
• We Succeed Together
• Compliance
• Business acumen
• Process optimization
• High
• Negotiation

Technical Skills/Knowledge

• Advanced proficiency in procurement analytics and spend management tools
• Experience with ERP and source-to-contract platforms, including SAP, Ariba, and Fieldglass
• Strong financial acumen and ability to develop compelling business cases using cost-benefit analysis and quantified value propositions
• Advanced knowledge of category management, sourcing, contracting, pricing models, contract terms, and supplier performance management
• Knowledge of CN's procurement policies, compliance standards, risk management practices, and applicable regulatory requirements
• Ability to use data, digital tools, and AI-enabled opportunities to improve sourcing outcomes and process efficiency
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to influence stakeholders and support negotiations with clear rationale
• Bilingualism in English and French*

• Advanced proficiency in procurement analytics and spend management tools
• Experience with ERP and source-to-contract platforms, including SAP, Ariba, and Fieldglass
• Strong financial acumen and ability to develop compelling business cases using cost-benefit analysis and quantified value propositions
• Advanced knowledge of category management, sourcing, contracting, pricing models, contract terms, and supplier performance management
• Knowledge of CN's procurement policies, compliance standards, risk management practices, and applicable regulatory requirements
• Ability to use data, digital tools, and AI-enabled opportunities to improve sourcing outcomes and process efficiency
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to influence stakeholders and support negotiations with clear rationale
• Bilingualism in English and French*

* Any requirement marked with (*) will be considered an asset (not mandatory)

Additional Information (If Any)

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 an 18,800-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 [e-mail].

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.

Please monitor your email on a regular basis as communication to applicants is done via email