Senior Specialist Procurement Category

CN; Montreal (administrative region); Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Employee share investment program (ESi

Pension

Benefits and other perks

Job summary

CN seeks a Senior Specialist Procurement Category in Montreal, QC to lead end-to-end category procurement activities that deliver measurable commercial value and support safe rail operations. The role develops sourcing strategies, leads RFx events, negotiates supplier agreements, and mentors procurement staff across Engineering, Operations and Finance.

The incumbent will drive supplier performance, conduct spend analytics, and promote continuous improvement with AI-enabled insights within CN's

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Minimum 4 years in procurement or supply chain operations.
• Experience leading complex sourcing events and contract negotiations.
• Track record of delivering measurable savings and value improvements.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of category procurement strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Drive end-to-end RFx processes from strategy through supplier award.
• Perform spend analytics, market intelligence, and total cost modelling.
• Develop business cases with quantified value propositions for management approval.
• Negotiate contracts covering commercial, legal, financial, and risk terms.
• Structure agreements balancing risk, value, service levels, quality and operational requirements.
• Coach Procurement Specialists and promote compliance and best practices.
• Use data and AI-enabled opportunities to improve sourcing outcomes.
• Develop project plans with timelines and monitor milestones.

Skills

Strategic procurement

RFx management

Negotiation

Spend analytics

Project leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Procurement analytics

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

MBA or professional procurement certification (SCMP, CPSM, CIPS) or CPA/CFA

Tools

SAP

Ariba

Fieldglass

ERP software

Job description

Senior Specialist Procurement Category

Req Id: 954

Job Location: Montreal - QC

Business Unit: Finance

Highest Level Division: Procurement & Supply Management

Posting Start Date: 10/6/26

Posting End Date: 10/20/26

French/English Bilingual Requirement: No

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.

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

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

Competencies

• We Care About Each Other

• We Strive for Excellence

• We Succeed Together

• We Lead Responsibly

• 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*

• 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.

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