Senior Specialist Procurement Category-IT

CN; Quebec; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

CN is seeking a seasoned procurement leader to drive end-to-end category management, RFx events, and value-driven supplier partnerships. You will collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Finance, and corporate teams to deliver measurable savings and risk-optimized contracts.

The role requires strong analytics, negotiation, and stakeholder influence across CN’s North American network, with hybrid work options and travel up to 10%.

Qualifications

• Experience leading strategic procurement initiatives and supplier relationships.
• Strong ability to develop business cases with quantified value.
• Familiarity with category management, sourcing, and contracting.

Responsibilities

• Lead category procurement strategies aligned with objectives.
• Drive end-to-end RFx processes from strategy to award.
• Perform spend analytics and market intelligence to guide decisions.
• Develop business cases with quantified value propositions.
• Negotiate contracts covering terms and risk management.
• Structure agreements balancing risk, value, and SLAs.
• Monitor supplier performance and conduct reviews with KPIs.
• Identify supplier consolidation and TCO reduction opportunities.
• Coach procurement specialists and promote best practices.
• Analyze data to identify risks and mitigation plans.
• Leverage data, digital tools, and AI to improve outcomes.
• Develop project plans with timelines and milestones.

Skills

Category management

Sourcing & contracting

Negotiation

Procurement analytics

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain/Business/Engineering

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

Tools

SAP

Ariba

Fieldglass

Job description

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)