Sr Category Specialist

WestJet; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

WestJet is seeking a Strategic Procurement Manager for a hybrid position based in Calgary. The successful candidate will lead procurement strategies across various categories, fostering relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers while ensuring compliance with purchasing policies. This role requires extensive experience in strategic sourcing and contract management to drive efficiencies and effectiveness in procurement processes.

Benefits

Travel privileges for employees and family

Savings and benefits programs

Fun and friendly work culture

Qualifications

• 7+ years in strategic procurement and contract management.
• Experience in sourcing and category management.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Lead contract renewals and strategic sourcing activities.
• Manage supplier contracts and drive procurement KPIs.

Skills

Negotiation

Relationship Building

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business

Supply Chain Canada designation

Tools

e-sourcing tools

contract management systems

spend analytics

Job description

Employment Type: Full-time Regular

City: Calgary, AB (YYC)

Posting Open Date: 06/10/2025

Posting Close Date: 06/28/2025 (Please note the posting will close at 9:59pm MST)

Why WestJet:

Every WestJet journey has the potential to enrich lives; a career with us is no exception.

WestJet arrived on the Canadian airline scene in 1996 and changed the industry for the better. We made air travel more affordable for Canadians and now we're going global.

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

Hybrid Work:

This is a hybrid work position in Calgary, Alberta and requires in-person collaboration at the WestJet Campus (22 Aerial Place NE) 3 days per week. This provides flexibility the remaining 40% of the work week. This hybrid work plan allows for critically important learning, collaboration and networking with our colleagues. Specific days in the office are agreed upon by the team.

Reporting to a Senior Manager of Strategic Procurement , the successful candidate will bring proven capability in strategic procurement as it relates to category management, strategic sourcing, contract life cycle management, and supplier relationship management. As we have 3 available positions, the category portfolio will be related to either the Indirect area of third-party spend (focused on IT, Technology, and Professional Services) or the Airline Operations & Corporate Services area of third-party spend (focused on logistics freight and customs, uniforms, marketing, commercial partnership, and people services).

Main Responsibilities

• Develop or support the development and implementation of category strategies in close collaboration with internal business stakeholders.
• Develop and foster internal customer relationships with stakeholders to understand business objectives & roadmaps, in addition to supplier relationships.
• Liaise with internal category teams, and business partners and gain a comprehensive understanding of business requirements establishing short-term and long-term objectives.
• Lead the efforts for contract renewals and strategic sourcing activities (scoping, spend analysis, sourcing, negotiating, contracting).
• Lead the RFx process, and support the development of negotiation strategies and negotiations of small to medium value/risk agreements.
• Conduct market data research, investigate supplier capabilities, and a nalyze industry best practices and technology trends to drive competitive advantage.
• Ensure compliance with purchasing policies and procedures, ethical practices, and adherence to relevant laws and regulations.
• Develop and implement category & sourcing strategies that directly affect company financial results and growth plans.
• Manage supplier contracts, governance, and control programs to ensure delivery of expectations and comply with corporate and regulatory policies.
• Drive and report Procurement Key Performance Indicators including cost savings, spend under management, supplier rationalization, etc.
• Ensure organizational financial goals are met and track cost savings initiatives.
• Create, drive, and implement with the collaboration of the Strategic Procurement Leadership Team, initiatives to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of procurement processes.
  
  

Knowledge And Skills

• 7+ years of progressive experience in leading strategic projects, strategic procurement, contract management, category management, and or sourcing experience, within designated categories.
• Excellent relationship-building, interpersonal, communication (verbal and written) skills required.
• Knowledge of source-to-pay tools including e-sourcing, contract management, and spend analytics.
• Knowledge in categories related to cargo, ground handling services, or direct labor type of agreements considered an asset
• Strong negotiation, contracting, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to learn, mentor, and be mentored.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, or equivalent. Supply Chain Canada designation is considered 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
  
  

Think we are a fit? Apply now!

About WestJet Group Of Companies

Together with WestJet's regional airline, WestJet Encore, we offer scheduled service to more than 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe and to more than 175 destinations in over 20 countries through our airline partnerships.

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. As safety and security is a shared responsibility, it is expected that you will use safe work practices to ensure your 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 safety sensitive are required to pass a Pre-Employment Alcohol and Drug Test as per WestJet'sAlcohol and Drug Policy.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We embrace what makes us each unique, and what makes us uniquely WestJet – and that is our people. WestJet is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates our differences by way of diversity, equity, and inclusion. As an equal opportunity employer, we want to you bring your full self to work and feel appreciated for your contributions.

At WestJet, we welcome unique skills, experiences, and backgrounds - if you’re passionate and excited about this role, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification in the posting. We are committed to inclusivity, equity, and accessibility in the selection process. If you require an accommodation during the recruiting process, please let our Talent Acquisition team know.

We thank all applicants for their interest in WestJet; however, only those candidates who are selected will be contacted.

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit WestJet.com