Strategic Procurement Advisor - Product & In-flight Services

Air Canada; Dorval; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Canada is seeking a Strategic Procurement Advisor to join the Montreal headquarters. You will lead procurement events and projects across product categories, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver value while focusing on cost, service levels, and risk management.

The role requires 2–3 years of related procurement experience, strong analytical skills, and proficiency with MS Office; SAP Ariba experience is an asset.

Qualifications

• University degree with 2-3 years of procurement, sourcing, or related experience.
• Strong MS Office skills; familiarity with Power BI/Power Apps is a plus.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills; able to communicate effectively with stakeholders.
• Experience negotiating with third parties and managing supplier relationships.
• Ability to multi-task, handle changing priorities, and work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage procurement events and sourcing projects.
• Conduct supply market research and baseline spend analysis.
• Establish sourcing strategies and lead contract negotiations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to deliver value.
• Develop and implement procurement processes and best practices.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Power BI

Power Apps

Data analysis

Communication

Education

University degree

Tools

SAP Ariba

Job description

Being part of Air Canada is to become part of an iconic Canadian symbol, recently ranked the best Airline in North America. Let your career take flight by joining our diverse and vibrant team at the leading edge of passenger aviation.

We are seeking a Strategic Procurement Advisor, based out of our Montreal Headquarters to become part of Air Canada’s Strategic Procurement (SP) team which is comprised of several Category Management teams and a Knowledge Management (KM) team. The successful candidate will play a key role in leading and contributing to a broad range of sourcing events. Given the cross-functional nature of procurement at Air Canada, this opportunity will provide interaction with key stakeholders in many parts of the organization.

This role requires someone who will be a key contributor to important sourcing projects for Air Canada, as we focus on long‑term sustainability. The successful candidate will apply a passion for leadership and collaboration to obtain the best value for the airline and to develop mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will report to the Principal, SP - Product and In-flight Services and will support sourcing projects related to Air Canada’s Product categories (including but not limited to catering services, food and beverage items, onboard amenities and premium lounge services).

The candidate will lead individual projects as well as supporting the Principal SP Manager by collaborating with cross-functional teams and delivering high-quality services with a strong focus on value. This individual will also bring a strong focus on process optimization and customer‑centricity through a variety of initiatives.

In this role, responsibilities will include conducting supply market research, building category/project baselines, establishing sourcing strategies, seeking proposals, conducting pricing and contract negotiations, and contributing to the overall improvement of procurement practices at Air Canada.

Key Areas Of Responsibility Include The Following

• Lead and manage procurement events, independently or in collaboration with the Principal Strategic Procurement:
  • Conduct supply market research and baseline spend analysis.
  • Work with cross functional teams to determine business requirements and establish sourcing strategies that deliver financial and non-financial benefits (e.g. service levels, risk mitigation).
  • Prepare and issue RFPs, evaluate responses and conduct negotiations.
  • Design and implement category strategies that deliver financial and other performance targets such as service, quality, and risk management.
  • Lead contract negotiations and oversee contract drafting and execution.
• Contribute to the improvement of internal procurement practices:
  • Develop and maintain an understanding of emerging industry and supply market trends to strengthen Air Canada’s negotiating positions.
  • Stay abreast of the Air Canada Product strategy through collaboration with the Product, Inflight department(s) and other business units.
  • Participate in the establishment of best‑in‑class procurement methods.
  • Develop models to evaluate supplier proposals using quantitative and qualitative criteria.
• Act as an ambassador for Strategic Procurement and Air Canada:
  • Further develop SP relationships with internal customers through all engagements and current/potential service providers to Air Canada.
  • Effectively communicate and promote the successes of SP.
  • Actively engage in learning Corporate and Commercial subject matter, negotiation best practices, Air Canada’s governance and business processes.

Qualifications

• University degree combined with at least 2-3 years of experience related to the role (Procurement, Sourcing, Supply chain, Analytics, Finance and/or Airline business experience).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, SharePoint, Teams). Experience and/or certification in Power‑Bi, Power Apps and data analysis tools is an asset.
• Demonstrated analytical, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating with third parties.
• Ability to multi‑task, work under pressure, and manage changing priorities.
• Strong organizational skills, entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to innovate.
• High degree of professionalism and discretion is essential.
• Flexibility with work hours and occasional travel may be required.
• Experience using procurement technology, especially SAP Ariba is an asset.
• Completion of (or working towards) a designation in PMP, SCMA, ISM or other procurement designation is an asset.
• Demonstrate punctuality and dependability to support overall team success in a fast‑paced environment.

Conditions of Employment

Candidates must be eligible to work in the country of interest at the time any offer of employment is made and are responsible for obtaining any required work permits, visas, or other authorizations necessary for employment. Prior to their start date, candidates will also need to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the country of interest.

Linguistic Requirements

Based on equal qualifications, preference will be given to bilingual candidates.

Diversity and Inclusion

Air Canada is strongly committed to Diversity and Inclusion and aims to create a healthy, accessible and rewarding work environment which highlights employees’ unique contributions to our company’s success.

As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all to help us build a diverse workforce which reflects the diversity of our customers, and communities, in which we live and serve.

Air Canada thanks all candidates for their interest; however only those selected to continue in the process will be contacted.