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Job Summary

The Senior Category Manager, Engineering Maintenance Services and Signals & Communications leads the development and execution of innovative category management strategies that deliver sustainable enterprise value and directly support CN's strategic objectives. This role oversees a cross-functional team managing procurement activities related to track maintenance contractors, signals contractors and signals materials at CN. The incumbent plays a key role in effective collaboration with other business functions and external suppliers to achieve organizational goals. Additionally, the role is responsible for shaping long-term procurement strategies, assessing market impacts, minimizing supplier risks, and aligning category initiatives with business priorities within key Engineering groups, such as Track, Signals, and Rail technologies (Rail Flaw Detection/Rail Grinding/Welding). Moreover, the position contributes to the development and coaching of Category Managers and Procurement Specialists, fostering the growth of high-performing talent and building the next generation of leadership. He or she will ensure the development and execution of category management categories. This role requires collaboration with business units/stakeholders to manage categories from demand planning through to contract execution, administration and renewal.

Main Responsibilities

Establish Category Management objectives and strategies, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) targets, and supplier management strategies

Participate in planning and forecasting activities relevant to the category

Lead the analysis and segmentation of categories considering demand industry practices as well as market changes

Direct Category team, responsible for scope of $900M of annual spend, in the development and implementation of Category Management strategies such as sourcing processes, evaluations, and negotiations while measuring and reporting these activities, as well as overseeing the Category Managers

Monitor supplier performance while handling key relationships and escalations

Establish best-in-class contract management principles and compliance management practices

Identify opportunities to gain business and executive commitment through the development and presentation of business cases

Support the development of skills and execution of talent management plans

Actively support Sustainable Procurement practices, including all aspects of contractor risk management and indigenous procurement

Participate in multifunctional initiatives related to CN's decarbonization strategy

Working Conditions

The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday. The incumbent is also eligible to participate in CN's flexible work policy. The role requires being available on-call to respond to operational emergencies. Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure, and stress. The position requires minimal travel (10%) within Canada and the United States.

Requirements
Experience

Strategic Procurement and Supply Chain Operations

Minimum 7 years of experience in strategic procurement and supply chain operations

o Experience in negotiating complex contracts of large value

o Experience in railroad operations or business function

o Experience in railway engineering, construction or heavy-duty equipment

o Experience in managing large teams

o Experience working with and influencing various stakeholders across multiple locations

Any experience for these above would be considered an asset

Education/Certification/Designation

Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Operations Management, Finance, Accounting, or equivalent

Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)

Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA)

Any designation for these above would be considered an asset

Competencies

Identifies potential supply chain, security and safety risks

Demonstrates active listening

Identifies needs and finds solutions to create value for all stakeholders

Develops self and others

Sets direction and inspires others

Communicates with influence and impact

Collaborates with others and shares information

Ability to build strong relationships and effectively manages conflicts

Seeks and values all perspectives

Curiosity to understand complex technical processes

Innovative and continuous improvement mindset

Knows the business and stays current on industry needs

Technical Skills/Knowledge

Knowledge of category management, contracting, and pricing models

Understanding of CN's Procurement Policies and Procedures

Knowledge of rules and regulatory compliance

Knowledge of Total Cost of Ownership and Net Present Value concepts

Knowledge of basic commercial aspects of product and service categories

Strong contracts, legal and business acumen

Affluent with contractual provisions and clauses including but not limited to, data ownership, cybersecurity, intellectual property ownership, confidential information, liability, and indemnity

Knowledge of contractual agreements such as, non-disclosure agreements, Early Start Letters, Master Purchase and/or Services Agreements

Knowledge of rail transportation and the logistics industry

Knowledge of railway engineering and/or construction industry

Fluently bilingual both written and verbal (English, French)

Any knowledge for these above would be considered an asset

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 reach out to our team at .

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.

CN is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or disability, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation. Only qualified candidates under consideration will be contacted. Please monitor your email on a regular basis, as communication is primarily made through email.