At CN, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you're a part of making sure our business is running optimally and safely helping keep the economy on track. We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities that long-term careers are built on and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference. You will be able to thrive in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!
Job Summary
Reporting to the Senior Manager - Construction, the Category Manager will lead category management strategies that bring sustainable value to the company, including achieving cost reduction targets. The Category Manager will lead a team of procurement professionals to support various business units (Design and Construction, Bridges and Structures, Environment, Commercial Development) and coordinate with other CN functions to execute category strategies and work closely with key suppliers to manage the category, optimize procurement planning and recommend strategic priorities.
Main Responsibilities
Lead Category Analysts in the implementation of category management strategies (including sourcing processes, evaluation, negotiation).
Execute category management objectives, strategies, KPI targets and supplier management strategies.
Oversee planning relevant to the category.
Control supplier performance while managing key relationships.
Support the development of skills and execution of talent management plans.
Quantify, interpret, and make recommendations on proposals into clear decision criteria for customers' senior management teams.
Work closely with business partners to develop clear mandates and ensure execution and compliance.
You are responsible for interpreting contracts and providing support to agreements, contract change control and keeping records.
Working Conditions
The incumbent is expected to work eight-hour days, Monday through Friday with some overtime. The start time is no later than 8:30 a.m. and the end time not earlier than 4:00 p.m. Dress code is business casual.
Requirements
Experience
Procurement and Supply Chain
Minimum five years of progressively responsible management in Procurement and Supply Chain or an asset intensive organization.
o Experience with procure-to-pay processes, for both materials and services, including strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, purchasing, and expediting.
Education/Certification/Designation
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Business Technology Management or Supply Chain and Operations.
Post-Graduate Degree
Any education for these above is considered as an asset
Competencies
At least 10 years of experience in construction contracting, civil engineering or other relevant experience.
Undergraduate degree in Engineering, Business Administration or related degree is preferred.
Knowledge of category management, contracting, and pricing models.
Ability to translate targets into purchasing opportunities and effectively communicate progress made.
Negotiation expert with strong knowledge of contract language and legislative requirements.
Experience evaluating and editing contract language and interactions with Legal department.
Ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders to balance needs and achieve objectives.
Ability to coach Category Analysts and guide areas needing development.
Experience managing multiple simultaneous projects requiring frequent communication, organizing, time management and problem-solving skills.
Aptitude for handling multi-dimensional, complex processes and/or projects with the ability to identify specific examples (this experience may have been exhibited while functioning in a non-technical role).
Responsible for interpreting contracts and first line of dispute resolution on agreements, contract change control, and record keeping.
Ongoing contract management.
Technical Skills/Knowledge
Project and conflict management.
Negotiation skills.
Understanding of category management including spend analysis, demand planning, category strategy, strategic sourcing, contract management, supplier performance management and its linkage to the procure-to-pay function.
Strong understanding of relevant procurement policies, processes and procedures, in particular as they relate to purchasing and expediting.
Strong judgment to distinguish between benefits, risks, constraints and assumptions when reviewing sourcing strategies and contracts.
Good operational procurement skills and procurement process and systems expertise.
Advanced computer skills: Microsoft Office Suite and Excel. Beginner to intermediate in any coding language.
Understanding and use of RFQ and RFI processes methods of ordering and payment and market dynamics.
Understanding business unit requirements in the requisition, and evaluate its completeness for PO/RO creation.
General understanding of commercial and contract terms and conditions.
Any experience with RPA or ERP implementations.
Knowledge of relevant SAP/Ariba/eProcurement/Fieldglass modules.
Any knowledge of these above would be considered as an asset
This position is posted as a grade 7. For internal candidates, note that the grade level of the position may adjust based on the employee's experience.
About CN
CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. 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. As the only railroad connecting Canada's Eastern and Western coasts with the Southern tip of the U.S. through a 19,500 mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship. At CN, we work as ONE TEAM, focused on safety, sustainability and our customers, providing operational and supply chain excellence to deliver results.
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 from underrepresented groups often don't apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%. Even if you don't see yourself in 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 employment opportunity employer, all qualified applicants 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. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted. Please monitor your email on a regular basis, as communication is primarily made through email.