Procurement Specialist

Job Summary

The Procurement Specialist is responsible for supporting the development, analysis and execution of innovative procurement strategies that deliver sustainable enterprise value including achievement of cost reduction targets for the Rail Services category (Welding, Grinding, Material Handling & Rail Flaw Detection). The incumbent monitors the delivery of key contracts, capture of financial savings through negotiation of contract terms, conditions and monitoring of supplier performance. In addition, the role works with Manager, Category to analyze and present data during the baseline, strategize and deliver phases of the category management process, and develop sourcing project plan, prepare procurement process documentation and handle the event through to evaluation and final recommendation.

Main Responsibilities

• Interact with internal stakeholders, understand their needs and promote value creation
• Conduct data analytics during different stages of the sourcing process
• Develop the procurement category strategy and supplier market knowledge
• Build and handle the Request for Proposal (RFP) process, evaluate supplier responses, and prepare business cases to submit for management approval
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers (e.g., commercial and legal clauses)
• Manage supplier relationships and performance
• Collaborate with buyers to ensure all rates and agreements are appropriately administered in the Purchase to Pay (P2P) process (i.e., System, Applications and Products (SAP), Ariba, Fieldglass)
• Ensure that all internal requirements in terms of compliance to procurement policy are met and addressed

Working Conditions

The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular work week from Monday to Friday. The role requires minimal travel (up to 10%) within North America.

Requirements

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years experience in a similar role

Education/Certification/Designation

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or Law or equivalent

Competencies

• Demonstrates active listening
• Sets direction and inspires others
• Communicates with impact
• Collaborates with others and shares information
• Applies critical thinking
• Demonstrates agility and drives change
• Knows the business and stays current on industry needs

Technical Skills/Knowledge

• Extensive knowledge and ability to understand complex contractual Terms and Conditions, Master Services Agreements (MSAs) and Statement of Works (SOW)
• Knowledge of contractual financial aspects such as Net Present Value (NPV), Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), Consumer Price Index (CPI)/ Producer Price Index (PPI)
• Good analytical skills and knowledge of MS Office applications.
• Knowledge of strategic sourcing best practices
• Knowledge of Procure-to-Pay process (P2P)
• Knowledge of supplier performance principles
• Knowledge of commercial aspects of service categories
• Knowledge of rail industry
• Effectively handles multiple priorities and adapts in a fast-paced business setting.
Any knowledge for these above would be considered as 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 a 20,000-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 get in touch with our team at cnrecruitment@cn.ca.