Senior Category Manager – Construction Projects

At CN, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you’re 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

The Senior Category Manager – Construction Projects is responsible for leading the development and execution of innovative category management strategies that deliver sustainable enterprise value as well as achieving cost reduction targets. The incumbent leads cross-functional teams, including business unit leadership to develop category strategies, collaborate with suppliers to drive successful category management, for Design and Construction, Bridges and Structures as well as Intermodal stakeholders to optimize procurement planning, contract execution, and recommend strategic priorities. The role contributes to the development of Category Analysts and the ongoing coaching together with the assignment of on-the-job experience. The position ensures the development and execution of category management. The incumbent cooperates with business units and stakeholders to manage categories from demand planning through to contract execution and administration. The incumbent also establishes a vendor base and implements supplier performance processes

Main Responsibilitie

·       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 Analysts in the development and implementation of Category Management strategies including sourcing processes, evaluations, and negotiations while measuring and reporting these activities as well as oversee the Category Manager(s)

·       Monitor supplier performance while managing key relationships

·       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

Working Conditions

The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday. The incumbent is also subject to the flexible work policy. The role requires to be available to attend to critical or urgent situations when necessary. 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%) to construction sites.  

Requirements Experience

Strategic Procurement and Supply Chain Operations

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

·       Construction industry experience*

 *Any designation for these above would be considered as an asset

Education/Certification/Designation

·       Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Engineering or Operations Management, or related Degree*

·       Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA)*

·       Project Management Professional (PMP) certification*

*Any designation for these above would be considered as an asset

Competencies

·       Influences by translating expertise into practical business outcomes

·       Is agile in responding to the rapid evolution of the industry and of technology

·       Collaborates with key internal stakeholders to enable higher productivity

·       Shares timely information within and across functions to get things done effectively

·       Applies analytical thinking to make recommendations that pursue sustainable performance

·       Deals with pressure and change by staying calm to quickly adapt to changes

·       Addresses risks in a timely manner to eliminate them

·       Fluently bilingual both written and verbal (English, French)

Technical Skills/Knowledge

·       Knowledge of Total Cost of Ownership and Net Present Value concepts

·       Knowledge of category management, contracting, and pricing models

·       Knowledge of CN’s procurement policies and procedures

·       Knowledge of affiliate rules and regulatory compliance

·       Knowledge of relevant supply market structure and value levers

·       Knowledge of basic commercial aspects of product and service categories

·       Knowledge of rail transportation and the logistics industry

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.