Manager, Category

at  Canadian National Railway

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 Manager, Category is responsible for leading the development and execution of innovative category management strategies that deliver sustainable enterprise value including achievement of cost reduction targets. The incumbent leads cross-functional teams, including business unit leadership and other CN functions to develop category strategies, with suppliers to drive successful category management, to optimize procurement planning, and to recommend strategic priorities. The role contributes to the development of Category Analysts considering the development of ongoing coaching and the assignment of on-the-job experience. Furthermore, the role ensures the development and execution of category management categories.

Main Responsibilities

• Establish management objectives and strategies, Key Performance Indicator (KPI) targets, inventory strategies as well as supplier management strategies
• Oversee demand planning and forecasting activities relevant to the category
• Lead the spend analysis and segmentation of categories based considering demand, organization, and market changes
• Lead Category Analysts in the development and implementation of category management strategies (e.g., sourcing processes, evaluation, negotiation), while measuring and reporting these activities
• Monitor supplier performance while handling 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. Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure, stress and work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and mandates. The role requires 10% travel within North America.
Requirements
Experience

Strategic Procurement or Supply Chain Operations

• Minimum 7 years of experience in strategic procurement or supply chain operations

o Experience in locomotives, parts and locomotive maintenance category*

• Any experience 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 of Business Administration (MBA)*
• Any designation for these above would be considered as an asset

Competencies

• Demonstrates agility and drives change
• Sets direction and inspires others
• Communicates with impact
• Knows the business and stays current on industry needs
• Collaborates with others and shares information
• Develops self and others
• Delegates and empowers others to create accountability
• Any skills/attributes for these above would be considered as an asset

Technical Skills/Knowledge

• Knowledge of Total Cost of Ownership and Net Present Value concepts
• Complete understanding of category management, contracting and pricing models
• Advanced knowledge of contract terms and conditions
• 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 the basic commercial aspects of the product and service categories
• Knowledge of the rail transportation or logistic industry
• Any knowledge for any of the above would be considered as an asset

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 cnrecruitment@cn.ca.
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.

• Establish management objectives and strategies, Key Performance Indicator (KPI) targets, inventory strategies as well as supplier management strategies
• Oversee demand planning and forecasting activities relevant to the category
• Lead the spend analysis and segmentation of categories based considering demand, organization, and market changes
• Lead Category Analysts in the development and implementation of category management strategies (e.g., sourcing processes, evaluation, negotiation), while measuring and reporting these activities
• Monitor supplier performance while handling 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 plan