Senior Category Manager, Engineering Maintenance Services and Signals & Communications- EN

At CN , everyday brings new and exciting challenges . Y ou can expect a n interesting environment where you’re part of making sure our business is running opti mally and safely ― helping keep the economy on track . W e provide the kind of paid training and opportunit ies 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, safe ty-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, 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

Requirements Experience

Strategic Procurement and Supply Chain Operations

• Minimum 7 years of experience in strategic procurement and supply chain operations
• Experience in negotiating complex contracts of large value
• Experience in railroad operations or business function*
• Experience in railway engineering, construction or heavy-duty equipment
• Experience in managing large teams
• 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 [email protected] .

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.