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 Director, Category Management, Fuel and Operations is responsible for providing leadership to the Category Management team members. The role works closely with Business Units (BUs) leadership and key suppliers to drive successful category initiatives for Fuel and Energy, Maintenance and Operating (MRO) items, General Supplies and Services, Facilities Management, and Transportation Services, to optimize procurement planning and recommend strategic priorities aligned with the business and corporate goals. The position applies expertise to support complex and innovative category and procurement strategies and negotiations. Furthermore, the role balances the needs of multiple stakeholders by building and maintaining strong relationships within Procurement and Supply Management (P&SM), CN BUs and suppliers. Moreover, the incumbent guides the development of team members with ongoing coaching and assignment of on-the-job experiences. Finally, the position is responsible for CN’s Fuel Management System and Fuel Reporting for both internal and external purposes.

Main Responsibilities

• Participate in strategic business planning with BU leadership to align Procurement with the corporate goals and BU plans

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to Category Teams and supporting BU leaders in planning, designing, and delivering category management and strategic procurement services that deliver value

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and suppliers in the achievement of corporate strategic objectives such as decarbonization and sustainability

• Develop annual and long-term organizational plans, measures, and approaches to continue to deliver procurement services across CN

• Support supplier development plans to meet the organization’s procurement requirements over the short and medium-term

• Lead all activities related to Fuel and Energy, including overseeing the Fuel Management System

• Oversee Fuel from forecasting, procurement to payment, logistics and distribution, inventory control, and reporting for both internal and external purposes. Drive decarbonization efforts with increasing use of biomass-based fuel blends

• Support the Transportation function with crew transportation services across the system and crew accommodation services in Canada

• Support all functions with general supplies and services such as maintenance and repair materials and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Support Janitorial, Security, Snow Removal and Facilities Management supply contracts

• Contribute to the overall development of the department as a centre of excellence in Category Management and Sustainable Procurement by implementing best practices, networking with BU stakeholders and guiding the usage of emerging technologies and processes

• Lead, coach, and mentor the senior managers to enhance organizational effectiveness and foster a culture focused on strategically enabling the business

• Manage financial and human resources effectively to meet CN and P&SM business plan objectives

• Direct the procurement of materials and services while balancing savings with business value and required service levels, and reporting on the progress of procurement department activities

Working Conditions

The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday. The role requires being available on-call to respond to critical incidences and reporting inquiries. Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure, and stress. The position requires regular travel (50%) within Canada and the United States (U.S.).

Requirements

Experience

Strategic Procurement and Supply Chain Operations

• Minimum 10 years of experience in strategic procurement and supply chain operations

o Experience in negotiating complex contracts of large value

o Experience at CN in the areas of Operations, Transportation, Mechanical, Fuel and Energy, Procurement and Supply Management, Accounting and Financial Reporting*

• Any experience for these above would be considered as an asset

Education/Certification/Designation

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations Management, Finance/Accounting, or related Degree*

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

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

Competencies

• Knows the business and stays current on industry news

• Applies critical thinking

• Innovates

• Sets direction and inspires others

• Delegates and empowers to create accountability

• Communicates with impact

• Collaborates with others and shares information

• Demonstrates active listening

• Solves problems to create value

• Leads by example for the safety and security of all

• Considers ESG principles in all operations

Technical Skills/Knowledge

• Knowledge of category management and CN procurement policies and procedures

• Knowledge of contracting, including rules and regulatory considerations

• Knowledge of rail transportation and the logistics industry

• Knowledge of the fuel and energy markets and dynamics

• Excellent communication skills for negotiating, dispute resolution, and capable of making recommendations to senior levels

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.

CN is an employment equity employer and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. 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.