Category Manager, Technology

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director, Commercial Services (Procurement), the Category Manager, Technology will provide functional leadership by assuming prime responsibility for sourcing Porter’s IT, flight operations, telecom and corporate technology-related goods and services, inclusive of the broad range of third party systems and software at the organization.

As part of our ongoing IT transformation, this role is critical to supporting our ambitious plans. Porter is currently expanding its fleet of 29 DHC Dash 8 aircraft to include 75 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. As North America’s fastest-growing airline, Porter is seeking top talent to join our dynamic organization with significant growth potential.

This manager role is a new and exciting position on the procurement team. We are looking for an individual with strong leadership and negotiation skills and someone who is a self-starter with a results-oriented approach. The successful candidate will have a background in technology procurement or technology-related roles, aligning with our broader goal of driving innovation and efficiency across the organization.

Building a small team of sourcing professionals is part of the roadmap for this role.

• Develop and Implement Category Strategies
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  Create and implement comprehensive category strategies specifically tailored to IT, software development, support services, hardware, and outsourced technology services.
• Conduct Complex Supplier Negotiations
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  Lead and manage complex negotiations with suppliers to achieve the best value for Porter.
• Business Partner Management
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  Key point-of-contact for internal business leaders for project prioritization and issues resolution.
• Vendor Management
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  Oversee relationships with current and prospective suppliers, ensuring they meet Porter's standards for quality, cost, and delivery.
• Manage Procurements of Varying Complexities
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  Handle procurements ranging from low complexity items like laptops to high complexity procurements such as cybersecurity solutions or industry-specific tools.
• Leverage and Maintain Vendors of Record
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  Develop and maintain relationships with vendors of record for various IT services, ensuring reliable and cost-effective procurement.
• Contract Management
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  Negotiate, draft, and manage contracts with technology vendors, ensuring compliance with terms and mitigating risks.
• Support Procurement Processes
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  Collaborate closely with internal teams such as IT, Legal, Finance, and Accounts Payable to ensure seamless procurement processes and integration.
• Monitor Market Trends
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  Stay informed about benchmarking, market trends, advancements in technology, and best practices in procurement to maintain a competitive edge.
• Performance Tracking
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  Track and analyze vendor performance, addressing any issues and implementing improvement plans as necessary. Establish quarterly business reviews with key suppliers and business leadership.
• Budget Management
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  Manage procurement budgets, ensuring cost-effective purchasing decisions and financial accountability.
• Compliance and Risk Management
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  Ensure all procurement activities comply with corporate policies and regulatory requirements, managing risks effectively.
• Reporting and Analysis
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  Prepare and present detailed reports on procurement activities, vendor performance, and cost savings to senior leadership.
• People Management
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  Build and manage a small, cohesive team of technology sourcing experts.
• Actively participate in Porter’s Security and Safety Management System (SMS), including reporting hazards and incidents encountered in daily operations; understand, comply and promote the Company Safety Policy.

• Concern for Safety: Identifying hazardous or potentially hazardous situations and taking appropriate action to maintain a safe environment for self and others.
• Teamwork: Working collaboratively with others to achieve organizational goals.
• Passenger/Customer Service: Providing service excellence to internal and/or external customers (passengers).
• Initiative: Dealing with situations and issues proactively and persistently, seizing opportunities that arise.
• Results Focus: Focusing efforts on…