Category Manager

Career Opportunity

A great management opportunity within the Procurement and Category Management Department.

What You Will Do

Reporting to the Director - Procurement, you will be responsible for directing and overseeing procurement related to goods and services and/or complex large projects in accordance with TTC corporate policy, operating procedures/guidelines, industry best practices, and professional standards. You will direct and oversee strategic initiatives to enable and achieve the proposed financial and business objectives while ensuring that the procurement process meets public accountability requirements. Complex contracts include, but are not limited to: requirements for financial and insurance services, legal and security services, etc.

You will also responsible for managing a portfolio of contracts for one or more categories, from the development of Strategic Sourcing requirements to Category Performance, and the periodic reporting of category performance to the Director. You will be responsible for corporate and professional services contracts,.

You will supervise and direct category staff, ensure effective teamwork, high standards of work quality and organizational performance, continuous learning and encouraging innovation in others; provide training, advice, guidance, and direction to staff regarding specific commercial, legal, or technical issues; assist staff with complex negotiations for awards, changes, or claims; review and approve documentation prepared by staff and/or performing reviews of select contract files to ensure assignments are being completed in accordance with procedure/policy requirements and quality standards; approve competitive and non-competitive requests, commercial analyses, purchase authorizations, purchase orders, and contract amendments prepared by staff and hire and train staff; create a development plan and oversee the implementation of the plan.

You will lead the category management and strategic sourcing program and process awareness and education for the categories, sub-categories and cross functional teams on the creation of strategies, sourcing opportunity strategy; lead the development of detailed scope requirements for category management and strategic sourcing events, budgeting, resource management, planning and scheduling; managing and mitigating issues and risks.

You will also visit vendor locations to observe and assess capabilities as required; oversee the development of unique procurement strategies, procurement documents, and contract documents for the procurement of large, complex projects, goods and services and strategic initiatives, where the category strategy requires an RFx to enable the category objectives and achieves the proposed financial objectives and best overall business value; facilitate and support the contract award process which includes; supporting the drafting of RFx materials, management and issuance of process documents, and vendor selection process.

In addition to the above, you will promote a respectful work and service environment that supports diversity, inclusion, and is free from harassment and discrimination. Help to build an inclusive and accessible work and service environment for all employees and customers. Ensure the needs of employees and customers are accommodated in accordance with TTC's commitments and obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and Related Orders, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and TTC's policies and perform related duties as assigned.

What Skills You Bring

What Qualifications You Bring

• University Degree, or College Diploma in a related discipline, or a combination of education, training, and experience deemed to be equivalent.
• Experience in procurement/purchasing, sales, category management, contract management and administration principles, methods, and procedures
• Experience with the procurement process and related planning, information gathering, tender, evaluation, and award processes
• Experience in broad-based sourcing strategies to drive financial benefits (i.e., through negotiations, reducing total cost of ownership, demand management and supplier relationship management)
• Must have knowledge of techniques for negotiating and expediting goods and services contracts as well as knowledge of commercial contract documents, sources of supply, current prices for goods/services and related market trends
• Familiarity with materials management and sound knowledge of applicable customs charges and sales taxes
• Must be computer literate with working knowledge of relevant computer based materials management systems, and desktop software such as Microsoft Office
• Highly developed management, organizational, administrative and interpersonal skills
• Experience collaborating, leading, motivating and training staff within operating departments about strategic sourcing approaches
• Demonstrated analytical, problem solving, verbal/written communication and presentation skills
• Must have a valid non-probationary class "G" Ontario drivers licence and a personal vehicle for visits to vendors and TTC properties
• Must have or rapidly acquire a comprehensive knowledge of the Ontario Human Rights Code and Related Orders including disability accommodation and accessibility requirements pertaining to passengers and employees
• Professional purchasing accreditation or active enrollment with a professional body working towards certification is an asset
• Experience working in public sector procurement considered an asset

What We Offer

• Commitment to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture that promotes a sense of belonging and represents and reflects the needs of the communities we serve.
• A flexible, hybrid work approach that allows colleagues to find balance between their professional and personal lives and making the most of the benefits of working remotely and purpose-driven in-person collaboration opportunities.
• One of the great benefits of being a full-time TTC employee is becoming a member of TTC defined pension plan.
• A comprehensive package that covers health, dental, vision and more.
• Support for professional development opportunities for all colleagues through a broad range of learning programs that include in-person and online training, leadership development, and support for colleagues' well-being.

Commitment to EDI

The TTC is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, anti-racism and inclusion in the delivery of its services and in its workplaces. The TTC is committed to fostering a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities it serves at all levels of the organization, and supports an inclusive environment where diverse employee and community perspectives and experiences bring value to the organization. The TTC encourages applications from all applicants, including members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to equity, including but not limited to, Indigenous, Black and racialized groups, people with disabilities, women and people from the LGBTQIA+ community. The TTC values and supports an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment and selection process. Accommodations for applicants are available upon request throughout the recruitment and selection process, including for those who identify as having a disability. Please contact Talent Management at (416) 393-4570. Any information received related to an accommodation will be addressed confidentially.