Overview
Sr Category Specialist Jobs in Calgary, Alberta, Canada at WestJet
Why WestJet
Since our story took off in 1996, WestJet has strived to enrich the lives of everyone in our world; a career with us is no exception. We’re proud to be one of Canada’s most admired and respected corporate cultures and continuously aim for the highest standards of service and success.
Join us, this is where your career story takes off.
This position requires in-person collaboration up to 5 days per week. This arrangement is subject to change with business requirements.
Overview Of The Role
WestJet is seeking a Sr Category Specialist. Reporting to the Director of Strategic Procurement, you will bring proven strategic capability in strategic procurement as it relates to category management, strategic sourcing, contract life cycle management, and supplier relationship management. The category portfolio is focused on aircraft engines, maintenance, repair, landing systems, components, modifications, and will partner closely with engineering, maintenance, and operations teams to translate technical requirements into robust commercial outcomes.
Key Deliverables Include
- Lead category management and strategic sourcing for technically complex, capital‑intensive spend (e.g., engines, components, MRO, landing systems, leasing, modifications).
- Own the end‑to‑end sourcing lifecycle, including scoping, spend analysis, RFx execution, negotiations, contracting, renewals, and award recommendations.
- Develop and execute category strategies that drive cost savings, asset lifecycle value, financial targets, and growth objectives.
- Manage strategic supplier relationships, contracts, and governance for high‑value, low‑volume equipment and services to ensure performance, compliance, and value delivery.
- Partner cross‑functionally with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, Quality, Finance, and category teams to align sourcing strategies with technical and operational needs.
- Analyze market conditions, supplier capabilities, cost drivers, industry trends, and supply risks to inform sourcing decisions and mitigate exposure.
- Track and deliver procurement KPIs (e.g., cost savings, spend under management, supplier rationalization) while driving continuous improvement initiatives with Procurement Leadership.
Experience And Qualifications
- 7+ years of progressive experience in leading strategic projects, strategic procurement, contract management, category management, and or sourcing experience, within asset heavy or industrial environments (e.g., aviation, energy, mining, manufacturing)
- Bachelor’s degree in business, or equivalent (Supply Chain Canada designation is considered an asset)
- Strong ability to engage effectively with engineers and technical stakeholders to understand specifications, performance requirements, and maintenance considerations
- Demonstrated capability and curiosity to quickly learn complex mechanical systems (e.g., engines, landing gear, braking systems, repairable/rotable components)
- Proven experience sourcing repairable parts, lifecycle‑based services, and/or leasing models
- Ability to interpret technical documentation, scopes of work, and commercial data to support sourcing decisions
- Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated success negotiating complex contracts involving capital equipment, MRO, or technical services
- Experience operating within regulated, compliance driven, and safety critical environments
The Benefits Of Being a WestJetter
WestJet provides all WestJetters with a competitive total rewards package. On top of that, we offer:
- A fun and friendly culture with colleagues who work together to win
- Travel privileges for you and your family, effective from your start date
- Savings and Benefit programs that are flexible to meet your specific needs
Think we’re a great fit? Apply now!
About WestJet Group Of Companies
WestJet took to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations. Since then, WestJet has pioneered low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half, and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Since the Sunwing Airlines integration in 2025, more than 15,000 WestJetters support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to our global network of more than 100 destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.
The WestJet Group is a major Canadian employer and includes WestJet Airlines, WestJet Encore and Sunwing Vacations Group. We’re Canada’s leading value airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians.
Our safety promise
At WestJet, the safety and security of our people and our guests is a core value and at the heart of what we do. Safety and security are shared responsibilities all team members are expected to use safe work practices to ensure their well-being and the safety of others.
WestJet recognizes that the use of Alcohol and Drugs can adversely impact a safe work environment and the well-being of others including guests, suppliers and the public, as well as place WestJet's operations at risk. All roles that are identified as Safey-Sensitive are required to pass a Pre-Employment Alcohol and Drug Test as per WestJet's Alcohol and Drug Policy.
Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
We embrace what makes each of us unique, and what makes us uniquely WestJet. We welcome diverse skills, experiences and backgrounds so if you're passionate about this role, we encourage you to apply – even if you don't meet every qualification listed. WestJet is committed to inclusiveness, equity and accessibility throughout the selection process. If you require accommodation at any stage, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at [email protected].
We value the time and effort you put into your application. Our recruitment process is highly competitive and while every applicant will receive communication regarding their application status, only those selected to move forward will be contacted with next steps. If this role isn’t the right fit, we encourage you to explore future opportunities with us.
About
For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com/aboutus.
If you wish to withdraw your application or request that your personal information be deleted, please contact us at [email protected].
Title: Sr Category Specialist
Company: WestJet
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada