Senior Specialist IT, Procurement

Reference Number : 1461

Status : Permanent - Full-time

Annual Salary / Hourly Rate : $106,811 - $133,514

Number of positions to be filled : 1

Application Deadline : 10/16/2026

Did you know that VIA Rail is carrying out ambitious projects to modernize its services and infrastructure? From our new ultramodern train fleet to ongoing improvement of our infrastructure, we’re building the future of transportation in Canada. Working for VIA Rail is being a part of a collective effort in sustainable mobility.

VIA Rail is a forward-looking organization currently undergoing a significant transformation. Our growth and outstanding results over the past two years have prompted us to reflect on our long-term positioning. We have a wide range of ongoing and upcoming projects that will enable us to bring our 2025 vision, "The smart way to travel" , to life. These changes will impact all our divisions, including fleet renewal, reservation system modernization, and upgrades to maintenance centres, stations, and infrastructure. It is within this context that we have created the position of Senior IT Procurement Specialist, dedicated to supporting the success of procurement initiatives related to the Fleet Renewal Program.

Why VIA Rail?

We’re proud to offer a workplace that reflects the diversity and inclusivity of Canadian society. At VIA Rail, you’ll enjoy:

- Competitive Compensation & Benefits

- Excellent Pension Plan & Bonus Program

- Generous Vacation, Parental, and Personal Leave

- Hybrid Work Options (role-dependent)

- Unlimited Access to Telemedicine Services

- Comprehensive Health & Wellness Coverage

- Train Travel Privileges for You and Your Family

- Career Development & Training Opportunities

- Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

- Participation in Social Initiatives & Employee Resource Groups

POSITION
Reporting to the Senior Manager, IT Procurement, the Senior IT Procurement Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing procurement strategies, plans, and programs for IT-related initiatives. The incumbent will also manage the assigned IT procurement portfolio. Working closely with various stakeholders, they will help mitigate risks and maximize procurement opportunities for VIA Rail. The role also serves as an advisor to internal departments and external organizations on assigned procurement matters. In addition, the incumbent will leverage industry best practices, experience, and expertise to enhance the delivery of products and services. Working in close collaboration with the Legal team, they will actively participate in the development, drafting, and review of contractual agreements and related documentation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, understand their needs, and recommend best practices.

- Advise stakeholders throughout the procurement process and assist them in defining project scope and requirements.

- Conduct market research and analysis to identify potential suppliers, assess competition, and evaluate associated risks.

- Maintain in-depth knowledge of products and solutions available in the marketplace; recommend strategies and initiatives, identify opportunities and potential supplier market threats, and propose improvement solutions.

- Coordinate complex projects with cross-functional teams involving multiple business units.

- Plan, develop, and implement procurement strategies in collaboration with stakeholders for projects and acquisitions under their responsibility.

- Establish timelines, priorities, and action plans to ensure the effective implementation of solutions and timely completion of procurement initiatives.

- Ensure procurement activities are executed efficiently and within established governance requirements.

- Support the Senior Manager, IT Procurement, in planning, preparing, and facilitating monthly and quarterly meetings with the IT teams they support to review upcoming contract renewals and identify new business needs.

- Act as a facilitator in managing and resolving issues with suppliers and internal clients, while ensuring appropriate follow-up.

- Support internal clients in the development of statements of work and technical specifications, conduct the necessary reviews, define the appropriate procurement strategy, and establish procurement timelines based on business requirements.

- Prepare and issue solicitation documents, ensuring that requirements are clearly defined for professional services, goods, products, and other assigned initiatives.

- Assess risks, recommend mitigation plans, and work closely with the Legal team to actively participate in the development, drafting, and review of contractual agreements and related documents.

- Evaluate proposals and negotiate agreements to secure the best market terms and conditions, while making recommendations for executive approval.

- Communicate and collaborate effectively with the Finance Centre of Expertise team, which is responsible for issuing purchase orders for goods and services following contract execution. Ensure that contractual commitments are accurately reflected in the purchase orders issued.

- Coordinate contract renewals and amendments.

- Implement the Supplier Performance Management policy with the designated suppliers within their assigned portfolio.

- Support business units in the application and interpretation of contractual clauses.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

REQUIREMENTS

- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Finance, or Legal Services, along with eight to ten years of experience preparing tender documents, requests for proposals (RFPs), evaluation grids, and managing contracts for IT goods and services.

- Experience in preparing solicitation packages for projects and negotiations across various indirect procurement categories.

COMPETENCIES

- Extensive experience managing complex procurement files related to Information Technology.

- Required experience in preparing and managing tender processes, conducting negotiations, and performing data analysis.

- Experience with contractual and legal matters.

- Excellent communication skills in both French and English, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

- High standards of professional ethics and integrity.

- Strong negotiation skills, sound understanding of the business aspects related to procurement files, and effective conflict management abilities.

- Participation in open discussions on topics of interest to the organization.

- High level of initiative, combined with strong organizational, planning, and leadership skills.

- Experience in resolving procurement-related issues and managing supplier relationships.

- Extensive experience in developing sourcing strategies, conducting detailed cost analyses, and implementing process improvements.

- Ability to work independently while maintaining a collaborative approach with colleagues.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

- Experience with procurement processes using an integrated management system such as Oracle is considered an asset.

At VIA Rail, we are proud to be an employment-equity employer and we strive to form teams that reflect the diversity of Canadian society. We aim to remove barriers to employment accessibility and aspire to provide an inclusive and equitable work environment where everyone is valued, regardless of their identity or differences, to enable them to reach their full potential.

If you need assistance in making the recruitment process or the position you are applying for more accessible, please let us know. Alternate arrangements may be offered to individuals who request them at any stage of the recruitment process. All information received in relation to arrangements will be kept confidential.

Note that we will only contact those who are selected for an interview.

Join our 3,000 other employees in helping provide Canadians with a safe, accessible, environmentally sustainable way to travel!