The Role
Supports strategic sourcing and contract execution for aircraft technical operations and fleet procurement. Develops RFx packages, coordinates evaluations, analyzes supplier proposals, supports negotiations, drafts contracts, and manages sourcing timelines, approvals, renewals, and records. Partners with Category Managers, engineers, technical stakeholders, Legal, and suppliers to translate requirements into agreements. The role focuses on aircraft components, repair services, OEM products, leasing, exchange programs, and MRO services.
Summary Generated by Built In
This position requires in-person collaboration up to five days a week. This arrangement is subject to change based on business requirements.
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.
Overview
Reporting to the Director of Strategic Procurement, the Category Specialist supports sourcing and contracting, with a primary focus on Technical Operations and Fleet . Working closely with Category Managers (Components, Airframe Maintenance and Engines/Powerplant) and technical business partners, the role supports category and contract strategy and converts requirements into RFx packages, negotiations and executable agreements.
Main Responsibilities
- Execute assigned aircraft technical sourcing initiatives and contract renewals from requirements definition through award and contract execution.
- Develop complete RFx packages, including commercial requirements, pricing schedules, bidder instructions, evaluation criteria and contract documentation.
- Work with TechOps stakeholders to develop and edit scopes of work, specifications, deliverables and performance requirements.
- Coordinate technical and commercial evaluations, analyze supplier proposals and prepare clear award recommendations.
- Develop negotiation positions and lead or support negotiations based on the value, risk and complexity of the procurement.
- Draft and revise contracts, amendments, statements of work, schedules, pricing attachments and commercial terms. Coordinate Legal and stakeholder review.
- Support Category Managers with spend, supplier, market and contract analysis to inform category plans, sourcing priorities and contract strategy.
- Manage multiple sourcing and contracting files, approvals, timelines, renewals and records in line with procurement and regulatory requirements.
Experience and Qualifications
- 2 to 5 years of experience in strategic sourcing/procurement, contracting for services and materials or a related commercial role. Aviation, aerospace, MRO or another technical and regulated industry is preferred.
- Proven experience developing RFx packages, evaluation criteria and sourcing recommendations.
- Proven experience negotiating commercial terms and drafting or revising contracts and scopes of work.
- Ability to work with engineers and technical stakeholders and translate technical requirements into sourcing and contract documents.
- Highly organized, strong commercial, analytical, organizational and written communication skills, with the ability to manage a high volume of concurrent files.
- Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain or a related discipline, or equivalent education and experience. A procurement or supply chain designation is an asset.
Preferred Technical Experience
- Experience sourcing aircraft components, repairable or rotable parts, repair services, OEM products, exchange or leasing programs, or MRO services.
- Familiarity with time and material, fixed-price, exchange, lease, repair or performance-based commercial models.
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.
For more information about everything WestJet, please westjet.com/aboutus.
If you wish to withdraw your application or request that your personal information be deleted, please contact us at [email protected].
If you wish to withdraw your application or request that your personal information be deleted, please contact us at [email protected].
Skills Required
- 2 to 5 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, contracting for services and materials, or a related commercial role
- Experience developing RFx packages, evaluation criteria, and sourcing recommendations
- Experience negotiating commercial terms and drafting or revising contracts and scopes of work
- Ability to work with engineers and technical stakeholders and translate technical requirements into sourcing and contract documents
- Strong commercial, analytical, organizational, written communication, and file-management skills
- Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, or a related discipline, or equivalent education and experience
- Procurement or supply chain designation
- Experience in aviation, aerospace, MRO, or another technical and regulated industry
- Experience sourcing aircraft components, repairable or rotable parts, repair services, OEM products, exchange or leasing programs, or MRO services
- Familiarity with time and material, fixed-price, exchange, lease, repair, or performance-based commercial models
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The Company
What We Do
WestJet is a Canadian airline and the parent company of WestJet Airlines, WestJet Encore, and Sunwing Vacations Group. It provides affordable scheduled air travel connecting Canada with destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. The WestJet Group also operates vacation and cargo businesses, serving travelers and businesses through an expanding network while emphasizing reliability, operational excellence, and value.
