Hitachi Rail

Hitachi Rail is looking for an enthusiastic self-motivated Senior Category Manager who thrives in a fast-paced environment. The successful candidate is comfortable performing a wide range of tasks from administrative to strategic. The position is based in Toronto, Ontario.

About Us:

A career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy. With operations in every corner of the world, our work goes to the cutting-edge of digital transformation and technology. From the multi-cultural strength of our global organization to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into. And that’s where you come in.

Senior Category Manager – Installation, Civil Works & Site Activities

Role Purpose:

Lead procurement for civil works, installation, and site activities in rail signaling projects, ensuring:

1. competitive cost
2. reliable contractor performance
3. strong delivery on site

The right candidate will possess:

1. Strong experience in rail/infrastructure/construction procurement
2. Expertise in civil works & installation in North America
3. Proven track record in complex project environments

Accountabilities:

1. Category Strategy

1. Define sourcing strategy for civil, installation, and site works
2. Build a strong NA contractor network (US/Canada)
3. Address market constraints (capacity, unions, local requirements)

2. Sourcing & Tendering

1. Lead RFQs/RFPs and contractor selection
2. Structure competitive bids (lump sum, unit rates, hybrid)
3. Align scope with engineering and construction realities

3. Project Procurement Support

1. Act as procurement lead in bids and execution
2. Support cost build-up and subcontracting strategy
3. Ensure solutions are deliverable in real site conditions

4. Supplier & Contractor Management

1. Develop and manage key contractors (civil + signaling install)
2. Track performance: safety, productivity, delivery
3. Build long-term partnerships in constrained markets

5. Contracts & Risk

1. Negotiate construction contracts
2. Manage claims, variations, and risk allocation
3. Reduce exposure to cost overruns and disputes

6. Cost & Value Engineering

1. Drive:
2. installation productivity
3. standardization
4. cost reduction initiatives
5. Challenge over-specification and inefficiencies

7. Market Intelligence

1. Monitor contractor capacity, labor costs, and regional trends
2. Identify new suppliers and alternative delivery models

Required skills/experience:

1. Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in Procurement that includes 3-5 years of experience with installation or construction type contracts
2. Strong experience in civil works and installation procurement
3. Deep knowledge of North American contracting and site constraints
4. Strong experience with contract terms and conditions negotiation expertise
5. Strong skill, knowledge and experience in complex negotiations, including claims
6. Strategic/critical thinking skills, including risk mitigation
7. Proven negotiation and stakeholder management skills
8. Experience with IT Tools (MS Office, SAP, E-Auctions)
9. Procurement Planning Methods experience
10. Cost Controlling & Budgeting concepts/basics experience

Education:

Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree

Language:

English

Salary Range

min $95,000 (CAD) to max $142,000 (CAD)

Benefits

Hitachi Rail employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including Competitive Pay, Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance, Long Term Disability, Life & Accident Insurance, a Retirement Savings Plan, and Paid Vacation. We also offer a number of Work/Life Programs such as Flextime and a variety of Training and Development opportunities.

Our hiring process uses both human and technology-assisted (AI) tools to support candidate screening and assessment. All results are reviewed by people, and all hiring decisions are made by people.

Thank you for your interest in Hitachi Rail. If your application is of interest, we will be in contact. Please do not hesitate to discover more about us and our latest jobs at https://www.hitachirail.com/careers.

At Hitachi Rail, there is a place for everyone. We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, and world view. It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment - we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

We would be delighted if you would be one of our followers at https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachirail