Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Strategic Sourcing Specialist

WHO WE ARE

Our Power, Your Possibilities

At TransAlta, we don’t just generate electricity-we generate opportunity. As one of Canada’s largest publicly traded power generators, we’ve been powering communities for over 100 years across Canada, the U.S., and Australia. Our diverse energy portfolio and passionate team are driving the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

We believe in the power of purpose, the strength of collaboration, and the value of continuous learning. If you’re ready to make a real impact in a dynamic industry, you bring the energy - we’ll provide the platform.

 

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a strategic sourcing role focused on developing commercial strategies, analyzing spend and demand, and identifying opportunities to improve value, reduce risk, and strengthen supplier relationships. The role will lead complex sourcing initiatives, including the development and negotiation of Master Service Agreements (MSAs) and other long-term agreements with OEMs and key suppliers, while ensuring appropriate commercial and contractual protections are in place. It will also support strategic sourcing, commercial analysis, and contract development across a broad range of complex goods and services.

You will partner closely with internal stakeholders, Legal, Engineering, Operations, and key suppliers to understand business requirements, develop sourcing and contracting strategies, negotiate commercial terms, and establish agreements that balance value, flexibility, and risk.

A key part of the role is understanding contractual terms and conditions, recognizing where TransAlta’s standard terms are appropriate, where alternative or step-down provisions may be required, and when issues should be escalated to Legal.

The ideal candidate brings strong end-to-end strategic sourcing and contracting experience, commercial judgment, and the ability to translate spend, supplier, and business data into practical sourcing strategies.

This position is based out of our Downtown Calgary Head Office.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

• Develop and negotiate MSAs and other commercial agreements with OEMs, service providers, and strategic suppliers.
• Work with business stakeholders to understand current and future requirements and translate those requirements into sourcing and contracting strategies.
• Review commercial terms and conditions, identify contractual and commercial risks, and understand where standard, alternative, or step-down clauses may be appropriate based on the scope and risk profile.
• Partner with Legal on higher-risk contractual matters while independently progressing commercial provisions within Supply Chain’s scope.
• Develop contracting approaches that appropriately address pricing, warranties, liability, indemnities, insurance, performance obligations, change management, and other key commercial considerations.
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives from opportunity identification to commercial evaluations, benchmarking, total cost of ownership analysis, and supplier comparisons to support business decisions.
• Lead supplier negotiations and develop negotiation strategies that improve commercial outcomes while protecting TransAlta’s operational and contractual interests.
• Support supplier performance and relationship management for key strategic suppliers and OEMs, including governance, KPIs, commercial reviews, and continuous improvement.
• Identify opportunities to standardize agreements, consolidate suppliers, improve commercial practices, and strengthen Supply Chain governance across the organization.

ABOUT YOU

• Undergraduate degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field; SCMP or equivalent designation is an asset.
• 10-12 years of progressive strategic sourcing or contracting experience, including direct responsibility for complex sourcing initiatives and supplier negotiations.
• Strong experience developing, negotiating, and administering MSAs and other commercial agreements.
• Strong working knowledge of commercial terms and conditions and an understanding of how contractual provisions allocate commercial and operational risk.
• Ability to independently review and negotiate commercial provisions, identify areas requiring alternative or step-down language, and recognize when Legal involvement is required.
• Strong analytical skills with experience interpreting spend, supplier, pricing, and demand data to develop sourcing strategies and recommendations.
• Strong commercial judgment and negotiation skills, with the ability to balance cost, risk, operational requirements, and long-term supplier relationships.
• Ability to work effectively across functions and with senior internal stakeholders, Legal, technical teams, and suppliers.

 

THE PERKS

• Competitive salary
• Annual and long-term incentives available for select roles
• Company-matching pension plan
• Flexible health benefits for you and your family
• Generous vacation and personal days
• Learning and development programs
• Employee recognition and rewards
• Annual wellness allowance

Explore our careers site to see how we support your growth and wellbeing www.transalta.com/careers.

 

OUR CULTURE

At TransAlta, we’re driven by a Culture of Results, Learning, and Purpose. We prioritize psychological safety, wellbeing, inclusion, and belonging - creating a space where everyone can thrive. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation and progress, and we’re committed to building a workplace where you can be your authentic self.

 

Ready to Power Up With Us? Excited about this role but don’t meet every single requirement? We still encourage you to apply. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a job unless they meet every single qualification. You might just be the candidate we are looking for.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT

The successful candidate may be required to complete background checks appropriate to the role and may include criminal record, education and employment verification or credit checks. ‘Safety sensitive positions’ will be required to complete pre-employment testing.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only those progressing will be contacted.