Katherine Vaillancourt | ProcureCon East

Katherine Vaillancourt

Katherine Vaillancourt

Director, Indirect Procurement Samuel
Katherine Vaillancourt is a dedicated and accomplished procurement leader with a passion for driving efficiency and innovation in the supply chain. Since joining Samuel, Son & Co., Limited in 2018, she has served in various roles, with her current role as the Director of Indirect Procurement, leading a team of Category Managers in managing national programs for the organization. In her role, Katherine focuses on optimizing procurement processes across the organization. She works collaboratively with her team to implement best practices in risk mitigation and identify strategic supply solutions that deliver value. Her expertise has been instrumental in ensuring a smooth and efficient flow of indirect materials, contributing to the company's overall success. Her combined leadership, strategic thinking, and commitment to continuous improvement make her a valuable asset within the broader procurement community. Katherine's commitment extends beyond Samuel, Son & Co. She holds advisory positions with GBTA Canada and the Business Travel News (BTN) executive board. She actively participates in shaping the future generation of supply chain professionals. She serves on the Program Advisory Committee for Mohawk College's Supply Chain Management Program, sharing her industry knowledge and insights with students. Furthermore, she demonstrates her dedication to empowering women in the industry by holding the President position for the Toronto Chapter Board of Directors of the Association of Women in the Metal Industry (AWMI). Katherine's dedication to excellence is further underscored by her achievement of Certified Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification. This demonstrates her commitment to staying current with the latest technological advancements and utilizing them to enhance her team's capabilities.

September 28, 2026

2:50 PM Panel In The Round: There’s Got To Be A Better Way: Utilizing Alternative Sourcing Strategies For Improved Outcomes

As the world changes, traditional sourcing approaches won't always deliver the best results. This workshop will challenge procurement teams to rethink how they source by exploring alternative strategies that better align with changing business needs in complex categories including travel, contingent labor, and marketing. Discussion leaders will provide practical insights into adapting sourcing approaches to drive stronger outcomes and greater value.

Key takeaways:
  • Assessing company needs to pinpoint when to change sourcing approaches
  • Exploring alternative sourcing methods and value drivers beyond standard RFPs
  • Partnering with consultants or advisors to benchmark market practices
  • Applying alternative sourcing models to complex categories (travel, contingent labor, marketing, etc.) 

Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Katherine.

Download The Latest Agenda