JOB DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Manager – Packaging and Ingredients, the Buyer is responsible for sourcing the materials required for the production of our salad bowls (packaging, ingredients, films, etc.) for our two plants in Canada and our site in the United States.
The Buyer works closely with internal teams and suppliers to meet requirements in terms of quality, cost, and lead time. Based on forecasts and MRP data, they are in charge of planning, tracking, and managing purchases. They also contribute to supply chain activities related to sales and transportation while maintaining close ties with other divisions within the organization.
They will be part of a dynamic team of over 20 people. A transition project toward a new ERP system is planned for the coming year — an exciting challenge for the selected candidate.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Autonomously and creatively manage both urgent and planned procurement challenges
• Conduct RFQs and negotiate with current and potential suppliers
• Efficiently manage purchase orders, including issuance, creation, authorization, acceptance of terms and conditions, delivery follow-up, document control, claims management, and invoicing
• Develop and maintain strong business relationships with multidisciplinary plant teams, distributors, and suppliers (more than 50 suppliers and $70M in annual spend)
• Lead and implement continuous improvements related to procurement in collaboration with other departments
• Establish supplier evaluation processes, performance indicators, and risk management tools
• Identify, evaluate, recommend, and help develop new sourcing options in accordance with the purchasing policy
• Act as a liaison between the purchasing group, suppliers, and internal clients
• Collaborate with and support other departments during the development of new products, aligned with project and production timelines
• Represent the company to suppliers, industry associations, and other relevant stakeholders
• Inventory management
• Support their immediate supervisor with various tasks

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Minimum of 2 to 5 years of experience in a similar role, ideally in a food or manufacturing environment
• University degree in Operations Management, Business Administration, or any related field (other relevant training may also be considered)
• Enrollment in a professional supply chain management program (PGCA, ISM, APICS) is an asset
• Bilingualism (French and English) is essential, both spoken and written, to communicate effectively with our two other plants in Florida and British Columbia, as well as with various suppliers
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and experience with ERP and MRP systems (required)
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Strong analytical thinking
• Ability to adapt quickly to change and demonstrate flexibility
• Strong stress and priority management skills
• Sound judgment, initiative, resourcefulness, and autonomy