About SunOpta
SunOpta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers and foodservice providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths and better-for-you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, SunOpta fuels customers’ growth with high-quality, sustainability-forward solutions distributed through retail, club, foodservice and e-commerce channels across North America.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Centralized Materials Purchasing Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing direct materials inventory levels across seven plant locations, leading a team of plant buyers. This role will ensure optimal stock levels by coordinating with plant buyers, analyzing demand patterns, and optimizing purchasing strategies to minimize costs while maintaining necessary inventory for smooth operations. The position will also develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs), manage the MRP dataset, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to align strategies and ensure seamless operations. This position requires expertise in inventory management, purchasing processes, and cross-functional collaboration. The Centralized Materials Purchasing Manager will be a key change agent in driving process optimization, standardization, and continuous improvement to enhance cash flow and support operational efficiency.

Essential Functions of the Job:Inventory Management & Optimization:

• Oversee and manage inventory levels of inbound raw materials and packaging across seven plant locations.
• Optimize stock levels by proactively analyzing demand patterns and adjusting purchasing strategies accordingly.
• Ensure the efficient flow of materials to meet production schedules while minimizing carrying costs and inventory waste.
• Develop strategies to ensure a balance between maintaining sufficient inventory levels and minimizing excess stock.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or related field and/or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of experience in inventory management or supply chain roles with increasing responsibility, preferably in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience in leading a team and implementing standardized inventory process.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• APICS or other supply chain certification preferred.
• Proven track record of driving cost reductions and inventory optimization
• Manufacturing environment knowledge or experience.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Strong understanding of demand planning, forecasting, scheduling and inventory control principles.
• Deep expertise in purchasing inventory management, including raw materials and packaging.
• Ability to interpret and analyze complex data sets to drive business decisions and experience implementing process improvements and standardized processes across multiple locations.
• Strong financial acumen and ability to balance inventory investment with working capital optimization.
• Expertise in supply chain analytics and reporting tools. Proficiency in inventory management software and data analysis tools (Oracle, Power BI, ASCP, etc.)
• Strong interpersonal, leadership and change management skills with the ability to influence and drive collaboration across multiple departments.
• Experience with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency in inventory management software and data analysis tools.
• Understanding of supply chain logistics and purchasing best practices.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams.
• Understanding of supply chain logistics and best practices.
• Experience in procurement and vendor management.
• Knowledge of warehouse operations and inventory control procedures.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Approximately 95% of work is performed in an office environment.5% of work may involve being in an agricultural or manufacturing environment.

Featured benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid Family leave
• Paid maternity leave
• 401(k) with Match
• Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital indemnity
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead and manage a team of 10-12 plant buyers.
• Provide coaching, training, and career development opportunities for the team.
• Establish performance expectations and drive accountability within the team.

Essential Functions of the Job:Inventory Management & Optimization:

• Oversee and manage inventory levels of inbound raw materials and packaging across seven plant locations.
• Optimize stock levels by proactively analyzing demand patterns and adjusting purchasing strategies accordingly.
• Ensure the efficient flow of materials to meet production schedules while minimizing carrying costs and inventory waste.
• Develop strategies to ensure a balance between maintaining sufficient inventory levels and minimizing excess stock