Defender Industries is a leading supplier of boating equipment and marine accessories, serving passionate boaters with quality products and expert support. As part of the FortNine group, we’re looking for someone curious about our industry and ready to join!
As a Junior Buyer/Analyst, you’ll be responsible for optimizing purchasing decisions across your assigned categories by using data to drive sales, protect margins, and manage inventory risk. This role combines analytical work—like evaluating sales trends, inventory levels, and vendor performance—with hands-on buying execution, including managing purchase orders, coordinating with suppliers, and supporting cross-functional teams through product transitions and promotions.
This role will be based in Montreal, QC. Remote applicants outside the Greater Montreal Area are not currently being considered.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree or Certificate in business, Supply Chain Management, Economics, Statistics, Data Analytics, or a related field, a strong asset, but not required!
• 1-2 years of experience in a business analyst, merchandising analyst, or purchasing/buying support role (preferably in eCommerce or retail).
• Advanced proficiency in Excel (including PivotTables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, nested IFs, and ideally Power Query or Power Pivot).
• Working knowledge of SQL for querying and analyzing relational databases a plus.
• Basic business math required with the ability to interpret data trends and translate findings into actionable buying decisions.
• Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

What we offer:

• The Starting Salary for this position is between $50 000 - $60 000 a year.
• Paid personal days.
• Health Insurance including medical, dental, vision and life.
• Unlimited free healthy snacks and drinks on site.
• Quiet, clean and newly built office environment.
• Located within a 5-minute walk from Du College station (orange line) and offering free parking.
• Ergonomic workstations and the best tools made available to you.
• Hard working, respectful and friendly coworkers.
• Free parking or easy access via public transit.
• A strong culture that encourages collective accomplishments and enables individual progression. We have great parties.

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• Analyze sales performance, inventory levels, and supplier metrics using various tools like SQL queries and Excel functions (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, Power Query) to support data-driven buying decisions.
• Create and manage purchase orders in alignment with forecasted demand, sales patterns, and promotional calendars. Follow-up with vendors on order status, lead times, backorders, and delivery schedules.
• Support product transitions (new/discontinued SKUs) through timely purchasing and clear handoff to the Pricing Specialist and E-commerce teams.
• Collaborate with Product Managers to align purchase timing with product life cycles and business goals.
• Support the team with ad hoc projects to improve efficiency of the buying process, leveraging data.