Planning & Purchasing Manager - Toronto Foundation for Student Success

Why Work for Toronto Foundation for Student Success (TFSS):

Toronto Foundation for Student Success (TFSS) helps mitigate poverty issues that prevent children from thriving at school. We work with school communities, partners, governments, donors, and other organizations, to provide safe and inclusive programs that support students in underserved communities. We believe that if we improve the health and well-being of our children, they will do better in school. And, if they do better in school, they will have a better future. TFSS is recognized by Charity Intelligence Canada as one of the Top 5 Impact Toronto Charities, a Top 10 Impact Canadian Youth Charity, and among the Top 100 Highest Rated Canadian Charities. You will be part of a thriving organization that truly makes a direct, positive impact on the lives of children and youth across Toronto.

The Opportunity:

We are looking for a resourceful and motivated Planning & Purchasing Manager to join our Food and Logistics team. If you're a team player with a strategic and innovative mindset, who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and youth, this role could be the perfect fit for you.

This role will support Student Nutrition Programs (SNPs) in making a meaningful impact, reaching thousands of students daily and ensuring they have access to nutritious meals that fuel their learning. As part of our commitment to maximizing resources, you will play an important role in growing our central purchasing initiative to stretch every dollar, enabling us to provide even greater support to the communities we serve.

As Planning & Purchasing Manager, you will develop, manage, and execute the overall organization’s food and equipment procurement strategy to ensure timely, cost-effective and organized acquisition of goods and services for effective supply chain management.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Develop and implement effective procurement tactics in alignment with organizational goals.
2. Work collaboratively within the Food and Logistics team and other departments to ensure all procurement activities are executed in a timely and effective manner.
3. Manage and optimize procurement and supply chain workflows and processes for improved efficiency and service, including overseeing related administrative operations for reporting, record-keeping, and documentation.
4. Lead the development and execution of procurement plans through vendor/supplier research, evaluation, and sourcing tactics to deliver on organizational objectives consistent with demand, quality, cost, and service.
5. Participate in the negotiation of contracts with vendors and suppliers that create mutually beneficial relationships aligned with the organization’s mission, goals, and financial objectives.
6. Ensure effective resolution of any issues or discrepancies related to procurement tactics and activities.
7. Manage inventory levels, forecast demands, and purchasing needs.
8. Collaborate with internal teams to ensure the timely delivery of goods and supplies to programs.
9. Conduct regular site visits to vendors, schools, events, and service providers.
10. Coordinate the scheduling and organization of deliveries to ensure timely and efficient transportation of products and supplies.
11. Safely drive the organization’s commercial van to assist with picking up and delivering products and supplies as needed.
12. Accountable for managing the procurement budget and regular reporting requirements, including performance, cost savings, and supplier metrics (on-time delivery, quality, etc.).
13. Ensure the price adjuster tracker, delivery schedules, and other key operational data/KPIs are provided to senior leadership according to a timely and accurate cadence.
14. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, nutrition guidelines, industry standards, and ethical procurement practices.
15. Inform the procurement strategies and senior leadership with the latest developments within current and emerging market trends and technological advancements.
16. Other related duties as required.

Education, Experience and Requirements:

1. Post-secondary education in Supply Chain Management or related field.
2. A minimum of five (5) years of direct progressive experience in a similar role.
3. Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) designation is an asset.
4. Must have a valid G-Class driver’s license with a clean driving record and access to a reliable vehicle. Willingness to drive corporate van occasionally if required.
5. Strong relationship-building, negotiation, and communication skills.
6. Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 with a focus on MS Excel.
7. Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
8. Team player, collaborative with a can-do attitude.
9. Ability to problem-solve and work in a fast-paced environment.
10. Knowledge and experience in food and cold supply chain is a great asset.

Location, Hours of Work and Compensation:

1. The salary range is $80,000 to $85,000 per year plus three weeks' vacation and benefits.
2. This position is currently based in our Scarborough location (200 Poplar Road) and is eligible to participate in the hybrid/remote work program.
3. The regular work hours are Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week, with occasional early mornings.

Please note that as a condition of employment, the successful applicant must complete a Vulnerable Sector Check and provide a copy of a recent clean driver’s abstract. The successful candidate must also be insurable under the terms of the organization’s policy.