Procurement Specialist

The Procurement Specialist is responsible for the procurement of dairy commodities, supplies, and ingredients to be used by the organization. The Procurement Specialist coordinates their efforts with departmental managers in order to maintain the appropriate level of inventory. This individual will utilize expert knowledge to purchase dry and specialty ingredients, as well as handle packaging inventories. This person will leverage their expertise to acquire goods that meet quality standards and specifications at the best possible price for the company, while also fostering and sustaining strategic relationships with key suppliers. The Procurement Specialist will also be expected to strategically forecast, negotiate contracts, develop purchasing policies and procedures for ensuring the availability of all necessary materials required to support the manufacturing process, release scheduling of inbound raw materials and components, and ensuring adequate stock levels for production requirements. Other duties will be assigned as required.

Job Duties

• Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the purchasing activities of the organization.
• Identify vendors of materials or supplies.
• Work with Nutrition to evaluate cost and quality of goods or services.
• Negotiate or oversee the negotiation of purchase contracts.
• Source, Negotiate, Contract & Execute agreements to fulfill day-to-day business needs.
• Manage project related teams and initiatives.
• Process Improvements and Process expertise for Commodity Sourcing & Stores.
• Commodity Management support (Assisting in Implementing process improvements and Supplier Integration, etc.).
• Responsible for occasionally leading and aiding in-the-development of- and instituting Optimized Processes.
• Develop market intelligence and make strategic buying recommendations.

Qualifications:

• Strong educational background in Supply Chain Management or Business Administration.
• 3-5 years of demonstrated experience in supply chain, operations or other execution focused roles.
• Experience in fast-paced environments is a strong plus.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Gay Lea Foods is a proud Canadian-owned dairy food and beverage company with a robust portfolio that includes 7 established brands such as Gay Lea Butter, Nordica Cottage Cheese, Ivanhoe Cheese, Salerno Cheese, and Hewitt’s Dairy. Our wide range of products are sold in Retail, Foodservice, Industrial, Co-pack, and Export markets, developed and produced out of our 13 manufacturing facilities in Ontario and Alberta.

Delivering high-quality and innovative products - from the consumer favourite Spreadables and North America’s first Smooth Cottage Cheese, to Nothing But Cheese, an innovative snack made with 100% cheese, is what makes us market leaders in our categories. Our grassroots approach to business is what guides our direction and differentiates us from our competitors.

Our employees inspire our culture of excellence and entrepreneurship. We hire innovative and passionate professionals who know that greatness is achieved through people, partnerships, and acting with a business owner mindset.

Gay Lea Foods is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in our workplace.

Reasonable accommodation is available upon request throughout our recruitment and selection process.

Thank you for your interest in Gay Lea Foods.

Wishing you all the best with your career search!