Procurement Manager

Burlington, On

Food Manufacturing

Hybrid - 4 days in-office (on-site)

The Company:

Our client is a large, growing, multi-site fresh and frozen foods manufacturer. Specializing in creating tasty culinary fresh and frozen food products for all channels, Food Service, Retail / Grocery, Private Label and Branded - they are seeking National Procurement / Purchasing Manager.

The Opportunity:

Responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing procurement strategies for across all its facilities, with a specific focus on Protein and Produce categories. This role ensures cost-effective and efficient acquisition of raw materials, supplies, and services while maintaining quality standards. The Purchasing Manager will play a key role in strategic supplier management, alignment with operational goals, and continuous improvement of procurement practices.

• Reports directly to the Director of Procurement
• Collaborates with the Executive Leadership Team and broader Business Team
• Engages with key suppliers, vendors, and internal departments such as Production, Quality Assurance, and Finance

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute procurement strategies for protein and produce categories, ensuring cost optimization, supplier reliability, and quality standards.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, negotiating contracts and long-term agreements to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities, supplier consolidation strategies, and process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
• Utilize market intelligence, commodity pricing analysis, and forecasting to manage risks and mitigate supply chain disruptions.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, ethical sourcing practices, and company procurement policies.
• Leverage ERP systems and procurement analytics to monitor performance metrics, track supplier KPIs, and drive data-driven decision-making.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders, including Production, Quality Assurance, and Finance, to align purchasing strategies with business objectives.
• Support product costing efforts by analyzing ingredient and production cost trends, ensuring accurate pricing models and financial planning.
• Provide leadership and mentorship within the procurement function, fostering continuous improvement and innovation.

Key Qualifications & Competencies:

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in purchasing or procurement, specifically in protein and produce categories.
• Proven experience in the North American marketplace, with a strong understanding of industry trends and supplier networks.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Materials Management, or a related field.
• Previous experience in Retail, Distributor, or Food Service Purchasing is a significant asset.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and decision-making skills with a results-driven approach.
• Proficiency in procurement software and ERP systems.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and supply chain risk management.
• CPP, CPSM, CPIM, or SCPC designation is considered a strong asset.