Strategic Procurement Manager

Nestled between the mountains of the Fraser Valley in the center of the agricultural hub of Abbotsford, British Columbia, Pacific Coast Fruit Products (PCFP) was originally built as a frozen berry plant but has since evolved into a highly productive manufacturer of fruit juice concentrates, not From Concentrate (NFC) juices, purees, and puree concentrates for the food, beverage, and nutraceutical industries. Through teamwork and innovation, we process millions of pounds of berries from the Fraser Valley and around the world. Pacific Coast Fruits Products not only produces quality ingredients we also contribute to the local food economy while helping to establish food security, both at home and abroad. Pacific Coast Fruit Products is one of the Fraser Valley's; secret success stories, and we are looking to grow and take on new team members.

At Pacific Coast Fruit, you will receive competitive compensation along with RSP matching, extensive group benefits, annual performance bonus as well as enjoy employee engagement activities that occur throughout the year. Come join us to witness what fun-at-work looks like and BE one of us

We are currently looking for a highly skilled Strategic Procurement Manager with deep expertise in global sourcing and supply chain management, ideally with commodities experience. The successful candidate will contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, sustainability, and operational excellence in a fast-paced, continuous production environment.

Reporting to the Director of Supply Chain, this critical role is responsible for establishing and optimizing procurement processes to source raw fruits, ingredients, and related commodities on a global scale.

This is a full time office environment role and is not a hybrid/work-from-home role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Global Sourcing Strategy: Develop and implement robust procurement strategies for sourcing high-quality fruits and ingredients from diverse global markets to ensure a steady and reliable supply chain for continuous production.
• Procurement Process Management: Establish and refine procurement processes, ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with production schedules. Lead and mentor a team of procurement specialists in executing these processes.
• Vendor Negotiation and Management: Negotiate and manage contracts with global suppliers, focusing on cost reduction, quality assurance, and long-term partnerships. Leverage volume concessions and develop purchasing strategies that align with the company’s growth objectives.
• Supply Chain Optimization: Collaborate closely with the logistics and production teams to maintain accurate inventory levels, ensuring the seamless flow of ingredients into the production line. Stay ahead of market trends and adjust procurement strategies accordingly.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with the Sales team on new product development initiatives and coordinate with the Transportation & Logistics team to optimize the delivery of raw materials and finished goods.
• Cost Efficiency: Partner with the Accounting and Logistics teams to minimize inbound logistics costs by securing favorable freight rates, trucking fees, and managing customs declarations efficiently.
• Quality Assurance Coordination: Work with the Quality team to ensure all incoming products meet the stringent quality standards outlined in purchase orders, guaranteeing the integrity of the final products.
• Risk Management: Monitor and manage risks associated with global sourcing, including geopolitical factors, weather patterns affecting crop yields, and currency fluctuations.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Prepare and present detailed cost analyses, market trend reports, and procurement forecasts to the Executive team, enabling data-driven decision-making.
• Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and enhance procurement practices, incorporating automation, standardization, and best practices to drive efficiency and reduce costs.

Qualifications and Experience

Educational Background:

• Bachelor’s Degree: A Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Agricultural Economics, or a related field is strongly preferred. A higher degree, such as an MBA or a Master's in Supply Chain Management, is a plus and demonstrates a deeper understanding of global business practices and advanced supply chain strategies.
• Professional Certifications: A Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) designation or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) is preferred. Additional certifications in procurement, such as Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), will also be advantageous.

Industry Experience:

• Food and Beverage Manufacturing: A minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement within the food and beverage manufacturing industry is required. This experience should include sourcing perishable goods, understanding their unique challenges such as seasonal availability, perishability, and quality control.
• Global Sourcing: Extensive experience in global sourcing is essential, particularly in managing supply chains that span multiple countries and continents. The candidate should have a proven track record of identifying and securing reliable sources of raw fruits and other commodities from various international markets and have an understanding of the compliance documentation and certification associated with global commodity sourcing.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Demonstrated success in building and maintaining strong relationships with global suppliers. This includes experience in negotiating contracts, managing vendor performance, and fostering long-term partnerships that align with the company’s strategic goals.

Technical Skills:

• ERP Systems Proficiency: Strong working knowledge of ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics) is critical for managing procurement activities, inventory control, and supply chain coordination. Experience in implementing or optimizing ERP systems to enhance procurement efficiency is a significant advantage.
• Data Analysis and Forecasting: Proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques is required to forecast demand, assess market trends, and make informed purchasing decisions. Familiarity with advanced Excel functions, data visualization software (e.g., Tableau or Power BI), and procurement analytics platforms is highly desirable.
• Risk Management: Extensive knowledge of risk management practices, particularly in global sourcing. This includes an understanding of geopolitical risks, currency fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, and strategies to mitigate these risks.

Leadership and Management:

• Team Leadership: Proven experience in leading and developing procurement teams, particularly in a continuous production environment. The candidate should have a strong ability to mentor and guide a team, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Experience working cross-functionally with Sales, Quality Assurance, Logistics, and Finance teams to align procurement strategies with overall business objectives. This role requires a collaborative approach to ensure that procurement activities support new product development, quality standards, and cost optimization.

Soft Skills:

• Negotiation Skills: Exceptional negotiation skills with a track record of securing favorable terms with suppliers, including cost reductions, volume discounts, and service-level agreements that ensure the timely and quality delivery of goods.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication skills are essential for interacting with internal teams, suppliers, and executives. The ability to clearly articulate procurement strategies, present data-driven insights, and foster strong relationships across diverse cultures is key to success.
• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: The ability to quickly identify and resolve procurement-related issues, such as supply disruptions or quality concerns, is critical. The candidate should be adept at making informed, independent decisions in a fast-paced environment while managing competing priorities.

Adaptability and Continuous Improvement:

• Innovation: A mindset focused on continuous improvement and innovation in procurement processes. The candidate should be proactive in identifying opportunities for automation, standardization, and process enhancements that drive efficiency and reduce costs.
• Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changing market conditions, production demands, and global supply chain dynamics. This role requires a flexible approach to sourcing strategies, with the capability to pivot quickly in response to external challenges or opportunities.