Senior Manager Strategic Sourcing

Position: Senior Manager, Strategic Sourcing Location: GTA Reporting To: Director, Strategic Sourcing/ Senior Director Direct Procurement About Us: Welcome to Lactalis Canada – where we take pride in being recognized as one of 2025 GTA's Top Employers As well as Forbes Canada, Top Canadian Employers for 2025 Our journey revolves around enhancing the lives of Canadians through a rich variety of dairy delights, including some of Canadian’s favourite dairy brands such as like Black Diamond Cheese, Lactantia Milk, Astro Yogurt, Balderson Cheese, and Cheestrings. In fact, we’re proud to say our products grace the shelves of an incredible 94% of Canadian households With a 140-year legacy driven by innovation and unwavering quality, we’re seeking like-minded individuals to join us in shaping our next chapter. Our flexible hybrid work model accommodates 40% remote work, adapting to the evolving needs of our workforce. Step into a collaborative hub with our revamped office, and enjoy free parking, endless coffee, delicious Lactalis snacks, an on-site gym, and more About the opportunity: The Senior Manager, Strategic Sourcing is a key member of the Purchasing Team North America (NA), responsible for developing and implementing short- and medium-term purchasing strategies, purchasing policies, practices, and systems. The incumbent will have a strong collaborative working relationship with the Company’s global procurement team, local (Canadian and US) internal stakeholders throughout the organization. The Senior Manager, Strategic Sourcing will also lead a team to ensure that the overall goals of the organization are being met, including total cost and supply objectives. The attributes we are looking for: Supporting global strategy & negotiation initiatives led by the global procurement team by providing information such as pricing specifications and vendor listings, market intelligence and negotiating at local level for finalization. Then implement set strategies and initiatives at a North American level. Develop and lead local short- and medium-term sourcing strategies by using in-depth knowledge and analysis of key cost drivers. Develop, maintain, and implement with the support of the global team a sustainable category purchasing strategy at zone level. Accountable for the management of all contracts for the Category at the zone level, including qualify vendors, tender, negotiate, and implement all contracts. Lead cost and supply risks for key material supplies within category by maintaining up to date knowledge of market changes to alert on the risk, contracting in advance of the concern or contracting low and long if it is a price risk, and finding and qualifying alternate vendors or alternate materials. Ensure that purchased materials, suppliers and services are following the company’s requirements. Evaluate and ensure that all plants are following proper purchasing procedures and communicate changes in purchasing policies and procedures as required. Identify and execute negotiation cost savings initiatives on category managed by incumbent, and on escalated contracts from team with senior leadership at Supplier end. For the categories the incumbent directly managers, identify and execute value analysis and vendor transfer savings opportunities as a cross-functional effort to deliver cost reduction targets and optimize other performance measures such as on-time delivery & lead time on purchased goods and services, without jeopardizing quality, flexibility, and supply continuity. Participate as an active cross-functional team member by providing insight to the leadership within Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, Quality, R&D, Sales and Marketing and other key functional areas of the business for effective project execution such as new launches, line extensions, and process optimization. The scope includes sourcing, pricing, as well as sharing process improvements ideas provided by the vendors. Responsible for hiring and leading a high performing team of purchasing professionals. Lead and manage direct reports by establishing goals and priorities, and providing work direction, reviewing performance, providing work support with suppliers, and providing feedback, and in conjunction with the Director, determining training and development needs. Manage the team located in all the zone countries. Full owner ship of Category Budget with input on the Budget Assumptions from the Senior director Procurement and the global Strategic procurement team Develop supplier relationships to optimize supplier quality and performance, including continuous improvement, innovation, and reduction in total cost of ownership to add value to North America region. Manage supplier quality and supplier non-conformance concerns. Perform administrative duties such as tracking cost savings initiatives and providing monthly status reports, reviewing and approving pricelists for upload to SAP, validating PPV and LPS data. Responsible for the category standards input by reviewing weighted average cost and/or the new contract pricing and the application of the approved assumptions, as well as providing insight on the market for latest estimate & monthly budget forecast reports. Participate as an active member of the Strategic Sourcing team by sharing purchasing strategies, supporting teamwork, and participating in joint learning and development initiative. Presenting to executive members of the various divisions at the zone level. Support and manage company acquisitions with the support of the global procurement team. Could be assigned to special projects by the Senior director, Corporate Procurement. What you will bring: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, or another appropriate discipline Minimum of Ten (10) years working experience, with five (5) to seven (7) years’ experience in a Procurement function, preferably at a food company Management experience is an asset Experience in negotiating complex multi-year agreements through RFP/ RFQ bidding processes High level of initiative, and strong interpersonal skills. Good leadership and ability to interact with a wide variety of management levels and business situations Strong planning, project management, leadership skills and execution skills Rigorous data driven/analytical capability Strong negotiation skill Able to positively influence others Ability to lead and motivate staff Strong presentation skills and ability to present to groups of various size and levels of leadership Foundational knowledge of contract law and legal terms & conditions Foundational knowledge of financial statements i.e. the impact of the role on the business Strong problem solving and analytical skills Proficient with Microsoft Office including advanced proficiency MS Excel and MS PowerPoint What Lactalis will offer: Lactalis Canada believes in rewarding its people with the following comprehensive benefits package and perks: A Competitive Base Salary Company Vehicle or Car Allowance A Performance-Based Bonus System 4 Weeks of Vacation Benefits starting day 1 A Pension Program with an Employer Match at 100% of up to 6% Tuition reimbursement plan of up to $3,000/year A Volunteer Day to give back to your community Learning and Development opportunities A commitment to internal career advancement with potential for international mobility Our ESG commitment: Our ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) roadmap drives our sustainability mission. We aim to positively impact communities and the planet by enabling stakeholders including our people, consumers, customers, suppliers, dairy farmers, government, and industry partners to have a positive impact on the wellbeing of our communities and the planet through all that we do. At Lactalis Canada, we value our employees as catalysts for positive change. Together, we will create a sustainable future, promote belonging, and make a lasting impact on the world. Our commitment to DEI: Fuel Our Culture with Your Uniqueness Lactalis thrives on the value each person brings. We're dedicated to amplifying diverse voices, inviting personal and professional growth, and embracing everyone's true selves. We're committed to crafting an environment that genuinely welcomes all, reflecting the richness of our people and communities. Our promise extends to accessible processes and spaces. If you require accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent), please inform our Talent Acquisition team – confidentiality will be maintained. Note: Lactalis Canada does not conduct credit or background checks through LinkedIn. If required, we'll contact you after signing a Job Offer.