Strategic Sourcing Category Manager

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 Strategic Sourcing Category Manager is an active member of the Purchasing Team North America (NA), participates in sharing purchasing excellence and strategies, supporting teamwork, joint learning and development initiatives. The incumbent will lead the North American sourcing strategy initiatives for an assigned Category. The attributes we are looking for: Develops local /regional sourcing strategies for the Category managed, using detailed analysis of historical & current spend data, combined with sourcing and research of new suppliers. Achieve budget objectives by identifying, developing and supporting North American sourcing strategy initiatives for the assigned Category or the North American Sourcing. Leads the implementation, and management of the strategy for the Category, making sure the needs and specifications of each Business Unit are considered. Take ownership of the bid process, through in-depth knowledge and analysis of key cost drivers, qualify vendors, tender, negotiate, implement, and manage all contracts related to the category. Support global negotiation initiatives led by Lactalis senior global procurement team by providing information such as pricing specifications, vendor listings and negotiating at local and global level. As well as providing information as a subject matter export on the Category being managed. Lead cross-functional teams with internal stakeholders in the design and implementation of sourcing strategies Identify and execute negotiation cost savings initiatives. Participate as a subject matter expert in working with cross-functional teams, providing insight to key functional areas of the business for effective project execution such as process optimization. The scope includes pricing, as well as process improvements ideas provided by the vendors, and insights into the portfolio. 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. Responsible for supplier quality and supplier contract compliance with respect to the category managed. Perform administrative duties such as tracking cost savings initiatives, providing monthly status reports vs. objective targets reviewing and validating pricing and communicating the pricing to master data for upload. Responsible for providing insights on the market for LE & monthly risk & opportunities forecast reports to the divisions Participate as an active member of the Strategic Sourcing team, sharing purchasing strategies, supporting teamwork, joint learning and development initiative. What you will bring: Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, Procurement or another appropriate discipline Five (5) to ten (10) years’ experience in a Procurement function, preferably at a food company Industrial and/or Supply Chain Purchasing experience preferred Initiative, and strong interpersonal skills. Strong negotiation & presentation skills Able to positively influence others Ease of presenting in front of small to medium size groups and leadership Consultative and customer centric approach that nurtures interest, engagement, and the sharing of ideas. Highly focused and proactive Strong planning, project management, and execution skills Rigorous data driven/analytical capability and ability to present data to a leadership level Proficient with Microsoft Office including advanced proficiency MS Excel and MS PowerPoint Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines within specified time constraints Ability to adapt in a changing work environment Bilingual (French/English) is an asset What Lactalis will offer: Lactalis Canada believes in rewarding its people with the following comprehensive benefits package and perks: A Competitive Base Salary 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.