Purchasing Manager

Nature Fresh Farms is a Leamington-based greenhouse company with facilities in Leamington, ON and Delta, OH as well as Laredo, TX. Our company and its innovative, dynamic team are expanding every day, growing new plant varieties, and introducing cutting-edge ideas and practices to the fresh produce industry. However, at Nature Fresh, we don’t just grow plants – we also grow people. Our team is passionate about bringing the highest quality products to consumers, but it is also committed to creating an inspiring, diverse, and team-oriented workplace environment that everyone can enjoy. Nature Fresh Farms is a recognized leader within the greenhouse farming industry – join our team and help us continue to grow

We are currently looking to fill a permanent full-time position for a Purchasing Manager for our Purchasing Department at our Leamington, ON location.

The Farm Purchasing Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and cost-effective operation of all farms and facilities by managing the procurement process, optimizing resources, and fostering positive relationships with suppliers. This position will be responsible for sourcing, procurement, and inventory management of materials necessary for all Farm related operations.

Job Specific Duties

• Lead and supervise purchasing staff to ensure efficient and effective performance of duties. Provide training, guidance, and support to develop each team members skills and knowledge in procurement practices.
• Foster a positive and collaborative team environment conducive to growth and development.
• Set performance objectives and KPIs for the team aligned with organizational goals. Monitor and evaluate team performance regularly, providing feedback and recognition for achievements while addressing performance issues promptly and constructively.
• Facilitate open and transparent communication within the team, ensuring clarity of roles, responsibilities, and expectations. Act as a liaison between team members and upper management, conveying information, updates, and feedback effectively.
• Address conflicts and interpersonal issues within the team. Mediate disagreements in collaborate with Human Resources when necessary and facilitate constructive dialogue.
• Lead by example, demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct in all interactions and decision-making. Uphold company values and standards, inspiring trust and respect among team members and stakeholders.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging feedback, innovation, and learning. Identify opportunities for process optimization, efficiency gains, and skill development to enhance team performance and achieve excellence.
• Identifying new suppliers and maintaining current relationships for various inputs such as grower consumables (fertilizers, biologicals, etc.), repairs & maintenance equipment, and other materials necessary for greenhouse operations.
• Negotiating contracts & long-term agreements, obtaining quotes, and ensuring timely delivery of goods.
• Developing and maintaining performance metrics and reporting methods to provide insight into departmental performance.
• Identifying potential risks in the supply chain such as supply disruptions, price fluctuations, or quality issues, and developing strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Monitoring inventory levels of supplies and materials in collaboration with various departments to ensure adequate stock is maintained without excess or shortages. Implementing inventory control measures to optimize storage space and minimize waste.
• Receiving supplies if necessary as well as processing returns and exchanges when needed.
• Reporting and receiving credits for missing products that were not shipped.
• Enquiring about warranties, maintaining warranty records, requesting warranty services or replacements.
• Ensure accurate Invoicing and bills entered into ConnectWise should transfer to NAV automatically.
• Analyzing costs associated with procurement and identifying opportunities for cost savings through bulk purchasing, supplier negotiations, or alternative sourcing strategies.
• Complete regular market testing of key procured items and tracking of cost savings, avoidance, and
• Ensure that all purchased materials and services meet quality standards and specifications required for greenhouse operations inclusive of conducting random inspections or quality checks, and vendor evaluations.
• Develop and maintain supplier scorecards for critical supply chain services and vendors.
• Developing and maintaining positive relationships with suppliers to facilitate effective communication, resolve issues, and foster collaboration. This may involve conducting supplier audits, performance reviews/scorecards, and seeking feedback for continuous improvement.
• Establishing terms and assisting with credit applications.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards related to procurement, safety, and environmental practices. Keeping abreast of changes in regulations that may impact purchasing operations.
• Implementing sustainable procurement practices such as sourcing eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and promoting responsible sourcing to minimize environmental impact when/where possible.
• Collecting and organizing manuals from purchases for future reference
• Record keeping of all purchases. Historical records dictating how and where something was purchased can assist with repeatability in the future.
• Scheduling and arranging waste disposal services.
• Must comply with all Health and Safety, Food Safety, Bio Security, and Nature Fresh Policies and Procedures.
• This job description highlights the main components but is not inclusive of other activities that may be required.

Qualifications

• Multitasking, attention to detail, time management, and organization skills
• Customer service oriented, high-level of professionalism, and leadership skills
• Communication and problem-solving abilities are key to success.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft office, internet-based search capabilities, and other software as required.
• Supply chain management, logistics, and general business comprehension is considered an asset.
• A diverse knowledge of the greenhouse/farming industry is considered an asset.
• A Lead-by-example mentality in addition to robust Resource management and teamwork abilities
• Very High degree of confidentiality and integrity required regarding all aspects of the business and employee matters.

Working Conditions

• Tight deadlines
• Collaboration with an assortment of diverse team members
• Able to work independently but also uphold collective teamwork.
• A degree of confidentiality regarding company and employee-related matters
• Commitment to continuous learning and fostering a positive workplace culture.
• The Purchasing Manager is expected to report to work Monday-Friday with periodic after-hours and weekend work as required.

Physical Requirements

• Primarily in an office setting
• Local travel and on-site team collaboration when required.
• The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Nature Fresh Farms is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, beginning with the hiring process. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applications from candidates, in accordance with all relevant legislation. Nature Fresh Farms provides an accessible environment in which all individuals have access in a way that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.