External Manufacturing Planner

OverviewChanging the World, One Kibble at a TimeChampion Petfoods is expanding We are excited to announce we are looking for an External Manufacturing Planner to join our rapidly growing company.Champion Petfoods is an award-winning pet food crafter with a reputation of trust spanning 35+ years. From our humble beginnings, founded in a small town in Alberta, Canada, Champion – with its ORIJEN® and ACANA® brands – is a key player in the global premium pet food industry.Our purpose, To Earn Pet Lover Trust Every Day so Pets Thrive for a Lifetime, provides the foundation for our highest aspirations as a company. Being a partner to the communities that surround us – and the environment that sustains us – are top priorities.We would love to hear from you if you are passionate about personal and professional growth and see yourself as a key player contributing to our continued success as an award-winning company.Here’s the scoop - SummaryAs an External Manufacturing Planner, you’ll play a key role in ensuring that our external manufacturing partners deliver the right products and materials on time and to specification. You’ll manage purchase orders, track production schedules, and maintain strong communication with suppliers to ensure seamless execution across our supply chain. This role requires exceptional attention to detail, strong relationship management skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.ResponsibilitiesEnsure compliance to Company’s policies, practices and procedures related to Health and Safety, Food Safety, and the EnvironmentCoordinate production schedules and order fulfillment with external manufacturers and co-packers, ensuring timely delivery and product accuracyManage the procurement process — from placing purchase orders to monitoring production progress and delivery timelinesAct as the primary liaison between internal teams and external manufacturing partners, addressing issues related to production, logistics, or materialsReview and process claims or discrepancies related to supplier performance or order qualityAnalyze inventory levels, sales trends, and demand forecasts to determine production needs and procurement prioritiesMaintain and update ERP system data, ensuring all product and order information is accurate and currentProvide internal departments with timely product availability, production status, and delivery updatesProactively identify and communicate potential supply disruptions, lead time challenges, or material shortages, recommending alternative solutionsSupport continuous improvement initiatives to enhance supplier performance, production efficiency, and overall supply chain reliabilityPerform other duties as assignedMaintain awareness of internal and external factors impacting supply chain, and assist in making alternate arrangements in the event of storages, overages, or delayed deliveries to minimize impact on the organizationQualificationsPost-secondary education in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field; SCMP designation preferredMinimum 2 years of experience in a Supply Chain, Vendor Management, or Procurement role, ideally working with external manufacturers or co-packersExperience with ERP systems (M3 or equivalent) is an assetExperience in a customer facing role an assetStrong negotiation, communication, and relationship management skillsExcellent attention to detail, analytical ability, and problem-solving mindsetHighly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environmentKnowledge of production planning and logistics coordination is considered an assetWhat can you expect from Champion?Safety: a strong commitment to ensure all people are provided with a safe, healthy and respectful environmentEarnings: Competitive Wages that give financial peace of mind, RRSP with Company, and donation matchingIndustry Competitive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision and Employee Assistance Programs to meet your individual or family needsContinuing Education: In House & Online Learning & Development, as well as an Education Assistance ProgramQuality: a dedication to uphold the highest standards of authenticity, nutritional integrity, and food safety, to earn the trust of Pet Lovers everywhereOther Perks: Free Bag of Premium Pet Food each month, Free Parking and moreWhat are you waiting for? Join the packCome as you are.We value diversity in all forms and know the power it can bring. Workplace equality allows for creative ideas to bloom, diverse points of views to be heard, and increases overall happiness. That sounds pretty good to us.Champion is an equal opportunity employer. Regardless of your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, or any other creed, you are wanted here. #J-18808-Ljbffr