Team Lead

Team Lead (Purchasing) – L'OCA Quality Market Provides overall leadership to the Purchasing Team, championing the principles of Quality, Scratch, Theatre, Service, and Love. Responsible for all aspects of daily operations including profitability, pricing, buying, expense control, inventory management, costing, promotions, regulatory compliance, and special projects. Primary Responsibilities Adhere to the core values of being TRUSTWORTHY, TEAM PLAYER, and HAPPY TO HELP. Champion the principles of QUALITY, SCRATCH, THEATRE, SERVICE, and LOVE in attitude, workmanship, and operations. Support coworkers toward meeting our core values and company principles. Be a leader in your own role and assist others in their growth, development, and sense of community with the team. Look for opportunities to provide exceptional and meaningful experiences with customers and coworkers. Comply with all company policies and Employee Code of Conduct. Report to management any situation that jeopardizes safety, welfare, liability, or integrity. Protect the legal and financial welfare of the company. Maintain the utmost legal, moral, and ethical standards with all customers, vendors, and coworkers. Support all company goals and objectives. Design, plan and implement sourcing and purchasing strategy. Maintain supplier collaboration, manufacturers and internal departments to ensure correct inventory level. Create and execute promotional programs in conjunction with suppliers and vendors. Maintain product database utilizing IRP and POS system. Build and maintain relationships with suppliers and vendors (internal and external). Negotiate lower pricing. Search and source potential suppliers and vendors. Meet and exceed purchasing financial targets. Hire and train new and existing staff. Analyze margin reports. Provide reports for upper management. Primary Duties Lead the end-to-end supply chain — from Category Management, procurement and logistics to inventory and distribution. Provide leadership and direction to the procurement team, managing daily workflows and responsibilities while providing hands‑on training and development. Drive strategic sourcing initiatives to secure reliable, high‑quality suppliers aligned with L’OCA’s values, negotiating competitive terms and long‑term partnerships. Oversee import, customs, and transportation logistics to ensure products arrive on time, on budget, and in compliance with all regulations. Optimize inventory management and warehouse operations to balance supply with business needs, minimizing waste while maintaining product availability. Collaborate cross‑functionally with Marketing, Finance, and Store Operations to align supply chain strategies with business goals and seasonal initiatives. Monitor and analyze KPIs to identify improvement opportunities, enhance efficiency, and drive cost savings. Ensure regulatory and trade compliance while implementing best practices in procurement and logistics. Manage and develop supplier relationships, conduct performance reviews, and identify new sourcing opportunities to support innovation and scalability. Job Skills Advanced knowledge of products, pricing, merchandising, and inventory management. Excellent awareness of relevant competitors and industry trends. Excellent interpersonal, motivational, team‑building, and customer relationship skills. Ability to teach others in a positive and constructive manner. Advanced knowledge of regulatory and safety policies and procedures. Proficient mathematical skills for assessing financial performance, monitoring profitability, and inventory management. Demonstrated decision‑making ability, leadership skills, and the ability to prioritize and delegate. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Teams, Email, and operations‑related applications. What You Bring 3–5 years of hands‑on experience with expertise in procurement, logistics, and inventory planning. 3+ years of leadership experience, guiding and developing cross‑functional teams in fast‑moving environments. Post‑secondary education in Supply Chain Management, Business, Logistics, or related field (or equivalent professional experience). A proven track record of driving efficiency, improving processes, and strengthening supplier partnerships. Experience in Retail Grocery Supply Chain and/or Food Service is a strong asset. Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (especially Excel); familiarity with ERP or supply chain management systems is a plus. Physical Requirements / Working Conditions Must be able to lift 50 pounds. Use single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling. Work requires bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching. Exposure to approved Health Canada/CFIA cleaning chemicals. Exposure to temperatures 90°F. Ability to work in a wet and cold environment. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays if needed. Ability to use tools and equipment such as pallet jacks and other heavy machinery. Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level Employment Type Full‑time Job Function Purchasing and Supply Chain; Retail Groceries At L’Oca Quality Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. We hire and promote individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs. #J-18808-Ljbffr