Procurement Manager

Procurement Manager - Food Manufacturing / CPG (GTA, Ontario - Vaughan & Mississauga) About the Company We are a rapidly growing consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturer specializing in innovative, better-for-you snack and bakery products . Our team is passionate about quality, creativity, and speed-to-market, operating in a collaborative, fast-paced environment to bring delicious snacks to retailers across North America. Our portfolio includes premium, artisan-style baked goods that are a staple for year-round entertaining and everyday snacking occasions. We are committed to high standards in food manufacturing , food safety , product quality, and operational excellence. This is an excellent opportunity for a Procurement Manager or Purchasing Manager with strong supply chain and procurement experience in a CPG or food manufacturing environment. Position Overview - Procurement Manager Reporting to the VP, Operations, the Procurement Manager will lead end-to-end procurement activities for two manufacturing facilities in the Greater Toronto Area (Vaughan and Mississauga). This role is responsible for purchasing ingredients, packaging, materials, components, and services at optimal cost, quality, and delivery, while maintaining lean inventory levels and supporting efficient inventory management . The successful candidate will be highly professional, organized, and flexible, with a proven ability to build strong supplier relationships and collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders. You will be expected to monitor food ingredient commodity markets , understand harvest timing, negotiate contracts over extended timeframes, and continually seek cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or service levels. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced CPG / food manufacturing environment, enjoys both strategic planning and hands‑on execution, and is comfortable working cross-functionally across operations, production, quality, finance, logistics, and supply chain . Key Responsibilities Strategy & Planning Develop and execute procurement strategies for ingredients, packaging, and services, including sourcing, supplier selection, and contract negotiation . Attend daily production meetings and keep stakeholders informed of expected deliveries, potential delays, and any issues that may impact production schedules. Align procurement plans with production forecasts, capacity plans, and overall supply chain and business objectives. Support long‑term purchasing strategies that improve cost, quality, and service in a CPG / food manufacturing setting. Supplier & Vendor Management Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers to ensure quality products at competitive prices and reliable delivery performance. Build and maintain strong, long‑term, mutually beneficial supplier and vendor relationships . Create and maintain vendor scorecards with key performance and compliance metrics (quality, on‑time delivery, cost, service, food safety). Track supplier performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and drive corrective actions as needed. Prepare, review, and manage contracts, RFPs, bids, proposals, vendor agreements, and pricing to ensure adherence to product specifications, tolerances, and food‑safe manufacturing standards. Act as a key point of contact for supplier management and escalation. Cost Management, Market Intelligence & Risk Conduct ongoing market research to identify new suppliers, alternative materials, and cost‑saving opportunities. Monitor commodity markets and harvest cycles, using insights to time purchases and negotiate favorable contracts and long‑term agreements. Analyze total cost of ownership, including material, logistics, and inventory management costs, and support initiatives to reduce them. Assess supply chain risks related to ingredients, packaging, and logistics, and develop mitigation strategies to protect continuity of supply. Cross‑Functional Collaboration Partner closely with Operations, Production, Quality Assurance, Finance, Logistics, and Warehousing to ensure procurement activities support business and production needs. Work with the Production Planner to coordinate just‑in‑time delivery of perishable ingredients and components, ensuring timely production while minimizing waste and excess inventory. Support new product development and product changes by sourcing ingredients and packaging that meet cost, quality, lead‑time, and food safety requirements. Collaborate with internal teams to improve procurement processes , ERP data quality, and supply chain visibility. Inventory, Logistics & ERP Systems Forecast material demand based on production schedules, historical usage, and sales forecasts. Optimize inventory levels to balance service, freshness, and working capital targets in a high‑volume food manufacturing environment. Coordinate with logistics and warehouse teams to ensure smooth inbound receiving, proper documentation, and inventory accuracy. Use ERP systems for purchasing and inventory control; experience with SYSPRO ERP or similar tools is a strong asset. Leverage Microsoft Excel and other tools for analysis, reporting, and tracking key procurement and supply chain metrics. Compliance, Food Safety & Issue Resolution Ensure all procurement activities, documentation, and supplier relationships comply with applicable food safety regulations , company policies, and customer requirements. Collaborate with suppliers, Receiving, and Quality Assurance to ensure adherence to Food Safety and Regulatory programs and quality standards. Maintain complete and accurate records of supplier certifications, specifications, and quality documentation. Manage vendor and supplier invoices, working with Finance to ensure accurate and timely processing. Address and resolve internal (inter‑department) and external (vendor / customer) inquiries, facilitating appropriate internal review and approvals before external communication. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. 7+ years of progressive purchasing / procurement experience in a food manufacturing, bakery, or CPG environment (e.g., Procurement Manager, Purchasing Manager, Ingredients Buyer). Strong understanding of procurement and purchasing processes , including research, sourcing, negotiation, planning, ordering, and vendor management. Hands‑on experience purchasing ingredients, packaging, and components through an ERP system ; familiarity with SYSPRO is a plus. Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and ERP applications. Excellent oral and written communication skills with strong interpersonal and presentation abilities. Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with integrity and professionalism. High level of diligence, attention to detail, and accuracy in all aspects of purchasing, inventory management, and supply chain documentation . Strong analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills. Proven track record of reducing costs while supporting quality, service, and production goals in a food manufacturing / CPG environment. Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, growth‑oriented, and entrepreneurial team culture. What We Offer Competitive base salary plus performance‑based bonus potential. Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage, along with a company‑sponsored retirement savings program (RRSP). Opportunities for professional development and career growth within a growing CPG / food manufacturing organization. A collaborative, energetic, and entrepreneurial team culture where your contributions as a Procurement Manager directly impact our supply chain , operations, and growth. #J-18808-Ljbffr