Buyer (Grocery)

Who are we?

UNFI Canada is the leading distributor of natural, organic, and specialty foods We transform the world of food for our associates, customers, suppliers and the families we serve every day. Our mission is simple: to provide healthier food choices to people everywhere

Better Food, Better Future

Read on about our Buyer opportunity where you'll oversee purchasing, vendor relations, and ultimately, help UNFI navigate the #Foodscape

Position: Buyer - Grocery

Job Type Full Time Permanent

Schedule: Monday-Friday

Language Requirements: English

Working Conditions: Hybrid (1-2 times week in office)

Location: Vaughan, ON

Purpose:
Responsible for reviewing and coordinating complex, one-time, and simple multi-term purchase requests in accordance with company policies. Independently handles projects up to a designated dollar figure. Serves as a liaison between vendors and internal departments related to procurement functions.

Job Responsibilities:

- Reviews, approves, and processes purchasing requests such as purchase requisitions and purchase orders for goods or services to ensure compliance with the company’s purchasing procedures and user requirements.
- Provides liaison services between vendors and departments for order status, procurement procedures, and problem resolution; researches sources of supply; advises on cost effective alternatives.
- Reviews and evaluates contracts and purchase orders, negotiates change orders, and determines sole source validity.
- Responsible for ensuring targeted fill rates/service levels are achieved for our customers.
- Responsible for ensuring appropriate inventory levels are maintained and product arrives as scheduled with appropriate lead time
- Maintains data information, files, reports, price lists on assigned commodities; negotiates prices and terms.
- Maintains records in accordance with established policies and procedures and audit guidelines.
- Participates in company sponsored trade shows, attends purchasing meetings and seminars related to purchasing.
- Expedites shipping and deliveries, maintain inventories, and monitor usage inconsistencies, price changes, and vendor back orders.
- Validates, reconciles, and processes receiving reports, vendor invoices, and other payment documents.
- Completes special projects as assigned.
- Negotiates pricing and payment terms when needed.

Qualifications:
Education/Certification(s):

- Post-Secondary Education a related field and/or equivalent related experience and training.

Experience Required:

- Three (3) years experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
- Previous experience as a Buyer in the Food, Grocery, or CPG industry.

Required Knowledge:

- Knowledge of vendor sources, products and purchasing procedures.
- Knowledge of contract law helpful.
- Knowledge of cost analysis techniques.

Skills & Abilities:

- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Powerpoint
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
- Able to evaluate procurement bids in accordance with established criteria.
- Skilled at preparing bids, requests for quotes and proposals in compliance with company policies.
- Able to document work in progress.
- Strong customer service resolution skills; able to resolve customer complaints, concerns, etc.
- Able to completely moderate complex administrative paperwork.
- Strong negotiation skills.
- Strong records maintenance skills.
- Advanced analytical and problem solving skills; able to investigate and analyze information and to draw conclusions
- Health and Dental benefits package available as of your 1st day
- Base salary and Supply Chain bonus plan offered
- Paid vacation and sick days
- Flexible schedule
- Employee discounts on Organic Food
- Friendly and helpful team
- Internal opportunities and career advancement
- And last, but not least, the opportunity to be part of a meaningful organization that does meaningful work. Join us on UNFI's journey in providing healthier food choices to people everywhere #BetterFood #BetterFuture

Our Commitment: