Position Summary:The National Purchasing Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing procurement strategies for Freshstone Brands across all its facilities, with a specific focus on protein and produce categories. This role ensures cost-effective and efficient acquisition of raw materials, supplies, and services while maintaining quality standards. The Purchasing Manager will play a key role in strategic supplier management, alignment with operational goals, and continuous improvement of procurement practices.
Reporting Relationship:
- Reports directly to the Director of Procurement
- Collaborates with the Executive Leadership Team and broader Business Team
- Engages with key suppliers, vendors, and internal departments such as Production, Quality Assurance, and FinanceOrganization:Freshstone Brands Inc. ("FBI") is a premier manufacturer of high-quality prepared food products that services the retail, foodservice, and co-manufacturing channels.
The Company's products include branded and private label entrees, salads, sides, appetizers, hand-held foods, and other prepared foods. FBI supplies fresh and some frozen items to major Canadian retailers for sale "behind the glass" or in packaged formats in the perimeter of the store, as well as to well-known foodservice customers, and some major branded food businesses under contract. FBI manufactures its products in 6 manufacturing plants which are SQF Level 3 certified strategically located across Canada, giving FBI critical mass, and geographic proximity to the US market.
With its own brands, FBI services all the major Grocery, Mass, Club and Food Service customers in Canada either directly or through distributor and broker relationships. Additionally, FBI has co-developed and launched a variety of "own-label" and private label programs with a wide range of blue-chip, recognized retailers and food service companies across North America. Essential Functions:
- Develop and execute procurement strategies for protein and produce categories, ensuring cost optimization, supplier reliability, and quality standards.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, negotiating contracts and long-term agreements to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities, supplier consolidation strategies, and process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
- Utilize market intelligence, commodity pricing analysis, and forecasting to manage risks and mitigate supply chain disruptions.
- Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, ethical sourcing practices, and company procurement policies.
- Leverage ERP systems and procurement analytics to monitor performance metrics, track supplier KPIs, and drive data-driven decision-making.
- Work closely with internal stakeholders, including Production, Quality Assurance, and Finance, to align purchasing strategies with business objectives.
- Support product costing efforts by analyzing ingredient and production cost trends, ensuring accurate pricing models and financial planning.
- Provide leadership and mentorship within the procurement function, fostering continuous improvement and innovation.
Education and Prerequisites:
- Minimum 5 years of experience in purchasing or procurement, specifically in protein and produce categories.
- Proven experience in the North American marketplace, with a strong understanding of industry trends and supplier networks.
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Materials Management, or a related field.
- Previous experience in Retail, Distributor, or Food Service Purchasing is a significant asset.
- Strong negotiation, analytical, and decision-making skills with a results-driven approach.
- Proficiency in procurement software and ERP systems.
- Knowledge of food safety regulations and supply chain risk management.
- CPP, CPSM, CPIM, or SCPC designation is considered a strong asset.
Although we appreciate all interest in this position, we will be contacting applicants whose experience and skills closely match our requirements. Freshstone Brands is committed to fair and equitable recruiting practices. Accommodations are available for persons with disabilities during all stages of the employment process. Please indicate if assistance is required. Thank you for your interest in Freshstone Brands Inc.
