Purchasing Specialist (CPG Manufacturing)
Saskatoon, SK
Are you a strategic and detail-oriented purchasing professional with a strong background in manufacturing procurement and logistics? Do you excel in fast-paced environments where timing and precision are critical? If so, we want to hear from you!
We are seeking a Purchasing Specialist to join our client’s team and play a vital role in ensuring the seamless flow of materials for their time-sensitive consumer packaged goods (CPG) operations. If you have experience sourcing materials for perishable food products—such as dairy, meat, poultry, seafood, or baked goods—where efficiency, quality, and just-in-time delivery are essential, this is the opportunity for you!
Job Summary:
As a Purchasing Specialist, you will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and procuring raw materials, components, and packaging essential for manufacturing operations. Reporting directly to the General Manager, you will work closely with suppliers, vendors, and internal teams to maintain optimal inventory levels, control costs, and ensure on-time delivery. This role requires strong procurement expertise, solid logistics knowledge, and experience with ERP systems such as Thin Client Software or SAGE.
What you will be doing:
- Source, evaluate, and establish strong partnerships with reliable suppliers to secure essential raw materials and packaging.
- Negotiate contracts, pricing structures, and payment terms to drive cost savings while maintaining high-quality standards.
- Work closely with warehouse and production teams to monitor stock levels, anticipate shifts in demand, and prevent supply shortages or overstocking.
- Oversee the procurement process, including issuing purchase orders, tracking deliveries, and ensuring shipments arrive on schedule.
- Ensure all incoming materials meet company specifications and quality requirements, promptly addressing any supplier-related concerns.
- Conduct ongoing evaluations of suppliers based on delivery reliability, cost efficiency, and product quality, implementing corrective actions as needed.
- Maintain accurate purchasing records, agreements, and reports while ensuring adherence to company policies and industry regulations.
The experience you bring:
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Certification in Purchasing or Procurement (CIPS, CPSM, etc.) is an asset.
- Proven purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment, ideally within CPG (time-sensitive food products).
- Strong background in procurement and logistics with experience managing supplier relationships.
- Knowledge of inventory management practices and ERP systems (Thin Client Software and SAGE an asset).
- Excellent negotiation skills with the ability to drive cost savings without compromising quality.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and procurement software.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment where timing and accuracy are critical.
Working conditions:
- Full-time, onsite role with some flexibility.
- Relocation assistance available within Canada.
- May require occasional travel to suppliers or industry events.
- Some physical demands, such as lifting or moving materials occasionally.
This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact in a fast-moving industry! If you have a passion for procurement, a strong understanding of logistics, and the ability to navigate the complexities of purchasing perishable goods, we'd love to connect with you! Please apply in confidence using the "Apply" button for immediate consideration.
Thank you in advance for your interest, only individuals deemed to have the skill set and experience to fit the role will be contacted. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada without sponsorship.
Lock Search Group is a National Executive Recruitment firm with offices coast-to-coast, a staff of more than 25 Consultants and Associates, and expertise in four core practice areas. Our mission is to provide exceptional Recruitment and Consulting Services to clients and candidates. We apply our experience and expertise to deliver solutions with a personalized approach that focuses on client needs and candidate goals.
Follow us on LinkedIn!