A leading manufacturer of sports nutrition products is currently seeking a full-time Purchasing Assistant. The incumbent is responsible for the timely placement of purchase orders, and the delivery of materials to meet the company’s manufacturing requirements and to maintain stock inventory levels within established guidelines, to support production planning based on finished goods requirements. Maintain supplier relationships, and monitoring supplier performance, new material/packaging development, cost saving initiatives, and issue resolution. The incumbent will be responsible for administrative tasks. This position reports directly to the Purchasing Manager and CFO
Responsibilities:
Maintain purchasing procedures and specifications in conjunction with Production and QA requirements
Explore opportunities to lower the cost of raw materials through continuous sourcing and other cost savings initiatives
Develop a detailed working knowledge of the BV system. Prepare quotes, proposals, and other vendor documentation
Ensure purchase orders are completed in accordance with established policies, procedures, and contract terms (i.e. price, time, freight, customs, etc.)
Communicate with vendors, including input for contract negotiation, inventory reporting, issue resolution, and product development
Develop new sources and manage contacts that include an emphasis on quality, service, and continuous improvement. Coordinate cost savings initiatives, bid programs, and review, evaluate, analyze bids, and costing information
Source raw materials that meet all quality and raw material specifications established by Fit Foods. Must understand inventory flow, inventory on hand, and lead times. As well as maximizing inbound freight shipments
Purchase material for inventory and non-stock items for company
Review purchase orders and deliver to vendors, confirm expected ship dates, and update BV, resolve errors on purchase orders as required
Reviewing reports for out of stock, and expediting open orders. Maintain accurate inventory levels for raw materials, packaging, and specific finished goods
Monitoring price increases and communicating changes as necessary
Issue, track, and verify all purchase orders for accuracy and ensure all documentation is complete, accurate, and submitted in a timely manner
Support R&D by procuring appropriate materials as cost effectively as possible. Respond to sales requests for assistance in promotions and marketing iniatives
Communicate effectively with production management on issues that will adversely affect production.
Assist in inventory control by ensuring all data entry into BV is accurate and appropriately reported
Coordinate activities between Fit Foods and co-packers. Ensure correct lead times are maintained, and delivery of finished goods are accurate and on time
Communicate with internal and external customers on raw material issues and major pricing variances
Prepare reports regarding market conditions, raw goods, and material costs. Analyze market and delivery systems in order to assess present and future material availability
Foster good relationships with all domestic and international suppliers. Resolve Vendor or Contractor grievances and claims against Suppliers
Other duties as assigned
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Accounting, or Economics, or equivalent training and experience. Post secondary Diploma in Purchasing, PMAC Designation or final year PMAC student preferred
Minimum 5 years prior experience in purchasing preferably in Food Manufacturing. Experience with international suppliers preferred. Must have relevant experience in procurement of packaging materials including corrugate, cartons, inserts, labels, etc.
Experience with US suppliers, food contractors & export experience an asset
Proven experience with negotiation skills, in contract development, and management
Canadian Food Product labeling knowledge is required, with knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to company purchasing practices
Superior knowledge the company processes, policies, and procedures to train and supervise others, for the required paperwork, and the process for approvals
Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills; this job involves discussing with others to convey information clearly and effectively. Must be pragmatic, operational, and result orientated.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills. Tact and judgment are required when dealing with people
Proficient in Microsoft Office, prior experience with BV an asset
Proven ability to build relationships across various cross-functional teams in order to execute projects effectively
Interested candidates in this position contact Human Resources by email or by fax (604) 468-0235 before January 31, 2013. The successful applicant will be eligible for a competitive salary and benefit package.
