Divisional Buyer - Protein

Position Summary

The Divisional Buyer-Protein is responsible for the procurement and supply management of protein raw materials required to support manufacturing operations across Grand River Foods. The role partners closely with Operations, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Product Development, Finance, and external suppliers to ensure the timely, cost-effective, and uninterrupted supply of protein material inputs for production. The Divisional Buyer ensures materials are available to meet operational requirements while maintaining appropriate inventory levels and adhering to company purchasing policies.  The position plays a key role in minimizing material shortages, managing supplier relationships, and supporting efficient plant operations.

Vacancy: Backfill 

Procurement & Sourcing:

• Analyze daily, weekly, and monthly protein material requirements based on production schedules and forecasts.
• Issue and manage purchase orders in accordance with company purchasing policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain supplier relationships to improve service levels, supply reliability, and overall value.
• Support sourcing activities for new products, plant trials, and operational projects.

Supplier & Vendor Management:

• Act as the primary point of contact for suppliers
• Monitor supplier performance, delivery reliability, product quality, and responsiveness.
• Resolve supplier, pricing, quality, and delivery issues in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate vendor records and purchasing documentation.

Inventory & Supply Management:

• Monitor inventory levels and consumption trends to ensure adequate supply while minimizing excess inventory.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders to forecast material requirements and prevent supply disruptions.
• Proactively identify and resolve material availability issues, delivery conflicts, and potential supply risks
• Expedite orders and coordinate delivery schedules to meet operational requirements.
• Review aging inventory and identify opportunities to reduce obsolete, slow-moving, or excess stock.

Compliance & Continuous Improvement:

• Manage documentation compliance and record keeping for all import protein purchases
• Act as main liaison and gatekeeper for all document requirements associated with protein import programs that Grand River Foods may participate in such as DRP (Duties Relief Program), IREP (Import for Re-Export Program),etc
• Support audits related to procurement, traceability, supplier approval, and inventory management.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives designed to improve procurement processes and supplier performance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with Production Scheduling, Inventory, and Logistics teams to align purchasing activities with plant requirements
• Partner with Operations, Quality Assurance, Product Development, and Finance to understand business needs and purchasing requirements.
• Communicate purchasing updates, supply risks, and market conditions to leadership and key stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Procurement, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 3-5 years of purchasing or procurement experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing supplier relationships
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Strong understanding of inventory management and purchasing processes.
• ASCM (CSCP) / Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) designation or progress toward certification.
• Experience within food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods.
• Experience supporting multiple facilities or business units.

Competencies & Attributes:

• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, production‑driven environment
• Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to react quickly and troubleshoot material or supply issues
• Clear and professional communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to assess supply risks and escalate concerns appropriately
• Collaborative team player who works well with cross‑functional stakeholders
• Reliable, accountable, and able to work independently with minimal supervision
• Demonstrates sound judgment, integrity, and respect for established processes
• Results-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily office-based with regular interaction within manufacturing environments.
• Occasional travel to suppliers and company facilities may be required.
• Ability to respond to urgent supply chain issues outside of regular business hours when necessary.