Purchaser / Forecaster – Ontario Natural Food Co-op – Mississauga / GTA, Ontario

SUMMARY OF POSITION

This position forecasts and purchases products and undertakes necessary supply chain management activities to meet goals for inventory levels, inventory turns, fulfillment rate and write-offs in order to support ONFC’s daily operations.

ONFC is currently engaged in a forecasting software assessment project. The candidate must be able and prepared to assume a stronger role in either forecasting or procurement depending upon the outcome of the project.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for the forecasting and procurement activities for select brands in a manner that supports ONFC’s balanced score card for fill rate, inventory levels and write-offs
Utilizing ONFC’s demand planning resources and supporting forecasting software
Run assorted reports to gain insight on variables influencing ONFC’s balanced scorecard results, takes remedial action to gain improvements and shares learned insights
Ensure information on Purchase Orders, particularly off-invoice discounts, are accurate before submitting Purchase Orders
Ensure Purchase Orders are confirmed by the broker/vendor and are tagged for freight set-up
Working with other teams and the vendor to investigate late deliveries, PO discrepancies, etc.
Maintain communication with other teams about vendor and other issues affecting fill rates through the Vendor Performance Tracking tool

Responsible for specialized procurement tasks associated with difficult and high-risk supply-chains such as bulk commodities, fluid milk, and repacking processes
Working with internal and external stakeholders to create supply-chain protocols
Monitor specialized supply-chains and making changes as required
Actively participates in the review of product performance and makes recommendations for delisting

Works with Sales and Marketing to negotiate beneficial terms from vendors
Determines preferred freight volume level to find an optimal level between landed costs and turns requirements
Works with the New Listing Committee and the Purchasing Assistant to ensure new information is set-up in an accurate and timely manner and that orders are placed in time for desired first ship date
Maintains information in the Launch Pad document pertaining to new product launches

Maintains regular contact with brokers and vendors

Participates in broker and vendor meetings to ensure mutually beneficial business goals are being and to develop innovative new approaches

Solves invoicing problems with the vendor in liaison with Accounts Payable
Attending trade shows and reviewing account information with external stakeholders
Visiting vendor facilities where possible
Monitoring reports, in relation to balanced scorecard requirements, and recommending products for de-listing

Completing projects that offer return on investment to the ONFC
Undertaking work normally handled by other team members as required (e.g. covering for someone on vacation)

QUALIFICATIONS

Some Post-Secondary education course in Purchasing/SCM. Working towards completing more courses is beneficial.
Post-secondary education in business or related field such as purchasing or supply-chain
Minimum of 3 years of forecasting and purchasing experience
Completion of Supply Chain Management Association courses would be an asset
Experience handling short-dated foods and produce an asset
Understanding of NAV (or similar ERP) especially as it pertains to logistics and purchasing
Trend analysis and forecasting skills are required
Familiarity with forecasting software applications would be considered an asset (especially ForecastX from John Galt)
Proficient in MS Office – Advanced Excel skills required
Able to understand, develop and articulate solid estimations of values such as return on investment and total cost of ownership.
Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills are required.
Must have strong customer service attitudes and aptitudes and be willing to support the sales and marketing team
Must be able to work well in a team, have a positive disposition and be focuses on solutions for achieving results
A quick learner and adaptable to change
Experience in co-operatives and the natural food industry would be beneficial

HOW TO APPLY:

Applicants should submit their resume and cover letter Quoting “Purchaser/Forecaster” to:
hr-dept@onfc.ca

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