Junior Buyer

JOB PURPOSE: This position is responsible for the indirect and direct purchasing to support the running of the facility, capital projects and general facility needs, including supplier sourcing, negotiation of pricing and supplier setup. There will also be a focus on internal customer needs, employee equipment and production supplies as well as helping at times to maintain appropriate inventory levels. The role will also focus on reviewing suppliers and sourcing alternatives to generate cost savings for the organization. WHY WORK AT CONESTOGA MEATS? Growing company with opportunity to grow with team and department Stable full-time hours; no rotating shifts Employee referral bonus program (minimum $300 per hire) Competitive benefits package for you and your family at 3 months of service Pension plan and company matching at 1 year of service Floater day given on top of vacation days Diverse workforce; translation of communication materials into 8 languages Discounts on quality pork products Employee assistance program (financial assistance, mental health resources) Social Committee events (food trucks, gifts, games) BBQ's and wellness programs On-site training and company provided equipment Employee scholarship program and English courses KEY JOB FUNCTIONS / ROLES / RESPONSIBILITIES: Purchasing Maintain a close relationship with our suppliers to maximize the value of our partnerships Monitor usage and notify suppliers of increases/decreases Understand seasonality of products to manage stock and supply Research and find new suppliers, good products and competitive prices. Interview suppliers, negotiate prices, discounts, credit terms and transportation arrangements Perform on-going review of product, service, equipment and expense usage to identify new opportunities for cost savings Coordinate RFQ's and RFPs as required Visit supplier sites to ensure regulations are met if required Sustain current and build new supplier relationships to provide over and above service to our account Place purchase orders and set up new suppliers as required using CSB Act as the key point of contact for changes to purchase orders Monitor Supplier Quality Resolve supplier invoice discrepancies Key point of contact with suppliers for all indirect and non-packaging related items Communicate non-conformances with suppliers Lead supplier review meetings quarterly Inventory Control as Required Complete receiving in CSB for packaging materials, employee equipment and production supplies to confirm quantities received against supplier purchase orders Ensure proper policies and procedures are followed for equipment / supplies being taken and signed out of the inventory cage Additional help when required to back up the Inventory Control Coordinator in the following ways: Monitoring daily inventory levels for all packaging materials in all locations Place internal orders for packaging materials moving between Cambridge and Breslau locations. Other Tasks Follow the Conestoga WAY in the way you work with others Identify and implement process improvements to eliminate repetitive errors Participate in continuous improvement projects throughout the year Participate in weekly Packaging team huddles meetings and bring concerns around quality or inventory levels to the team Personal Development Attend company required training Remain current with technical knowledge in areas of responsibility Attend regular 1:1 coaching/update sessions Develop a strong understanding of our business so that creative solutions can be implemented that will drive cost savings and improve quality Customer Service focus - develop a strong relationship with all functions QUALIFICATIONS: Post-secondary education preferred Previous purchasing experience in manufacturing Intermediate knowledge of computer system (MS Word, Excel, and Outlook) Strong ability to prioritize workload and work independently Attention to detail Proactive problem solver with a focus on continuous improvement Possesses strong verbal and written communication skills Strong interpersonal skills and desire to work in a team-oriented environment KEY COMPETENCIES: Service Excellence Displays personal ownership and a sense of urgency over any issues or complaints that arise from the customer experience, both internal and external Focus on strong internal and external customer service skills Proactive with a strong attention to detail Accountability and Initiative Take ownership of work and meet all commitments Takes initiative and demonstrates a "do whatever it takes" work ethic to get the work done Focus on continuous improvement Speaking Professionally Verifies the meaning of messages sent by others and confirms any next steps required Communicates in a manner that is straightforward and easy to understand Answers questions in a professional manner If this sounds like the job for you, please submit your resume online at . Conestoga Meats welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those invited to participate in our recruitment process will be contacted. #LI-ONSITE