Job Title

Are you a strategic sourcing professional ready to make an impact?UPGC is hiring! If youre passionate about procurement, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and want to be part of a close-knit team driving excellence across iconic food brandsthis could be your next big move.Lets grow together at a company recognized as a Great Place to Work 7 years in a row.ABOUT UPGC:UPGC is a Canadian Company supporting 3 iconic brands, KFC, Taco Bell & Pizza Hut! Certified as a Great Place to Work for the last 7 years. At UPGC we are a small but mighty team leading the purchasing & distribution functions for all goods and services supplied to our KFC, Pizza Hut & Taco Bell franchisees' restaurants.PURPOSE OF POSITION:Develop and execute category plans and strategies that optimize cost, ensure continuous supply, and build strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers, brands, and the Franchisee community to deliver stakeholder value.Expand the influence and impact of assigned categories within UPGC.Identify and pursue opportunities to leverage scale by collaborating with brand teams and Franchise Partners, leading the sourcing process through to execution in alignment with UPGC management.Consistently represent and act in the best interests of all brands within the UPGC system (KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut).Remain flexible and responsive to evolving business needs, recognizing that category assignments may shift to better align responsibilities across the team.KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Manage procurement for assigned categories to achieve the best balance of quality, cost, EOQ, and delivery.Lead the full sourcing process, including data collection, RFPs, analysis, negotiations, and execution.Oversee daily category operations including pricing, shortages, transportation, promotions, shelf life, and general supply issues.Develop and execute buying and distribution strategies aligned with company objectives.Maintain and expand qualified and reliable alternate or secondary sources of supply.Lead supplier negotiations and manage contractual discussions and resolutions.Conduct regular business reviews with suppliers in coordination with Procurement and Supply Chain teams.Monitor and manage supplier performance to build strong, value-driven partnerships.Analyze market trends and maintain up-to-date cost data to inform decisions and ensure internal stakeholders are kept informed.Assess and enhance risk protocols, develop contingency plans, and implement mitigation strategies across assigned categories.Manage financial planning, including monthly latest estimates (LEs) and the Annual Operating Plan (AOP), while tracking and controlling costs.Prepare reports and board-level presentation materials related to category performance across all brands.Collaborate cross-functionally to support continuous improvement and information sharing throughout the organization.Manage multiple projects simultaneously across the procurement and execution lifecycle.Represent the company in stakeholder meetings, share insights, and bring back actionable information.Travel domestically as needed to attend trade shows, visit suppliers, conduct negotiations, and support business needs.Perform other duties as assigned.CORE SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:Solid knowledge of packaging sourcing and program roll-out methodologies.Proven experience in procurement, including successful negotiations and buying.Experience in developing category strategies is considered an asset.Strong project management, planning, and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage time effectively.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Strong analytical and mathematical aptitude with attention to detail.Creative problem-solver with the ability to assess situations and implement proactive solutions.Familiarity with quality assurance principles and practices is an asset.Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships across all levels of the organization.Adaptable and composed under pressure; demonstrates flexibility in a dynamic environment.A collaborative team player who works well with cross-functional teams.Professional and ethical approach to problem-solving, with a focus on maintaining positive relationships and supporting long-term business goals.EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:Community college diploma or university degree in Business, or equivalent work experience.57 years of relevant experience, ideally in the food manufacturing, food service, restaurant, or consumer goods industry.Strong understanding of sourcing in services, food, and/or packaging is considered an asset.Actively pursuing or holding a Supply Chain designation (e.g., SCMP, SCMA) or equivalent.Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, with intermediate to advanced computer skills.WORKING CONDITIONS:Travel - local and domestic as required.