Job Title

Position: Procurement Leader Grocery Division Company: Produce Express Location: Woodstock, Ontario (Hybrid) Hours: 44 hours per week (Monday Friday) Reports to: Owner/Founder Compensation: $90,000 $120,000 annually Employee Discount: 40% off groceries from Produce Express Role: Newly Created, Vacant Role To be considered for the position, please complete the first step in the application process through this link: About Produce Express Produce Express is a trusted supplier of fresh, high-quality food to retail and wholesale customers throughout Southwestern Ontario, serving schools, daycares, restaurants, and households. Known for their people-first culture and commitment to quality, they operate with a strong set of core values: People, Passion, Positivity, Professionalism, and Punctuality. About the Role Are you the kind of leader who moves fast, takes ownership without being told twice, and leads with genuine care for the people around you? As Produce Express continues to scale, the founder is stepping back from the day-to-day grocery buying function and is seeking an experienced Procurement Leader to oversee two senior buyers and bring strategy to the team. From vendor management to consumer demand, you will own this division end-to-end. Key Responsibilities Team Leadership and Cross-Training: Lead, mentor, and develop two Senior Buyers covering retail and school/daycare purchasing streams. Provide clear direction, establish accountability, and ensure full cross-training across both roles so you can step in seamlessly when required. Vendor Relationship Management: Manage 75 to 100 grocery supplier relationships. Negotiate pricing, set up rebate programs, issue RFPs, establish payment terms, and build supply partnerships that drive mutual value. This is strategic vendor management, not transactional buying. Category Management: Own grocery categories end-to-end, including pricing, margin, product mix, and promotional strategy. Analyze weekly financial reports, identify market gaps, and make data-based decisions to improve category performance across retail, wholesale, schools, and daycares. Just-in-Time Inventory Strategy: Implement a lean inventory approach that improves fill rates while reducing waste and excess stock. Collaborate with the inventory team to resolve discrepancies and continuously refine processes. Product Sourcing and Development: Source new products directly from manufacturers rather than relying solely on distributors. Expand the product range across dairy, bakery, frozen, and shelf-stable categories to strengthen growth across daycare, school, and retail segments. Segment Compliance: Manage nutritional compliance for school and daycare programs. Work directly with regional dietitians, secure product approvals, and ensure all catalogue items meet each region''s standards before launch. Promotional Planning: Develop and manage promotional programs with the marketing team. Negotiate vendor-funded initiatives, apply consumer and buyer psychology to understand what drives customers to purchase, and use promotions strategically to grow sales and attract new customers. Systems and Forecasting: Monitor and optimize purchasing schedules using within Microsoft Dynamics. Use real-time data to drive informed buy decisions. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with sales, inventory, and operations teams to anticipate demand shifts, seasonal patterns, and onboarding needs for new business. Growth and Expansion Readiness: Prepare the purchasing function for a second Produce Express location. Establish vendor programs, pricing structures, delivery schedules, and workflows tailored to the site. Year One - What Success Looks Like Successfully assume the owners current grocery buying responsibilities while building a strong understanding of your direct reports roles through cross-training. Improve buying processes that reduce inventory while improving fill-rates. Qualifications 5 or more years of grocery buying or category management experience Demonstrated success in vendor negotiation and supplier relationship management, not just transactional buying. Strong analytical and commercial mindset, confident using data to inform pricing, margin, and sourcing decisions. Proven leadership experience that emphasizes coaching and accountability without micromanaging. Self-starter who moves with urgency, operates independently, and thrives in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment. Clear, direct communicator with vendors, team members, and senior leadership. Experience with Microsoft Dynamics or Business Central is a strong asset. Compensation $90,000-120,000 annually Health Spending Account Employee Discount of 40% off of groceries from Produce Express Vacation: open to understanding what you seek