Sysco is the global leader in foodservice distribution. With over 71,000 colleagues and a fleet of over 13,000 vehicles, Sysco operates approximately 333 distribution facilities worldwide and serves more than 700,000 customer locations. Sysco has 27 Specialty Meat and Seafood operating companies across Canada and the United States that focus on meat and seafood production and distribution. We offer our colleagues the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, to contribute to the success of a dynamic organization, and to serve others in a manner that exceeds their expectations. We’re looking for talented, hard-working individuals to join our team. Come grow with us and let us show you why Sysco is at the heart of food and service.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Compensation Range
$62,300 - $100,000
Purpose
The Protein Buyer is responsible for managing the procurement, inventory levels, pricing, and overall profitability of assigned product categories within the Center of the Plate (COP) portfolio. This role analyzes product performance and market trends to optimize SKU assortment and category results. Working cross-functionally with Sales and Marketing teams, as well as external vendor partners, the Protein Buyer collaborates to develop strategies that drive product availability, competitive pricing, and category growth while supporting overall business objectives.
*If you bring strong hands-on experience working with proteins, even outside of a formal Buyer role, we encourage you to apply. We’re seeking candidates with deep knowledge and a solid background in protein products and categories.*
Responsibilities
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Understands and stays current on product and market information, and provides this to the sales team where required.
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Influences sales decisions toward profitable items.
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Manages buy downs and spot buys in line with inventory and financial guidelines.
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Manages packer rake on Sysco muscle cuts (price, volume, and timing).
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Participates in training Sales associates.
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Works with marketing on customer facing sales promotions.
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Works with the Business Development and Sales team on customer facing opportunities such as new product lines.
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Uses market intelligence to assist in presenting relevant sales quotations.
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Recommend product offerings and at time act as decision maker
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Rationalizes SKU’s to optimize warehouse needs and resources (e.g. space).
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Executes SSMG partnership strategies to drive Specialty Brand and Sourcing growth.
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Establishes market and sales rep landed cost in collaboration with Costing and Revenue Management.
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Works with Inventory Control and Production to appropriately age and rotate product, reduce shrink.
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Maximize profitability by focusing on product mix, cut utilization (production/portion control), maintaining costing and pricing, price book while keeping market relevant.
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Supports procurement team in managing aged/overstock/deadstock, stock on hand and replenishing to appropriate inventory levels.
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Create and distribute merchandising reports on a weekly basis
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Resolves vendor discrepancies and conflicts.
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Negotiates local program agreements.
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Facilitates vendor setups and management of product list.
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Responsible for the management and execution of Vendor cost Changes.
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Complies with Sysco’s Food Safety Policy and procedures to ensure food safety, quality and legality requirements are met.
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Is willing to work safely with minimal environmental impact and understands the importance of reporting all hazards, incidents, and environmental spills immediately to their Supervisor.
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Understands that they play an integral role in their own safety and that of their colleagues and is willing to speak out when hazards are present.
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Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
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Minimum of 4 years of experience, including at least 2 years of protein merchandising or category management experience in retail or foodservice, managing multiple protein categories.
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Sales and marketing experience is an asset.
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Post-secondary education in a related field preferred (e.g., Supply Chain Management); an equivalent combination of education and work experience will be considered.
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Understanding of commodity markets.
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Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and ERP/MRP systems.
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Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and internal departments to drive sales, resolve issues, and create competitive advantage.
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Strong negotiation, organizational, decision-making, and presentation skills.
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High degree of integrity and accountability, with the ability to handle a significant amount of proprietary information and processes where trust and discretion are essential.
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Ability to maintain composure and effectiveness in challenging or ambiguous situations, including during discussions, negotiations, or when navigating differing perspectives.
- Our Purpose: Connecting the world to share food and care for one another
- Our Mission: Delivering success for our customers through industry-leading people, products and solutions
- Our Identity: Together we define our future of foodservice and supply chain
Sysco is committed to Employment Equity.
Accommodations during the recruitment process are available upon request for candidates with disabilities.
At Sysco, we aspire to create a global culture that is decidedly diverse, equitable, and inclusive – one where we foster belonging as we care for one another and connect the world through food and trusted partnerships. We are Better Together.
Here’s a sample of the many benefits Sysco colleagues enjoy
- Comprehensive Flexible Benefits including Health and Dental, Health Care Spending and Wellness Accounts
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
- Life Insurance
- Voluntary Optional Insurance
- Parental Leave Plan
- Company Pension Plan
- Group RRSP & TFSA
- Employee and Family Assistance
- Stock Purchase Plan
- Maple Virtual Care
- Unlimited on-line learning
- Sysco product discounts
- Preferred vendor discounts
- Colleague Resource Groups
(*benefits may vary based on location or bargaining unit)
This Job Requisition was created with the help of AI. AI will not be used to make hiring decisions or who progresses in the Job Application process. If you have any questions, please reach out to our Talent and Acquisition Team.
This job requisition is for a high-volume role and is always accepting applicants.
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