Job Summary
The Buyer is responsible for the tactical procurement and ongoing replenishment of commodities, supplies, and services essential to maintaining uninterrupted production. Reporting to the Director of Purchasing, this role ensures material availability to support continuous manufacturing operations while minimizing downtime and supply chain disruptions.
Working cross-functionally with Production, Warehouse, and Logistics, the Senior Buyer actively monitors inventory levels, demand variability, and supplier lead times. This role requires proactive management of replenishment cycles, responsiveness to changing production requirements, and timely resolution of supply issues.
Job Duties
- Manage day-to-day procurement and material replenishment to ensure uninterrupted production flow.
- Oversee purchase orders, supplier lead times, and inventory levels to balance service levels with inventory investment; communicate risks or shortages proactively.
- Execute sourcing strategies for assigned commodities or categories.
- Support forecasting and planning processes by providing accurate cost, lead time, and supplier data.
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and supplier agreements to optimize cost, quality, and service.
- Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers based on performance, capability, and alignment with business needs.
- Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure reliability and continuous improvement.
- Monitor commodity markets and trends to inform purchasing decisions and mitigate risk.
- Support new product development initiatives through sourcing materials and components.
- Participate in daily production and scheduling meetings to align supply with operational needs.
- Collaborate with Quality Assurance to resolve supplier-related quality issues.
Position Requirements
Education
- Post-secondary degree or diploma in Supply Chain, Business, or related field.
- Professional designation (e.g., CPP, CPM) is an asset.
Experience & Knowledge
- Minimum 5 years of procurement experience, preferably in food manufacturing or a regulated environment.
- Strong experience with supplier agreements, negotiations, and contract management.
- Solid understanding of ERP systems and material planning processes (MRP, demand planning, batch production).
- Advanced Excel skills for data consolidation and analysis.
- Knowledge of commodity markets, logistics, and inventory optimization strategies.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to make independent purchasing decisions within defined authority levels, with sound judgment on escalation of strategic issues.
Working Conditions
This role operates across office, plant, and warehouse environments, with occasional travel to supplier or customer sites as required.
What We Offer
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- Permanent, year-round positions
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Group home and auto insurance
- Active social committee
- Subsidized lunches at our on-site cafeteria
- Work at a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Markdale, Ontario
- The chance to join an international, award-winning business - the largest ice cream manufacturer in Canada
- A positive workplace culture where we take pride in what we do and strive for excellence
- Free ice cream!
Compensation
At Chapman’s, compensation is guided by a pay-for-performance philosophy that recognizes and rewards individual contributions.
Salary Range
$72,000 to $78,000 per year, based on experience, skills, and internal equity.
In addition to base salary, employees will be eligible for:
- Regular wage reviews as part of a comprehensive total rewards package
- Retirement savings program, including a company-matching pension plan to support long-term financial planning
- Comprehensive extended health, dental, life, and disability benefits
- Mental health support as part of the benefits program
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities as needed.
We thank all those that apply in advance for your application, however only those selected will be contacted, no phone inquiries please.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $72,000.00-$78,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Discounted or free food
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
- Wellness program
Application question(s):
- This position is on site in Markdale, ON. Can you travel to Markdale, or are you willing to relocate?
Work Location: In person
