Sourcing Specialist - Packaging

10 Carlson Ct, Etobicoke, ON M9W 7K6, Canada

Job Description

Department: Procurement

Reports to: Manager, Procurement

Status: Full-time

Location: Head Office – 10 Carlson Ct

Reporting to the Procurement Manager, the Procurement Category Specialist – Packaging is responsible for driving value through strategic sourcing, supplier innovation, and sustainability initiatives in packaging. This role supports the company’s growth and operational excellence by ensuring supply continuity, cost optimization, and alignment with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Category Management & Sourcing Execution
  • Lead sourcing activities for packaging materials (films, tubs, caps, cartons, labels, etc.), developing and implementing category strategies based on spend analysis and market intelligence.
  • Drive supplier selection, negotiation, and contract management to achieve cost savings, quality improvements, and supply continuity.
  • Support supplier innovation and sustainability initiatives, collaborating with the Packaging Technologist and Quality to identify and implement eco‑friendly packaging solutions.
  • Monitor market trends, industry drivers, and category‑specific risks, such as commodity fluctuations.
  • Manage relationships with suppliers, monitoring performance on cost, quality, service, and compliance.
  • Oversee supplier onboarding, qualification, and compliance processes.
  • Support Quality and the Procurement Analyst in resolving non‑conformance issues, coordinating meetings, plant visits, and corrective actions.
  • Develop and maintain supplier scorecards, facilitating regular business reviews to drive continuous improvement.
• Data & Analysis
  • Ensure accurate pricing, contracts, and supplier data in ERP/procurement systems.
  • Conduct advanced spend analysis to identify trends, anomalies, and actionable opportunities for cost savings and process optimization.
  • Prepare clear, actionable reports for management, summarizing findings and recommendations.
  • Monitor industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in procurement analytics to continuously enhance the effectiveness of data analysis.
• Cross‑functional Collaboration
  • Participate as an active cross‑functional team member with Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, Quality, R&D, Sales and Marketing and other key functional areas of the business for effective project execution such as new launches, line extensions, and process optimization.
  • Collaborate closely with the Packaging Technologist and QA for specification alignment, supplier changes, and to address any regulatory requirements affecting packaging material sourcing.
  • Ensure transparent and timely communication of changes impacting material or service availability, cost, or compliance across all relevant teams.

Qualifications

• Post‑secondary education in Supply Chain, Business, or related field.
• Minimum 3‑5 years of procurement or supply chain experience, ideally in food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industries.
• Experience with packaging sourcing, supplier management, and strategic procurement is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in supplier management, negotiation, and strategic sourcing.
• Experience with sustainable packaging initiatives and process innovation preferred.
• Pro with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, D365), Excel, Power BI, and other Office applications.
• Knowledge of food safety, regulatory requirements, and supplier qualification processes preferred.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross‑functional teams (Supply Chain, R&D, Quality, Finance, Sales, Marketing).
• Excellent relationship‑building and stakeholder management skills.
• Understanding of packaging value and cost proposition, commodity markets, and risk management.
• Self‑motivated, with highly effective organizational and prioritization skills.

Gay Lea Foods is a leading Canadian dairy co‑operative renowned for producing high‑quality, nutritious dairy products that Canadian families love and trust. From farm to table, our 1,200 farmer members in Ontario and Manitoba, and more than 1,200 employees across four provinces, work together to nourish communities through award‑winning brands including Gay Lea, Nordica, Salerno, Bothwell Cheese, and more. As part of its deeply rooted, balanced commitment to people, profit, and planet, Gay Lea Foods proudly invests one percent of pre‑tax earnings back into Canadian communities through a national food security partnership with Second Harvest, and the community‑building efforts of the Gay Lea Foundation. To learn more, visit gayleafoods.com.

Gay Lea Foods is an equal‑opportunity employer and values diversity in our workplace.

Reasonable accommodation is available upon request throughout our recruitment and selection process.

Thank you for your interest in Gay Lea Foods.

Wishing you all the best with your career search!

10 Carlson Ct, Etobicoke, ON M9W 7K6, Canada