Senior Procurement Specialist

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Join Riverside Natural Foods Ltd., a $300 million+ Canadian‑based, family‑owned, and globally operating business, committed to leaving the world better than we found it. As a B‑Corp certified, Triple‑Bottom Line company, we proudly manufacture nutritious, ‘better‑for‑you’ snacks such as MadeGood and GOOD TO GO. We value teamwork, humility, respect, ownership, adaptability, grit, and fun. We’re on an ambitious mission to double our business by 2027, and we need talented individuals like you to help us reach new heights. At Riverside, you’ll have the opportunity to chart your own path to success while contributing to ours. We believe anything worth doing is worth doing right, and our values will guide us through the rugged terrain – and yes, it will get rough. But that’s what makes the journey worthwhile. So, lace up your boots and let’s tackle the climb together. You can learn more about us at www.riversidenaturalfoods.com.

Position Summary

The Senior Procurement Specialist is primarily responsible for optimizing purchasing requirements of direct materials (packaging materials and/or ingredients) required for production of branded and private label brands as assigned. The role requires an individual that can foster strong relationships with vendor partners to create “win‑win” partnerships.

Primary Responsibilities

• Materials Management: Ensures timely availability and efficient allocation of materials for various manufacturing sites within the Riverside network by assessing material requirements against available inventories. Proactive on industry trends and lead times to mitigate risk.
• Order Management: Determines material requirements for a select portfolio of material items, creates, reviews, and communicates purchase orders and/or contracts to vendor partners, follows up on movement of goods so that materials arrive on time and in full.
• Continuous Improvement: Participates in continuous improvement projects that involve sourcing & procurement activities, collaborate with various stakeholders as needed.
• Data Management: Involved in data integrity activities ensuring that system data is accurate and valid, works with various stakeholders to validate and confirm data to help ensure system is helping inform strong decision making for sourcing & procurement (and related teams).
• Cost Efficiency: Ensures best purchasing options are evaluated to maximize efficiency and cost. Prepare cost‑benefit analysis report for review with monthly supply cost reports.
• Spend Analytics: Promotes compliance to procurement budgets through analytical spend reporting and KPI evaluations to ensure adherence to procurement procedures and are compliant with preferred supplier agreements.
• Key Performance Indicators: Maintains and adheres internal KPIs including inventory values, turns and other inventory metrics as per department targets.
• Supply Management: Monitors the company’s demand for products to avoid supply shortages. Track and/or manage releases of vendor‑managed inventory (VMI) as required.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Collaborates with R&D, transportation, marketing, packaging engineering and planning teams as needed on projects and to manage any supply chain challenges or opportunities to ensure material availability for on‑time consumption in production. Represents procurement in commercialization projects.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Initiates, cultivates, and enhances relationships with vendor partners; strives for win‑win solutions and outcomes.
• Core Values: Demonstrate and uphold Riverside’s Core Values, mission, and vision.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Core Values at Riverside

• Help to establish RESPECT and confidence with customers.
• Educate customers, distributors, brokers, and sales agents on product attributes and benefits while displaying HUMILITY.
• Demonstrate OWNERSHIP by managing customers as if they were your own.
• Keeps the work atmosphere FUN by keeping it light and welcoming.

Reporting Relationships

The position reports directly to the Sr. Sourcing & Procurement Manager.

Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrable success at creatively solving problems and implementing solutions.
• Rigorous data‑driven/analytical capability and ability to present data to a leadership level.
• Strong planning, project management, leadership skills and execution skills.
• Ease of presenting in front of small to medium‑size groups and leadership.
• Proficient negotiation & presentation skills.
• Must have strong presentation, collaboration and listening skills.
• Strong TEAM player with Energy, GRIT, ambition, competitiveness.
• Outstanding organizational, and time management skills.
• Intermediate level of computer and technical skills with an emphasis on MS Office Suite.
• Ability to adapt communication style based on the audience. Ability to communicate in a clear and professional way, both written and verbal.
• Proven ability to build and maintain productive relationships with key business partners.
• Proven ability to make decisions based on a mixture of information, analysis, experience, and judgement.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work with a high degree of accuracy.
• Excellent planning, organizing, multitasking and time management skills.
• A collaborative self‑starter with a high level of initiative and flexibility.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Team player with a positive attitude and proven business acumen.

Education & Qualifications

• Post‑secondary degree or diploma in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related area of study.
• 3‑5 years of experience in a supply chain or procurement function, preferably in a fast‑paced CPG food manufacturing setting.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Excel including pivot tables, formulas, etc.

What We Expect

• Values‑led: You’ll be a member of a thoughtful and compassionate team that prioritizes respect, teamwork and resourcefulness along with a good dash of fun.
• Unparalleled experiences and opportunities: We’re still determining who we are and what we can be. Help us shape what this organization will look like and what we’ll offer the world, into the future.
• Access to everyone: We’re a flat organization with few silos which means you’ll have full access to everyone from our founders to our production staff.
• Personal development: We’ll support and empower you to chart your own path and reach any heights you set for yourself.
• Gratitude: As a growing business, we can’t always offer formal recognition like awards programs, but we do show our true gratitude and appreciation.

What We Offer

• Values‑led: We don’t cut corners or step on anyone or anything on our way to our summit.
• Courageous determination: As a family‑run, rapidly growing business, we are often challenged to find ways to deliver that aren’t obvious or easy.
• Humility: We’re a small (but growing) fish in a sea of whales and sharks. We pride ourselves in being respectful and supportive of others while shining brightly through our innovative, high‑quality products.
• Continuous improvement: As a learn‑as‑we‑go organization, we rely on each other to continuously improve everything we touch.

Additional Benefits

• Immerse yourself in our comprehensive benefits program, with Riverside taking care of the costs!
• RRSP matching or 401(k) matching for an empowered financial journey.
• Join Employee‑Led Resource Groups (ERGs) championing mental health, sustainability, diversity, women, and LGBTQ+ rights.
• Develop your career further through our Riverside University program and with our Tuition Reimbursement Program.
• An open concept work environment that embodies our Values.

How to Apply

If you have the commitment to excellence, the energy, the attitude and experience we need, please submit your resume to careers(AT)riversidenaturals.com with the job title you are applying for in the subject line or click the apply button!

Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. If you have a disability and require accommodation in the interview process, please let us know when you apply. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, due to volume, please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.