Buyer

Dare Foods Limited; Cambridge; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A Canadian food manufacturer is seeking a Buyer for a 12-month contract in Cambridge, Ontario. The ideal candidate will have a post-secondary degree and a minimum of three years of relevant purchasing experience, preferably within the consumer-packaged goods industry. Responsibilities include sourcing packaging materials, negotiating contracts, and developing sourcing strategies to optimize costs. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including health and wellness programs.

Benefits

Competitive base salary

Comprehensive health and wellness benefits

Paid time off

Career development opportunities

Reward and recognition programs

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of relevant purchasing experience, ideally in a consumer-packaged goods company.
• Experience in supply chain and/or procurement.
• Strong organization skills and ability to manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies to optimize costs.
• Source quality packaging materials at competitive costs.
• Negotiate and/or tender agreements across the supply base.

Skills

Strong verbal communication skills

Strong written communication skills

Negotiation skills

Problem-solving ability

Relationship-building skills

Education

Post-secondary degree or diploma

Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) designation

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Buyer (12-month contract)

Made Better isn’t just a claim; it’s our Dare promise.

Dare has been a proudly Canadian, family‑owned company since 1889. Throughout our long history, we’ve created some of the most loved brands in the country, including Bear Paws cookies, REALFRUIT gummies, Breton crackers, Melba Toast and many more. For over 130 years, we have been located in the Kitchener area since three families’ original store opened in 1892. We are now headquartered in Cambridge, Ontario, and we’ve expanded our roots far beyond. With nine manufacturing plants and over 1400 employees, Dare is part of the fabric of Canada.

At Dare, our dedicated team works passionately to uphold our tradition of excellence, innovation and quality in every aspect of our operations. Our state‑of‑the‑art facilities utilize advanced technology to ensure consistency and quality while meeting the evolving needs of our consumers and customers.

Job Overview

Reporting to the Procurement Manager, Packaging Materials, this Buyer position is accountable for the packaging materials category to drive efficiency, effectiveness and continuous improvement in the procurement process.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies to optimize costs, improve service levels, and mitigate risks.
• Source quality packaging materials at competitive costs to support production and innovation requirements.
• Negotiate and/or tender agreements across the supply base using best‑in‑class tools.
• Monitor market conditions using online tools, networking, and published daily information.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to understand their needs and ensure procurement activities align with business objectives.
• Support innovation and growth by delivering unique packaging material on a timely basis at competitive prices.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key vendors to ensure conformance of materials and competitive pricing.
• Coordinate, execute and analyze tenders; negotiate & administer contracts.
• Develop the annual packaging material budget using insights from supply and demand dynamics, market trends, and in-depth material knowledge.

Qualifications

• Post‑secondary degree or diploma (or equivalent experience) with experience in supply chain and/or procurement (i.e. manufacturing process, strategic sourcing, negotiating and contracts).
• Minimum three years of relevant purchasing experience, ideally in a consumer‑packaged goods company.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of Supply Chain procedures.
• Commodity and/or packaging buying experience.
• A background in sourcing packaging materials is considered an asset.
• Working towards a SCMP (Supply Chain Management Professional) designation (PMAC - Purchasing Management Association of Canada).
• Strong computer skills required, including experience with Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and SAP.
• Strong organization skills with the ability to manage multiple projects with a strong problem‑solving ability.
• Communications and relationship‑building with internal/external contacts.
• Working knowledge of French is an asset.
• High ethical standards and strong work ethic.
• Drive progress independently and thrive in autonomy and fast‑paced settings.

Additional Information

Total Rewards Package

Our Total Rewards package reflects the investment we make in our employees to help them and their families achieve their well‑being goals. Total Rewards at Dare Foods includes a competitive base salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits and retirement programs. In addition, we offer paid time off, career development opportunities, as well as reward and recognition programs.

At Dare Foods Limited, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive, accessible, equal‑opportunity environment that welcomes all individuals from all backgrounds because we know it will make our company a better place to work. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (visible or invisible, temporary or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment.

We want to thank all candidates in advance for their interest; only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we cannot confirm the receipt of individual applications or resumes.