Buyer Goods and Services

Vicwest; Stratford; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Vicwest is seeking a Buyer for Indirect Goods and Services at their Stratford facility. The Buyer will manage purchasing operations, optimize costs, and maintain relationships with suppliers. Ideal candidates will possess a relevant degree and strong analytical skills with a focus on procurement in manufacturing.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years experience in purchasing in manufacturing.
• 1-3 years experience with vendor negotiation and contract management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee buying process for indirect goods and services.
• Manage supplier relationships and conduct system metrics.
• Ensure procurement compliance with Vicwest policies.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain Management or related field

Job description

Position Summary

The Buyer (Indirect Goods and Services) reports directly to the Supply Chain Manager and is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing indirect materials and services required to support facility operations, maintenance, and administration. This role ensures cost-effective procurement while maintaining quality, compliance, and timely delivery of services and supplies.

Key Accountabilities

• Purchasing Management – Oversees the entire buying process to ensure timely and accurate procurement of goods and services needed on site.
• Purchase Cost Optimization – Focuses on reducing costs and getting the best value for purchases without compromising quality.
• Supplier Relationship and Evaluation – Manages and assesses suppliers to maintain strong partnerships and ensure reliable, high-quality deliveries.
  
  

Major Responsibilities

• Source and procure indirect goods and services to support facility operations, including but not limited to:
• MRO items (tools, equipment, repair parts)
• Janitorial and sanitation products/services
• Office and administrative supplies
• Facility maintenance (e.g., HVAC services) and repair services
• PPE, and safety supplies
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with Vicwest policies, internal controls, and applicable regulations
• Works with various departments to understand their needs and propose suitable solutions
• Processes indirect purchases within their assigned portfolio, including contracts, goods, and various services, in compliance with requirements in terms of quantity, quality, deadlines, as well as current policies and budgetary commitments
• Conducts requests for quotations according to Vicwest policy
• Creates purchase orders in the system
• In collaboration with Vicwest AP, maintains up-to-date supplier files in SAP
• Monitors orders with the involved departments and updates the data in the system
• Manages order returns and credits for all departments in collaboration with them
• Negotiates and proposes actions to optimize purchasing costs to achieve gains according to budgets, specifications, deadlines, and Vicwest Purchasing Policies
• Develops and maintains strong relationships with suppliers in their portfolio (contracts, partnerships, etc.), within the defined rules.
• Identifies strategic suppliers within their portfolio.
• Leads the necessary corrective action plans (in the event of problems or risks with suppliers).
• Monitors markets related to their industry.
• Conducts systematic sourcing within the framework of RFPs/RFQs.
• Analyzes and adopts a continuous improvement-oriented approach to optimize the steps of the indirect purchasing process for their unit.
• Makes necessary recommendations.
• Proposes appropriate corrective action plans.
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain Management or another related field
• 1-3 years of purchasing in a similar industry (manufacturing)
• 1-3 years of experience with vendor negotiation and contract management
• Strong analytical skills
• Attention to detail
• Effective communication, both verbal and written
  
  

How do we win? We win when we care. Care for our people. Care for our products. Care for our planet. Because when we can count on each other, we can count our collaborations as victories.

Vicwest welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.