Category Buyer

Summit Search Group; Burnaby; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established importer and marketer of international foods is seeking a Category Manager to optimize product portfolios and manage supplier relationships. This role offers the opportunity to lead inventory management strategies, ensuring a balance between procurement costs and inventory considerations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in category management, analytical skills, and the ability to mentor team members. Join a dynamic team where your contributions will help drive growth and profitability in a thriving industry. This on-site position is perfect for those passionate about food and supplier management.

Qualifications

• 4-7 years of experience in category management or procurement, preferably in food & beverage.
• Strong analytical and communication skills are essential for success.

Responsibilities

• Manage product portfolios and optimize inventory levels for profitability.
• Develop supplier relationships and negotiate favorable terms.
• Mentor team members and ensure effective collaboration.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Supplier Relationship Management

Inventory Management

Negotiation Skills

Mentorship

Mandarin Language Skills

Cantonese Language Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

Inventory Management Systems

Procurement Tools

Job description

We are excited to partner with our client, an established importer and marketer of popular international foods, to find a Category Manager. The Category Buyer is responsible for managing product portfolios, optimizing inventory levels, and fostering strong supplier relationships. This role ensures procurement costs are balanced with inventory considerations while identifying opportunities for growth and profitability. Additionally, the Category Buyer mentors less experienced team members to enhance overall team effectiveness. This is an on-site role at our client’s Burnaby office.

Key Responsibilities & Success Criteria

Procurement & Inventory Management (30%)

• Manage inventory for assigned products and categories, proactively addressing overstock and near-expiry items.
• Develop and execute strategies for the profitable clearance of excess inventory.
• Identify potential product additions based on market trends and customer demand, leading buying efforts.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels to ensure service excellence and competitive pricing.
• Analyze sales and profitability data to optimize SKU selection.

Success Criteria:
Efficient inventory management with minimized overstock and waste.
Profitable clearance of excess inventory.
SKU selection optimized for sales and profitability.
New products align with market trends and customer preferences.
Data-driven decisions improve category performance.

Supplier Relationship Management (30%)

• Develop and nurture relationships with high-value suppliers (>$1M in sales).
• Secure favorable pricing, payment terms, and marketing support from suppliers.
• Negotiate and manage supplier price increases with valid justifications.

Success Criteria:
Our client is a preferred partner, with sole distribution rights where feasible.
Supplier contracts are negotiated and executed in a timely, mutually beneficial manner.
Volume-based incentives are leveraged to maximize value.
Supplier price increases are effectively managed.

Collaboration, Documentation & Compliance (35%)

• Provide guidance and mentorship to less experienced team members.
• Communicate effectively with team members, ensuring timely task completion.
• Work with the Category Management Team to optimize inventory levels and develop category strategies.
• Collaborate with the Sales Team to ensure profitable clearance of old stock.
• Partner with the Marketing Team to maximize supplier budgets for promotions.
• Maintain documentation of pricing history and negotiation outcomes.

If responsible for Compliance:

• Manage the GS1 database, adding and removing SKUs.
• Oversee quality assurance activities in liaison with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and GS1.

Success Criteria:
Team members receive effective mentorship and guidance.
Communication is clear, and tasks progress efficiently with roadblocks addressed proactively.
Category Management Team reports effective collaboration, leading to optimal inventory levels and problem resolution.
Supplier budgets are used effectively, maximizing ROI.
GS1 database remains accurate and compliant with CFIA regulations.

Knowledge & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• 4-7 years of experience in category management, procurement, or a related role, preferably in food & beverage or personal care industries.
• Proficiency in inventory management systems and procurement tools.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret sales and inventory data.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build strong supplier relationships.
• Mandarin and/or Cantonese language speaking skills.