Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Lactalis Canada; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the dairy sector is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Specialist in Toronto. The role involves collaborating with various teams, undertaking sourcing strategies, and optimizing supplier relationships to drive cost efficiencies. With a focus on innovation and quality, this position offers a hybrid work model, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Performance-Based Bonus System

4 Weeks of Vacation

Pension Program with Employer Match

Tuition reimbursement up to $3,000/year

Volunteer Day

Learning and Development opportunities

Commitment to internal career advancement

Qualifications

• 3-5 years’ experience in operations and/or Procurement function, preferably at a food company.
• Job-related experience in Industrial and/or Supply Chain Purchasing preferred.
• Bilingual (French/English) is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Support North American sourcing strategy initiatives for the assigned portfolio.
• Lead and coordinate team projects to achieve savings initiatives in accordance with Operations’ requirements.
• Develop and/or support external supplier relationships to optimize supplier quality and performance.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, or Procurement

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Job Title: Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Location: Toronto, ON

About Us:

Welcome to Lactalis Canada – where we take pride in being recognized as one of 2025 GTA's Top Employers! As well as Forbes Canada, Top Canadian Employers for 2025! Our journey revolves around enhancing the lives of Canadians through a rich variety of dairy delights, including some of Canadian’s favourite dairy brands such as like Black Diamond Cheese, Lactantia Milk, Astro Yogurt, Balderson Cheese, and Cheestrings. In fact, we’re proud to say our products grace the shelves of an incredible 94% of Canadian households!

With a 140-year legacy driven by innovation and unwavering quality, we’re seeking like-minded individuals to join us in shaping our next chapter. Our flexible hybrid work model accommodates 40% remote work, adapting to the evolving needs of our workforce. Step into a collaborative hub with our revamped office, and enjoy free parking, endless coffee, delicious Lactalis snacks, an on-site gym, and more!

About the opportunity:

The Strategic Sourcing Specialist is an active member of the Purchasing Team North America (NA), participates in sharing purchasing excellence and strategies, supporting teamwork, joint learning and development initiatives. Under the direction of the Manager, they support North American sourcing strategy initiatives for the assigned portfolio.

The attributes we are looking for:

• Achieve budget objectives by identifying, developing, and supporting North American sourcing strategy initiatives for the assigned portfolio or the North American Sourcing
• Lead and coordinate team projects to achieve the savings initiative success in accordance with Operations’ requirements. Support the overall bid process by identifying stakeholder expectations; preparing bid documents; performing bid analysis and preparing vendor contract recommendations.
• Support global negotiation initiatives led by corporate office global procurement by providing information such as pricing specifications and vendor listings and negotiating at North American level.
• Identify and/or execute value analysis and vendor transfer savings opportunities as a cross-functional effort to deliver cost reduction targets and optimize other performance measures such as on-time delivery & lead time on purchased goods and services, without jeopardizing quality, flexibility and supply continuity.
• Participate as an active cross-functional team member, along with Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, Quality, Packaging Development, Sales and Marketing, and other key functional areas of the business for effective project execution such as new launches, lien extensions, and process optimization. The scope includes sourcing, pricing, as well as sharing process improvements ideas provided by the vendors.
• Develop and/or support external supplier relationships to optimize supplier quality and performance, including continuous improvement, innovation, reduction in total cost of ownership to add value to Lactalis North America. Resolve supplier quality and supplier non-conformance concerns.
• Support the development of local and regional sourcing strategies for the portfolio managed through detailed analysis of historical & current spend data, combined with sourcing and research of new suppliers in conjunction with stakeholder involvement.
• Perform administrative duties as identified by procurement leadership supporting overall North American strategy.
• Participate in development opportunities such as leading and/or engaging in presentations to senior leadership, Identifying and developing Value Analysis or Savings projects for Lactalis affiliates in North America and the development of annual savings targets.

What you will bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, Procurement, or another appropriate discipline
• Three (3) to five (5) years’ experience in operations and/or Procurement function, preferably at a food company
• Job related experience, Industrial and/or Supply Chain Purchasing experience preferred.
• SAP or similar business systems experience
• High level of initiative, and strong interpersonal skills
• Strong negotiation and presentation skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to operate in a team environment with the ability to motivate others
• Ability to adapt in a changing work environment
• Strong planning, project management and execution skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office including advanced proficiency MS Excel and MS PowerPoint
• Ability to travel within the United States and Canada and internationally, up to 20% of the time.
• Bilingual (French/English) is an asset

What Lactalis will offer:

Lactalis Canada believes in rewarding its people with the following comprehensive benefits package and perks:

• A Performance-Based Bonus System;
• 4 Weeks of Vacation;
• A Pension Program with an Employer Match at 100% of up to 6%;
• Tuition reimbursement plan of up to $3,000/year;
• A Volunteer Day to give back to your community;
• Learning and Development opportunities;
• A commitment to internal career advancement with potential for international mobility.

Our ESG commitment:

Our ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) roadmap drives our sustainability mission. We aim to positively impact communities and the planet by enabling stakeholders including our people, consumers, customers, suppliers, dairy farmers, government, and industry partners to have a positive impact on the wellbeing of our communities and the planet through all that we do.

At Lactalis Canada, we value our employees as catalysts for positive change. Together, we will create a sustainable future, promote belonging, and make a lasting impact on the world.

Our commitment to DEI:

Fuel Our Culture with Your Uniqueness! Lactalis thrives on the value each person brings. We're dedicated to amplifying diverse voices, inviting personal and professional growth, and embracing everyone's true selves. We're committed to crafting an environment that genuinely welcomes all, reflecting the richness of our people and communities.

Our promise extends to accessible processes and spaces. If you require accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent), please inform our Talent Acquisition team – confidentiality will be maintained.

Note: Lactalis Canada does not conduct credit or background checks through LinkedIn. If required, we'll contact you after signing a Job Offer.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Associate

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Supply Chain

• Industries

  Food and Beverage Manufacturing

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