CA EmploymentAlert | Procurement Category and Commodities Manager
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Job Title


Procurement Category and Commodities Manager


Company : Unified Purchasing Group (Canada) Inc.


Location : Woodbridge, Ontario


Created : 2025-01-01


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Were hiring a Procurement Category and Commodities Manager! At UPGC, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work environment. For the past 7 years, weve been certified as a Great Place to Work, and were a Canadian company proudly supporting three iconic brands: KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut.As part of our team, youll play a key role in optimizing costs, managing risk, and delivering value to our Franchisee partners. Heres a summary of the position and what makes UPGC a great place to work.SUMMARY OF THE POSITION:To develop commodity and category* plans and strategies, purchase to optimize costs, manage risk, ensure continuous supply, build strong and collaborative relationships with suppliers, the brands, and the Franchisee community to drive stakeholder value.To utilize expertise in futures markets and technical commodity data to provide strategic purchase recommendations and informed decision-making.To identify and report on market data and trends for key agricultural commodities including but no limited to oil, flour, pulp & paper, cheese, beef, chicken & resins in support of categories owned and for other Category ManagersExpand category influence within UPGC. Identify opportunities to leverage systems of scale and work in collaboration with the Brand and our Franchise Partners in leading the Sourcing Process through to execution for Commodities, Sauces and Services as aligned with UPGC Management.Consistently act in the best interest of ALL brands (KFC, Taco Bell & Pizza Hut) and brand partners across the system.*Categories may change from time to time to best accommodate business needs and ensure better alignment of responsibilities amongst the team.KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:Purchase products, commodities, sauces and/or services at the best combination of quality, cost, supply, and delivery while understanding the cost drivers and making informed decisions within that category that are aligned to UPGC Supply Chain Governance. Maintain timely and accurate records. Manage day-to-day aspects of category, including but not limited to pricing, shortages, transportation, promotions, shelf life, etc.Utilize expertise in futures markets and technical commodity data to provide strategic purchase recommendations and informed decision-making.Develop and execute buying and distribution strategy for categories outlined.Primary researcher on the key commodities: including trends, data analysis, understanding new season production, global supply and demand, stock to use ratios, carry-over stocks.Provide reports/documents/graphs in support of procurement strategies (e.g., Spend analysis, Contracts Coverage, Market intelligence)Ensure components contract prices are properly managed and tracked. Support Procurement team members to build the cost bars on strategic purchases and help with breaking down the Supply Chain into its component parts.Provide recommendations on the upside/downside risk within a commodity to be used by the Procurement Team and ManagementBuild the knowledge bank on the key commodities, CPI and USDResearch, review and analyze the effectiveness and efficiency of the existing process and develop strategies to enhance or further leverage the process.Lead supplier discussions related to negotiations and/or issues pertaining to the contract terms. Conduct semi-annual/annual business reviews with suppliers in conjunction with members of the Procurement/Supply Chain teams. Prepare Board presentation documentation for assigned categories for all brands as required. Meet Financial responsibility as set out in aligned AOP for assigned categories. Support a culture of accuracy, urgency and on-time, on-budget project delivery while having fun.Develop contingency and risk mitigation strategies and implement plans.Work collaboratively with all team members within the UPGC umbrella to embrace a culture of information sharing and teamwork in support of continuous improvement across all brands.Obtain guidance, coaching and mentoring from your manager in relation to core objectives, brand interaction, core category strategies and people development.Unlock the value of supplier-based innovation, collaborating with both suppliers and the Brands.Work cross-functionally with our business partners supporting overall Canadian brand business and strategic initiatives.Keep abreast of economic conditions, business situations, new materials and techniques that affect your categories and the UPGC business.Complete the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) by managing and maintaining up-to-date costs/expenses on a period basis ensuring to remain on track through constant review.Attend meetings held by various stakeholders and be prepared to present and provide input and recommendations as a representative of UPGC.Other duties as assigned.CORE SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:Commodities Management experienceProject Management and excellent planning skillsSuperior verbal & written communication and presentation skillsOrganizational & time management skills with ability to prioritize. Experience in negotiations and contracting.Experience developing Category StrategiesKnowledge of quality assurance philosophies, practices, and techniques are an asset.Detail oriented with strong analytical skills. Creative thinker with the ability to problem-solve and to analyze situations to develop proactive solutions.Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills. Team Player who interacts well with all levels of management. Must be able to work professionally to resolve problems (both internal & external) in a fair and ethical manner while maintaining a positive working relationship and protecting the long-term interests of the company.EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:Community College Diploma or University degree in Business or equivalent work experience.6+ years experience in a similar capacity, preferably in either food manufacturing or food service industrySolid understanding of commodity, food and/or packaging sourcing is an asset.Supply Chain Management Professional, SCMA or equivalent is an asset.Intermediate to Advanced computer skills with entire Microsoft platformWORKING CONDITIONS:Travel domestically and internationally as required.Office environmentUPGC Inc is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. In addition, UPGC is committed to providing accommodation for people with disabilities.Candidates being considered for the position will be required provide evidence of education as well as personal and professional references and may be required to do some testing.