Job Title: Senior Buyer Location: Toronto, ON
Days/Hours: Monday to Friday
About the RoleThe Senior Buyer is responsible for executing procurement activities across direct and indirect categories, with a strong focus on
MRP-driven purchasing, ERP system integrity, and global supplier management.
This role goes beyond transactional buying. The Senior Buyer is expected to
analyze, challenge, and validate MRP recommendations, ensuring purchase decisions align with demand signals, inventory strategy, and supply risk.
The ideal candidate brings
deep hands-on experience with ERP/MRP systems, a strong understanding of
manufacturing environments (BOM-driven planning), and proven capability in managing
overseas suppliers (Asia/Europe) with long lead times.
Key Responsibilities• MRP & Planning Alignment (Core Focus)- Run and analyze MRP outputs based on demand forecasts uploaded by Planning.
- Critically evaluate system-generated recommendations (order quantities, timing, frequency).
- Identify and challenge incorrect MRP signals by reviewing:
- Safety stock settings
- Lead times
- Order policies (MOQ, lot sizes, replenishment cycles)
- Investigate root causes of planning gaps (forecast variability, parameter misalignment, data issues).
- Collaborate with Planning and Procurement to continuously improve MRP accuracy and reliability.
• ERP Ownership & Data Integrity- Maintain high accuracy of ERP data, including:
- Lead times
- Pricing
- Vendor information
- Item master data
- Ensure all purchase orders are:
- Accurate
- Updated with correct ETAs
- Closed in a timely manner
- Use ERP reporting tools to monitor:
- Open PO status
- Delivery performance
- Supply risks
- Act as a power user of ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Sage X3 or equivalent).
• Global Supplier Management - Manage direct relationships with overseas suppliers (Asia, Europe), including:
- Order placement and execution
- Lead time management (60-120+ days)
- Shipment coordination and issue resolution
- Navigate challenges related to:
- Long lead times
- MOQ constraints
- Demand fluctuations
- Work closely with suppliers to ensure reliability, responsiveness, and continuous improvement.
• Operational Procurement Execution- Generate and manage purchase orders across assigned categories.
- Monitor and expedite orders to ensure continuity of supply.
- Maintain full ownership of PO lifecycle from creation to closure.
- Ensure procurement activities align with production schedules and inventory targets.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration- Work closely with:
- Demand Planning
- Operations
- Finance
- Quality
- Provide clear and proactive updates on:
- Supply risks
- Delays
- Inventory concerns
- Support alignment between forecast, supply plan, and procurement execution.
• Process Discipline & Continuous Improvement- Ensure strict adherence to procurement processes and P2P standards.
- Identify gaps in:
- MRP outputs
- Procurement workflows
- Supplier performance
- Contribute to process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and reliability.
Qualifications & Competencies- 5-8+ years of experience in procurement within a manufacturing / CPG environment
- Strong hands-on experience with ERP/MRP systems (Sage X3, SAP, Oracle, etc.)
- Proven ability to:
- Interpret and challenge MRP outputs
- Understand planning parameters (safety stock, lead time, MOQ, etc.)
- Direct experience managing overseas suppliers (Asia/Europe) - not via distributors
- Strong understanding of:
- BOM-driven environments
- Demand variability and forecasting impact
- High attention to detail with strong organizational and follow-through skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
