Associate Buyer

Loblaw Companies Limited•Brampton, ON

3d•Onsite

About The Position

As an Associate Buyer, you will join Loblaw’s Sourcing team, supporting the total Bakery portfolio. This role plays a critical part in ensuring we deliver the right products to our stores, at the right cost, with the right quality, across a network of more than 2,400 stores nationally. Reporting to the Director, Sourcing – Bakery, you will work closely with the Buyer(s) to support end-to-end category management, including domestic and offshore sourcing, vendor management, cost validation, product setup, and supply continuity. You will help enable strong execution across key Bakery programs, including planogram launches, seasonal events, and ongoing assortment optimization.

Requirements

A curious, proactive mindset with strong attention to detail and a willingness to learn.
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience.
1+ years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or retail merchandising (experience in fresh/perishable categories is an asset).
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Solid financial and business acumen, with an interest in cost drivers and commercial decision-making.
Strong communication and relationship management skills, with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook).

Nice To Haves

Experience in fresh/perishable categories is an asset.

Responsibilities

Support the Director and Buyer(s) in managing vendor performance, including tracking KPIs (service levels, fill rates, cost adherence) and preparing insights to support decision-making.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date system data across the Bakery portfolio, including vendor costing, item setup, and assortment changes, ensuring alignment with planogram and program timelines.
Support new product launches and transitions by coordinating item setup, vendor onboarding, and cross-functional alignment with Vendor Onboarding, Data Operations, QA, and Supply Chain teams.
Partner with Supply Chain, Merchandising, Control Brand (Private Label), and Product Development teams to proactively identify and resolve supply, availability, and execution risks.
Assist with sourcing initiatives, including data gathering for RFPs/RFQs, cost analysis, and vendor comparisons to support ongoing cost optimization and STR (Stronger Together) initiatives.
Support execution of key Bakery programs (e.g., seasonal events, planogram changes), ensuring readiness across vendors, inventory, and systems.
Provide general administrative and analytical support to the Bakery Sourcing team as required.
Champion a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement within the team.