Manufacturing Buyer, Co-Manufacturing & Supply Operations

Saje Natural Wellness•Toronto, ON

3d•CA$65,000 - CA$75,000•Hybrid

About The Position

At Saje Natural Wellness, we're nature's original farmacy, blending the superpower of plants so you can remedy real life, naturally. And like nature, we're continually growing! As we continue to build our team, we're seeking talented people to join us: in our stores, support offices, and distribution centres. We are a purpose-driven, people-first organization where collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurial mindsets thrive. We look for individuals who have drive and warmth, agility and passion, and keep customer experience at the centre of everything they do. At Saje, you’ll connect with a dynamic community and make a positive impact. Join our team and grow your career, alongside the most talented, hard working, and kind-hearted people out there. The Manufacturing Buyer, Co-Manufacturing & Supply Operations, is responsible for the management of supply execution for assigned co-manufactured products. This role serves as the link between Co-Manufacturing, Supply Planning, Procurement, Quality, Product Development, and Finance to ensure an efficient and effective relationship with our co-manufacturing partners. The role combines traditional purchasing responsibilities with broader ownership of co-manufacturer performance, supply continuity, inventory management, production coordination, and continuous improvement initiatives. The position plays a critical role in supporting New Product Launches (NPL), mitigating supply risks, improving supplier performance, and delivering cost-saving opportunities across the supply chain. All Saje Team Members are responsible for contributing to Saje’s culture and maintaining a positive environment for themselves and their peers.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
3+ years of purchasing, procurement, inventory planning, or supply chain experience, preferably within a manufacturing, retail, or consumer packaged goods environment.
Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with advanced proficiency in Excel and experience using ERP/MRP systems to manage purchase orders, inventory, and supplier performance.
Demonstrated ability to optimize order quantities and replenishment strategies, balancing demand requirements, inventory targets, lead times, MOQ, and EOQ considerations.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and supplier management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and collaborate cross-functionally with planning, operations, finance, and vendor partners.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary operational contact for assigned co-manufacturing partners.
Develop strong working relationships with co-manufacturers to improve service, performance, and execution.
Coordinate production schedules, material availability, and issue resolution with contract manufacturers.
Support contract manufacturer partner business reviews and performance management activities.
Escalate supply, capacity, quality, and service concerns and drive corrective actions.
Manage purchase orders and production orders in our ERP system, Microsoft Dynamics AX.
Monitor inventory levels at Saje and co-manufacturing locations of raw materials, packaging and finished goods to support appropriate stock coverage.
Identify and resolve inventory discrepancies and improve inventory accuracy.
Work closely with Supply Planning to maintain supply continuity while minimizing excess inventory and expiry exposure.
Optimize order cadence by leveraging EOQ principles while maintaining MOQ compliance.
Partner with Product Development, Quality, and Supply Planning teams to support successful product launches.
Coordinate production readiness, component availability, and launch timelines with co-manufacturers.
Support phase-in and phase-out management to minimize write-offs and supply disruption.
Ensure manufacturing and procurement requirements are completed on time for launch execution.
Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities through MOQ optimization, sourcing adjustments, process improvements, and supplier negotiations.
Analyze vendor cost increases and partner with internal teams and suppliers to understand cost impacts and mitigate where possible.
Support annual cost planning, forecasting, and budget activities.
Contribute to initiatives that improve COGS and working capital performance.
Track supplier KPIs including on-time delivery, service levels, inventory accuracy, quality performance, and responsiveness.
Lead root cause investigations for supply interruptions and inventory issues.
Drive process improvements that enhance planning accuracy, supplier execution, and operational efficiency.
Support implementation and optimization of supply planning and reporting tools.
Partner closely with Supply Planning to align production requirements with demand plans.
Collaborate with Quality and Regulatory teams regarding product holds, changes, and compliance-related requirements.
Work with Finance on inventory management, spend forecasting, and cost improvement opportunities.
Support Operations leadership with reporting, risk assessment, and critical supply decisions.

Benefits

Annual bonus program
A hybrid way of working
Flexible work hours based on business needs
Wellness days to ensure you're taking care of your mental and physical health
Health benefits - comprehensive health, vision and dental packages
Paid sick days
Generous product discount
Full onboarding plan and onboarding buddy to help you settle in
Employee Assistance Program - 24/7 support, resources, and information available to you and your family
GRSP programs
Paid time off to ensure you're resting & recharging
Product training to help you learn about the benefits and efficacy of our 100% natural products to support your own wellness journey