Regional Produce Purchasing Supervisor

Gordon Food Service • Delta, BC

2d • CA$100,000 - CA$110,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The National Produce Purchasing Supervisor is responsible for the execution of the Fresh Produce Category strategy within their assigned region. They lead a team of Divisional Produce Buyers, overseeing day-to-day replenishment, vendor management and regional inventory health. Responsible for ensuring cost competitiveness and driving profitable growth within their region. This role acts as the bridge between national strategy and local execution, ensuring regional divisions achieve KPIs related to category growth objectives (sales dollars, cases, margin, brand and product mix targets), fill rate, liquidation, market relevance and cost competitiveness by leveraging a defined mix of sourcing solutions (including Markon, Specialty Companies, and local/regional partners). The Regional Produce supervisor develops regional sourcing plans, fosters relationships with local/regional suppliers and provides support to Produce specialists to drive market relevance and competitive pricing. To achieve this, decisions need to be informed by knowledge of current trends, internal and external category data, and feedback from engaged relationships with GFS Stakeholders. Collaborates with internal stakeholders (NA Category Team, Merchandising, Revenue Management, Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, Capstone and Operations) to execute the strategy and ensure all KPIs are met.

Requirements

• Extensive produce procurement experience and product knowledge, including regional terminal buying and source-region dynamics.
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams and manage by influence across regional departments.
• Proficient in data analytics (SAP, AR, Microstrategy) to interpret regional pricing, margin performance, and customer needs.
• Advanced knowledge of perishable supply chain principles, including regional freight networks and inventory flow optimization.
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills to share strategies and resolve issues with regional GMs, Directors, and Sales teams.
• Proficient category management skills including product lifecycle management, sourcing and procurement, cost and pricing, sales and marketing metrics, strategies and tactics.
• Proficiency of business and management principles involved in strategic planning to inject creativity, fresh thinking, new perspectives and to generate new and imaginative ideas.
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Proficiency in analyzing information; able to use analytics and associated tools to analyze and interpret data related to industry trends, pricing, margin performance, customer needs, etc.
• Must be able to build relationships, network, influence and link resources to plan and execute business practices.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for achieving Key Performance Indicators( KPI)
• Leads, develops, and manages a team of Divisional Buyers, overseeing performance appraisals and day-to-day workload delegation.
• Executes seasonal and regional sourcing plans, identifying local sourcing opportunities for direct or fill-in purchasing to complement the national portfolio.
• Governs regional buying parameters to ensure high service levels (in-stock %) while minimizing spoilage, liquidation, and right-sizing inventory across regional distribution centers and aligns with Regional Supply Chain Managers.
• Partners with Divisional Supply chain, Regional Sales, Marketing, Merchandising and Warehouse Operations (DOWs, QA, IC) to ensure proper product flow and quality standards that meet customer expectations.
• Maintains real-time awareness of regional market conditions, including weather and seasonality, to proactively adjust sourcing and minimize product loss.
• Directs the resolution of quality or service problems with regional suppliers and ensures compliance with enterprise procurement and finance philosophies.
• Ensures strict alignment with, and supports, enterprise procurement and finance philosophies while consistently achieving divisional business objectives.
• Leads strategic collaboration with Marketing, Merchandising, Revenue Management, Inventory Teams, Sales, Supply Chain and key customers to proactively plan future events, determine product trends and validate new product requirements and opportunities within the region.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug, and EFAP Benefits after 30 days of employment
• FULL flex benefits program
• Company matching RRSP
• Family culture
• Advancement opportunities
• Profit Sharing

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed