Overview

Job Title:                     Material Planner

Department:             Supply Chain

Direct Superior:         Inventory Manager

Direct Subordinates: N/A

Location:                   Richmond, British Columbia

Puratos Mission

Founded in Belgium in 1919, Puratos is growing rapidly with over 10,000 employees in 100 countries, with €3 billion in revenue. Our mission is to move the planet forward by creating innovative food solutions for the health & well-being of people everywhere. Puratos Canada is headquartered in Mississauga. Our ingredients are found in some of the most recognized industrial bakeries, retailers, and food service organizations in the country. Puratos Canada employs 300 people and has a revenue of

$200M.

Role Description

Reporting to the Inventory Manager, the Senior Materials Planner & Procurement Specialist will take a strategic role in managing the procurement and material planning functions for the production facility. This role is responsible for analyzing material demands, overseeing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, generating, and managing purchase orders, and ensuring optimal inventory levels.

The Material Planner will also lead initiatives related to the implementation and utilization of SAP to enhance procurement and inventory workflows. Key contributions include supporting cross-functional business needs such as sourcing new suppliers, introducing materials for new products, driving supply chain optimization, and maintaining strict adherence to food safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

The ideal candidate will be a proactive problem-solver who can balance daily operational requirements with long-term strategic improvements in supply chain management.

Mandate

• Ensure compliance with all local, national, and corporate environmental, health and safety rules and regulations.
• Comply with all local and national food safety and legal requirements.
• Perform all job responsibilities under the strictest consideration of health and safety, food quality and production parameters.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Planning and Procurement:

• Collaborate with Operations and Sales teams to forecast material requirements and ensure timely procurement of raw materials, packaging, and supplies.
• Generate and issue purchase orders for raw materials, packaging, and operational supplies, ensuring alignment with production and inventory requirements.
• Coordinate with suppliers to confirm order details and facilitate timely, accurate fulfillment.
• Ensure optimal inventory levels by maintaining accurate data on safety stock, minimum/maximum thresholds, and lead times.

System Management and SAP:

• Assist in the transition to SAP by contributing to data migration, system configuration.
• Support the optimization of procurement workflows, inventory management, and the generation of real-time performance reports using SAP functionalities.
• Maintain and update procurement data within the ERP/MRP system to ensure accurate reporting and analysis.
• Oversee the creation and accurate entry of Manufacturing Orders, ensuring data integrity and alignment with production plans. Investigate and resolve discrepancies, implement necessary adjustments, and maintain updated records to support seamless production workflows.

Operations Support:

• Coordinate with freight carriers and customs brokers to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of materials.
• Review customs documentation for imports and exports to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Support R&D with materials for new product trials and QC/QA in meeting food safety and regulatory standards.
• Manage supplier-related documentation, including certificates of analysis (COA), non-conformance reports, and audit findings.

Reporting and Communication:

• Generate and present monthly procurement and inventory performance reports to leadership.
• Proactively communicate supply chain risks, price fluctuations, and supplier performance issues to relevant stakeholders.
• Act as the main point of contact for supplier communications while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify and implement process improvements in procurement, materials management, and supplier performance monitoring.

Requirements:

• 3+ years in a procurement or supply chain function, with demonstrated expertise in purchasing, supplier management, and inventory control.
• Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience; relevant certificate or professional certifications is an asset.
• Proficiency with SAP or similar ERP systems; experience in system implementation is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of inventory planning tools, data analysis, and forecasting techniques.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and familiarity with database management.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills; ability to build relationships with diverse teams and external suppliers.
• Experience in managing customs processes, compliance documentation, and international supply chains is an asset.
• Highly organized with excellent time management, priority setting, and analytical skills.

Why Puratos?

• Be a key driver of a safety-first culture in a growing and international company
• Access ample learning resources and development opportunities to grow your career
• Benefit from global knowledge-sharing—Puratos is a worldwide leader in safety and quality, so you’ll learn from the best across the globe
• Enjoy clear growth pathways within a supportive, team-oriented environment
• Make a tangible impact on employee well-being and environmental sustainability
• The salary range for this position is $66,560 to $74,880, and employees receive 15 vacation days annually upon commencement. Additional benefits include Extended Health coverage, Dental insurance, participation in a Pension plan, and a lot more.