Buyer (12-18 month contract)

WHAT DO WE DO?

We create solutions for the people who keep our world flowing.

For over 80 years, John Brooks Company has been solving fluid handling challenges for customers in various industries/markets across Canada by providing a diverse selection of engineered products and innovative system designs, focusing on customized solutions consisting of filtration, pump, spray, and valve products.

This is a 12-18 month contract.

THE ROLE

Under the supervision of the Procurement Supervisor, the position is responsible for the procurement of supplies and equipment, goods, materials, and services at the most favorable price for the Company, while simultaneously building and maintaining strong relationships with vendors.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Procures goods, materials, and services in a timely, cost-effective manner from strategic vendors.
• Manages and maintains appropriate inventory levels for key items, reviewing MRP data and forecasts regularly.
• Prepares and administers bids, RFQs, RFPs, and vendor documentation.
• Expedites and monitors purchase orders, vendor confirmations, and shipments; resolves shortages or delays to minimize operational impact.
• Maintains supplier portfolios, verifies invoice accuracy, and resolves billing discrepancies with professionalism.
• Reviews and prepares timely reports on inventory performance, including backorders, fulfillment, and reorder points.
• Partners with vendors to foster strong, collaborative relationships and negotiate returns, credits, or replacements as needed.
• Drives continuous improvement across inventory and procurement processes, including strategic sourcing and data accuracy.
• Collaborates with Product Management to review forecasts, inventory adjustments, and demand planning.
• Develops and executes strategic plans to optimize centralized procurement and regional inventory investment to meet customer and manufacturing needs.
• Monitors supply market and pricing trends to anticipate and adjust purchasing strategies.
• Coordinates with other Buyers for volume discounts and communicates required lead times to business units.
• Performs annual vendor pricing updates and maintains accurate costing data.
• Provides guidance and support to team members to promote collaboration and professional growth.
• Ensures compliance with all department and company policies and procedures.
• Provides direction and back-up coverage within the Inventory department, as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• College Diploma in Supply Chain Management, Supply Chain Science, or a related field.
• Professional designation in Supply Chain or Procurement, (e.g., SCMP, CSCL, MCIPS, CPIM, CSCP, or CTSC.)
• A university degree in a related field is an asset.
• Minimum 9 years of related procurement experience.
• Strong working knowledge of Supply Chain Management (SCM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, and/or Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems required.
• Advanced computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word etc.) with advanced Excel skills.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to prepare bids, quotes, and procurement documentation with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated commercial awareness and understanding of target market to identify and predict trends.
• Ability to use effective persuasive, influencing, and/or counselling skills; securing the cooperation of others is an ongoing part of the job.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Collaborative, team-oriented, and adaptable to changing priorities.
• Alignment with John Brooks values: People First, Customer Focus, Pursuit of Excellence.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Fast-paced environment in a dynamic competitive industry
• Daily customer and inter-departmental/branch communication via telephone calls, faxes, emails, and virtual meetings
• Exposure to deadlines, multiple demands and priorities, multi-tasking, and interruptions.

Canadian founded and owned, John Brooks Company has doubled in size in the last 7 years to over 200 employees across the country. Since 1938, we have worked hard to build & nurture an entrepreneurial environment, where creative thought and initiative are encouraged; this is a place where your ideas matter! If you have a strong work-ethic, passion, and determination, we’ll provide the tools you need for success. We will help you grow so that we can continue growing.

FUN FACTS

• The average employee tenure is 9 years
• We enjoy celebrating achievements by means of formal service awards, employee achievement awards, and milestone birthdays
• We regularly host social events and gatherings to foster togetherness and fun

We are committed to providing equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. Accommodations are available at all stages of the recruitment process, at the candidate’s request.