Griffith Foods is the caring, creative product development partner helping food companies meet the evolving needs of consumers while sustaining the planet. As a family business founded in 1919 and headquartered in Alsip, Illinois USA, Griffith Foods is known for true, collaborative innovation guided by their Purpose of “We Blend Care and Creativity to Nourish the World”. The company’s product capabilities range from seasonings and marinades to coating systems and sauces that are better for people and better for the planet. For more information, visit www.griffithfoods.com.
TITLE: Director Purchasing, Spices & Vegetables - NA
LOCATION: Hybrid in Scarborough, ON, Canada
on average 2-3 days/wk
COMP RANGE: CAD$135,000 – 185,000
Compensation is determined based on experience, qualifications & internal equity.
Vacancy Status: This posting is for an existing vacancy.
Griffith Foods is hiring a Director Purchasing, Spices & Vegetables – North America to lead the strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, risk management, and cost optimization activities for the Spices & Vegetables category across North America. The role leads a team of 3 purchasing professionals responsible for ensuring supply continuity, market competitiveness, sustainable sourcing, and execution of category strategies aligned with business objectives. As a member of the Canada Leadership Team, this position partners closely with Commercial, SCH, Finance, Quality, Regulatory, and R&D leaders to support growth, profitability, and long-term business success.
This is your opportunity to lead the Spices & Vegetables category purchasing, accountable for approximately $75MM in annual supplier spend, across the North America region, while also serving as a member of the Canada Leadership Team. The position plays a critical role in supporting business growth, margin management, risk mitigation, and execution of the company's long-range strategic objectives.
As a Director Purchasing, Spices & Vegetables - NA, your responsibilities will include:
Lead the development and execution of sourcing and category strategies for Spices & Vegetables across North America.
Serve as an active member of the Canada Leadership Team, contributing to broader business strategy, organizational effectiveness, and talent development.
Establish and maintain strategic supplier relationships to support cost competitiveness, quality, innovation, sustainability, and supply continuity, including leading contract negotiations and commercial discussions with key suppliers.
Develop and execute risk mitigation strategies related to supply availability, commodity volatility, geopolitical events, regulatory changes, weather impacts, and other market disruptions.
Partner with Commercial teams and customers by providing market intelligence, category insights, and sourcing recommendations, while monitoring market trends, supply chain dynamics, and category risks to proactively adjust sourcing strategies and support business decision-making.
Drive annual operating plan commitments through effective management of raw material forecasts, PPV, productivity initiatives, working capital, and cost-of-use opportunities.
Lead supplier performance management processes, including scorecards, business reviews, corrective actions, continuous improvement initiatives, and supplier compliance with applicable sustainability certifications, policies, and customer requirements.
Partner with cross-functional teams to support innovation, commercialization, customer projects, and business continuity initiatives.
Drive standardization, governance, and continuous improvement initiatives across the North America Purchasing organization.
Lead, coach, and develop a team of purchasing professionals, including succession planning, performance management, and capability development.
The Director Purchasing, Spices & Vegetables - NA position is well-suited for you if you:
Balance supply continuity, quality, cost competitiveness, sustainability, and customer requirements in a dynamic business environment.
Analyze complex market conditions and supply chain risks to develop proactive sourcing and mitigation strategies.
Resolve critical supplier, operational, and commercial challenges with incomplete or rapidly changing information.
Lead decision-making during supply disruptions, market volatility, and customer-impacting situations.
Influence and align cross-functional stakeholders in a matrix organization to achieve business objectives.
Qualified candidates will have:
Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, Finance, Food Science, Agriculture, Agribusiness, or related field.
At least 10 years of progressive purchasing, sourcing, or supply chain experience within the food, ingredient, agricultural, or consumer products industries.
At least 5 years of people leadership experience
A proven track record of developing and executing category strategies and leading supplier negotiations.
Willingness to work onsite in Scarborough, ON 2-3 days per week
What will set you apart:
MBA or other advanced business degree.
Professional certification such as CPSM, CPM, CPIM, or equivalent
Experience managing agricultural commodity categories, spices, vegetables, or food ingredients.
Experience leading teams across multiple geographies.
Experience supporting sustainable sourcing and supplier compliance initiatives.
Experience working directly with customers and senior business leaders.
There is potential for a discretionary bonus, with a target of 25%. This bonus is based on personal & company performance and is not a guaranteed bonus plan.
What We Offer (*):
*Please note that terms and conditions apply.
Equitable Employer:
Griffith Foods is committed to fair and accessible employment practices in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We will work with applicants requesting accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process.
Griffith Foods Canada embraces the “Our Work, Your Way” work-flex model, offering flexibility while fostering collaboration. Employees within commuting distance are encouraged to come together and work in the office for three days during the last week of each month to build connections and collaborate on shared projects.
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure:
As part of our recruitment process, we may use AI‑supported assessment tools to evaluate job‑related skills and abilities. These tools support our hiring team and do not make final hiring decisions.
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