Who are we?

UNFI Canada is the leading distributor of natural, organic, and specialty foods! We transform the world of food for our associates, customers, and the families we serve everyday! Our mission is simple: to provide healthier food choices to people everywhere.

Better Food, Better Future!

If you are a Management Professional who thrives on innovation, is skilled in negotiating, enjoys building brands (AND loves food as much as we do!), our Supplier Relationship Manager opportunity may be right for you. Read on!

Position: Supplier Relationship Manager

Job Type: Full Time Permanent

Schedule: Monday-Friday

Language Requirements: English

Location and Working Conditions: Hybrid (incumbent is based out of our Vaughan, ON office)

Purpose:

Functions as a supply chain professional with primary responsibility for the management of specific suppliers and their products on a regional or national scale, where single point of contact may be the standard operating procedure in the management of suppliers.

Responsible for sourcing new suppliers and items for all sales channels and managing those relationships towards maximizing sales and profit opportunities for UNFI and when strategically in alignment, increasing sales opportunities for the supplier.

A core subset in the management of supplier relationships, especially in a single point of contact alignment is fostering an environment of professional interaction which provides a path to growth and profits for both UNFI and its suppliers.

Job Responsibilities:

• Oversees, in conjunction with UNFI Supply Chain Managers, short and long-term strategic supplier sourcing and selection, supplier onboarding execution and development of protocols specific to enhancing suppliers’ ability to be a profitable and successful supplier to UNFI Canada.
• Networks with industry leaders and builds relationships to facilitate expanded sales opportunities.
• Creates and manages a supplier business environment that builds strong relationships.
• Provides regular instruction to suppliers regarding pricing, procedures, and product insight based on researching and analyzing competitive conditions, customer needs, and market trends.
• Designs strategies to capitalize on market opportunities and ensures that strategic supplier selection and plans complement marketplace needs.
• Negotiates, develops and implements effective pricing and promotion strategies and delivers advertising programs in conjunction with the Marketing Department and Sales team.
• Researches and recommends potential strategic alliances with suppliers, third-parties and other entities.
• Develops new revenue opportunities consistent with national supply chain and company goals through the research and analysis of competitive conditions, customer needs, and market trends.
• Works with the Supply Chain Managers to monitor and manage supplier fill rate performance and develops strategies with the supplier to improve performance metrics without added cost to UNFI.
• Attends trade shows and other industry events to foster stronger relationships with suppliers and customers as well as source innovation.
• Ensures professional business relations exists with all internal customers and business units.
• Maintains a current knowledge of industry trends, opportunities, channels, products, and competitors to support supplier development opportunities.
• May conduct category reviews as required.
• May direct, train, and mentor other Supplier Relationship Managers and UNFI Canada associates from other business units.
• Creates and delivers appropriate business presentations as required for vendor partners.
• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Post-Secondary education in business or related field preferred

Required Knowledge:

• Excellent understanding of market penetration strategies, market development techniques and market segmentation strategies, coupled with a high level insight to retailer trends and consumer behaviours.
• Excellent negotiation and management skills.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Powerpoint, Word).
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of promotional techniques, protocols, pricing strategies, distribution channels and competitive set.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing, manufacturing costs and product price components.

Experience Required:

• Five (5) or more years of related business development in category management, sales, purchasing or related fields.
• Progressive management experience.
• Previous experience managing supplier relationships with associated experience in supplier mentoring and training.
• Previous category management experience in Consumer Packaged Goods (Food/Beverage) preferred.

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent leadership abilities.
• Able to organize, coordinate, and direct projects.
• Strong oral and written communications abilities.
• Solid analytical and technical skills
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills
• Computer literate with ability to use all related hardware and software

Travel Requirements:

• Travel to Trade Shows required

Reasons to Apply. Reasons to stay at UNFI Canada:

• Competitive salary offered
• Comprehensive Health and Dental Benefits package available on your 1st Day!
• Paid vacation and sick days!
• Retirement Savings Plan available after 6 months of service with employer-matched contributions
• Corporate discount on our food products - purchase fresh, organic foods!
• Friendly and helpful team!
• Internal advancement opportunities
• And last but not least - the opportunity to be part of a meaningful company that does meaningful work: join us on our mission to provide healthier food choices to consumers everywhere!

Our Commitment:

UNFI believes in a diverse and accommodating workplace. UNFI encourages and promotes applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, disability or otherwise. UNFI is committed to providing full accommodation for persons with disabilities in all active processes and procedures including but not limited to the recruitment process. To request any accommodation you may require to participate in the recruitment process (including alternative formats of materials or accessible meeting rooms), please contact the main recruiting contact for the position or Human Resources to discuss your specific needs.

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