Who we are: Founded in 2014, Open Farm is one of the fastest growing CPG companies in North America. We are transforming the way people feed their pets with a focus on producing premium, healthy food all ethically sourced from farm-to-bowl. We believe the best foods are made with consciously sourced, top-quality ingredients from farmers and fisheries who believe in doing good for all animals and the environment. We are headquartered in Toronto, Canada with team members based across North America.
In 2021, Open Farm raised >$80MM CAD in our latest round of funding, led by leading global growth equity firm General Atlantic, who joined Open Farm’s leadership team and existing minority partner, Encore Consumer Capital, on Open Farm’s long-term growth journey. With annual sales growth exceeding 60 per cent over the last three years, our products can be found in over 6,000 neighbourhood pet retailers across North America as well as online at OpenFarmPet.com. Our product line is recognized as a category-leader in product innovation, with a full suite of premium offerings ranging from kibble to fresh meals and supplements. Throughout our growth journey, we have stayed true to our values, partnering with ethical sourcing partners Certified Humane®, Global Animal Partnership, and Ocean Wise Seafood to provide better quality ingredients to pets and ensure we are sourcing ingredients in a way that respects farm animals and the planet.
The Role: At Open Farm, we are passionate about sustainable, ethically sourced nutrition for pets. We are looking for an experienced and strategy-driven procurement expert who is looking to take on the challenge of revolutionizing our sourcing process and play an important role in sourcing materials for our entire portfolio of premium nutrition solutions for dogs and cats.
Reporting into the Senior Manager of Procurement, the primary responsibilities of the Manager of Procurement will include: sourcing and procuring raw animal proteins, ingredients and packaging materials, developing and implementing a strategic sourcing processes, developing contract/vendor management practices, leading and inspiring a high performing procurement team, and active participation in our New Product Development process, and a key driver of our sustainability mission.
The ideal candidate is ambitious, hands-on, numbers-driven, possesses deep knowledge of animal proteins, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. If you are a leader, enjoy developing the next generation of procurement professionals, and are borderline obsessive when it comes to pets, this is the right role for you.
Responsibilities:
- Continuously improve and streamline procurement processes and tools, including RFP structure, contract management solutions and supply chain ERP
- Coordinate with demand planning team to issue purchase orders and ensure in stock positions in a high growth environment
- Work cross-functionally with our Impact team to drive and execute on sustainability initiatives across our Supply Chain
- Demonstrate contract negotiation experience to lock in preferred pricing and build relationships with key suppliers
Vendor Management
- Manage relationships with protein and packaging material suppliers that provide a competitive advantage for the company
- Improve and build a strong supplier base to ensure continuity of supply in alignment with business objectives, values and emerging product needs
- Collaborate with vendors, and internal teams to identify and implement opportunities for supply chain efficiency improvements, quality enhancements, cost reductions, and materials management
- Determine accurate budget and forecasting to maintain stability of margins
Material Resource Planning Experience (ERP)
- Develop and implement strategies that minimize shortage risks (primary/secondary suppliers, supplier capacities)
- Regularly report spend details to leadership ensuring total costs are closely managed through reductions, stability in price agreements, and continuous improvements
What you bring to the table:
- 5-7 years relevant procurement experience, ideally with a focus on animal protein purchasing and pet food experience
- Knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning tools (NetSuite)
- Ability to build and effectively communicate strategic plans to employees at all levels across an organization
- Highly analytical, with an attention to detail and comfort working with Excel
- Strong leadership and commitment to providing a high standard of quality work
- Positive team-player, willing to roll up your sleeves
- Start-up experience
What We Offer:
- Opportunity to lead and shape the future of food quality and safety in a fast-growing, mission-driven company, with annual sales growth of over 60% YOY.
- Join a dynamic and supportive work environment with a team of dedicated, high–performing professionals.
- Competitive salary and incentives.
Our Values
We Raise the Bar | We Keep the Barn Doors Open | We Graze Lightly | We Lead the Pack | We are Inspired by Our Customers | We Have Fun Doing It
Open Farm values diversity in its workforce and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. Applicants requiring a disability-related accommodation at any stage of Open Farm’s recruitment process should contact
[email protected]. As required by legislation, Open Farm will consult with applications requesting such an accommodation to ensure that Open Farm’s recruitment process takes into account their accessibility needs.
