Team Lead, Purchasing

Reports to: Director of Procurement

Job Description

Provides overall leadership to the Purchasing Team. Champions the principles of Quality, Scratch, Theatre, Service, and Love while being responsible for all aspects of daily operations including profitability, pricing, buying, expense control, inventory management, costing, promotions, regulatory compliance, and special projects as assigned. Can lead and develop all areas of team members such as associate team lead and retail buyers. Accountable for development, hiring, corrective actions and separations. All L’Oca Quality Market retail jobs must be performed in accordance with team and store Standard Operating Procedures. All L’Oca Quality Market retail jobs require ensuring a positive company image by providing courteous, friendly, and excellent service to team members and customers always. Team members must be prepared and able to perform the duties inherent in other Team Member job descriptions. All positions must strive to support L’Oca Quality Market core values, goals, programs, and initiatives while adhering to all applicable Food Safety and regulatory duties required in the department.

Primary Responsibilities

• Adhere to the core values of being: TRUSTWORTHY, TEAM PLAYER and HAPPY TO HELP
• Champion the principles of QUALITY, SCRATCH, THEATRE, SERVICE, and LOVE in attitude, workmanship, and operations
• Support the efforts of all coworkers towards meeting our core values and company principles
• Be a leader in your own role and assist others in their growth, development, and sense of community with the team
• Look for opportunities to provide exceptional and meaningful experiences with customers and coworkers
• Comply with all company policies and Employee Code of Conduct
• Report to management any situation or condition that jeopardizes the safety, welfare, liability, or integrity of any business location’s staff, guests, the business location itself, or the company
• Protect the legal and financial welfare of the company
• Maintain the utmost legal, moral, and ethical standards with all customers, vendors, and coworkers
• Support all company goals and objectives
• Design, plan and implement sourcing and purchasing strategy
• Maintain supplier collaboration, manufactures and internal departments to ensure correct inventory level
• Create and execute promotional programs in conjunction with suppliers and vendors
• Maintain product database utilizing IRP and POS system
• Build and maintain relationship with suppliers and vendors (Internal and external)
• Negotiate lower pricing
• Search and source potential suppliers and vendors
• Meet and exceed purchasing financial targets
• Hiring and training new and existing staff
• Analyze margin report
• Provide reports for upper management

Primary Duties

• Lead the end-to-end supply chain — from Category Management, procurement and logistics to inventory and distribution ensuring seamless operations that support L’OCA’s growth and brand standards.
• Provide Leadership & Direction to the procurement team to manage daily workflows and responsibilities while providing hands on training & development to the team.
• Drive strategic sourcing initiatives to secure reliable, high-quality suppliers aligned with L’OCA’s values, negotiating competitive terms and long-term partnerships while harnessing cost savings in key areas including smallwares, supplies, & retail stock
• Oversee import, customs, and transportation logistics to ensure products arrive on time, on budget, and in compliance with all regulations.
• Optimize inventory management and warehouse operations to balance supply with business needs, minimizing waste while maintaining product availability.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Finance, and Store Operations to align supply chain strategies with business goals and seasonal initiatives.
• Monitor and analyze KPIs to identify improvement opportunities, enhance efficiency, and drive cost savings across all supply chain functions.
• Ensure regulatory and trade compliance while implementing best practices in procurement and logistics. Ensure compliance with company policies related to regulatory agency visits
• Manage and develop supplier relationships, conduct performance reviews, and identify new sourcing opportunities to support innovation and scalability.

Job Skills

• Advanced knowledge of products, pricing, merchandising, and inventory management
• Sustains exceptional level of knowledge and awareness of relevant competitors and industry trends
• Excellent interpersonal, motivational, team building, and customer relationship skills
• Capable of teaching others in a positive and constructive manner
• Advanced knowledge of regulatory and safety policies and procedures
• Proficient mathematical skills for assessing financial performance, monitoring profitability, and managing inventory
• Demonstrated decision-making ability, leadership skills, and ability to prioritize and delegate
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, Emails, and operations-related applications

What you bring:

• 3–5 years of hands-on experience with expertise in procurement, logistics, and inventory planning.
• 3+ years of leadership experience, guiding and developing cross-functional teams in fast-moving environments.
• Post-secondary education in Supply Chain Management, Business, Logistics, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• A proven track record of driving efficiency, improving processes, and strengthening supplier partnerships.
• Experience in Retail Grocery Supply chain and/or Food Service is a strong asset.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (especially Excel); familiarity with ERP or supply chain management systems is a plus.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds
• Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling
• Work requires the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting and reaching
• Exposure to approved Health Canada/CFIA cleaning chemicals
• Exposure to temperatures: <32 degree Fahrenheit (freezing), 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit (refrigerators), > 90 degrees Fahrenheit
• Ability to work in a wet and cold environment
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays if needed
• Ability to use tools and equipment, such as
• pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery

Note: The purpose of this document is to provide a general summary of essential responsibilities for the position and is not meant as an exhaustive list. This document does not reflect all job duties or requirements for every position. Requirements build as one progresses through the job levels, so any job duties required at a lower level may be required at the higher level in addition to the duties listed for that higher level. Duties, assignments, and other responsibilities may differ for similar positions based on business conditions, departmental or geographic location, and/or needs for the particular position. An individual must demonstrate successful performance in their current position before being considered for promotion. In addition, in order to promote into a higher-level position, a business need for the promotion must exist and the candidate must be considered the most qualified person for the new position. Completion of certain milestones such as obtaining an advanced degree or certification, time in current position, or developing skills to perform at the higher-level role do not guarantee a promotion.

At L’Oca Quality Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. L’OCA Quality Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.