Our client, a well-established and rapidly growing Quebec-based company in the retail sector, stands out for its expertise, close customer relationships, and entrepreneurial culture. With multiple locations and a commitment to the ongoing evolution of its operations, the organization is pursuing transformative initiatives aimed at optimizing its commercial and operational performance.

In this context, we are seeking for a Purchasing Director who will play a strategic role in managing and optimizing procurement, negotiation, and category management activities. This key role will directly contribute to the organization’s profitability, sales performance, and the evolution of its practices.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Purchasing Director is responsible for all procurement-related activities within the organization. He or she acts as a strategic partner by ensuring alignment between procurement strategies, business objectives, and market realities.

The incumbent supervises a multidisciplinary team of approximately twenty managers and professionals and is responsible for structuring processes, optimizing performance by category, and developing sustainable business relationships with key suppliers and partners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and implement purchasing strategies for all product categories;
• Negotiate favorable commercial agreements and ensure optimal management of supplier relationships;
• Determine the product assortment based on market trends, customer needs, and profitability objectives;
• Ensure category performance in terms of sales, margins, and positioning;
• Collaborate closely with merchandising, marketing, and operations teams to ensure consistency in business strategies; 
• Represent the organization in dealings with purchasing groups and strategic partners;
• Supervise, motivate, and develop a team of professionals, fostering a culture of performance and continuous improvement;
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to optimize operational efficiency;
• Monitor the market, analyze trends, and anticipate needs;
• Participate in budget planning and ensure rigorous tracking of results.

We are seeking a strategic and inspiring leader, recognized for their ability to combine business acumen, analytical rigor, and operational excellence.

With a strong business acumen, the candidate stands out for their negotiation skills, ability to influence and build trusting relationships, and aptitude for thriving in changing environments.

The ideal candidate possesses the following characteristics:

• A university degree in business administration, logistics, or a related field;
• Significant experience (10+ years) in a leadership role in purchasing, procurement, or category management;
• Experience in retail or distribution (a significant asset);
• Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills;
• Strong financial analysis and decision-making skills;
• Inspiring leadership and team management experience;
• Ability to thrive in a growing and changing environment;
• Bilingualism (French and English), both spoken and written.