Newly created leadership position to support EarthFresh's growthLead sourcing, grower relations, inventory strategy, and procurement operationsOn-site role in Burlington, ON with 25% travelThe Vice President of Procurement (CAN/US) will provide executive leadership and strategic direction for all procurement functions across North America sourcing markets. This role is accountable for developing and executing procurement strategies that ensure consistent supply, optimize cost structures, and strengthen grower and supplier partnerships across the potato and fresh produce supply chain.The VP will lead a geographically dispersed team and oversee sourcing, grower relations, inventory strategy, and procurement operations, while working cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, Finance, and Quality to drive profitability, service excellence, and sustainable growth. This position plays a critical role in aligning procurement with company-wide commercial objectives and long-term strategic initiatives. This posting is for an existing vacancy.QUALIFICATIONSEducationBachelor's Degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related fieldMBA or advanced degree preferredExperience & Skills10+ years of progressive leadership experience in procurement, sourcing, or agricultural supply chain management (potato/produce industry strongly preferred)Proven success leading multi-site and/or North America procurement operationsDeep expertise in fresh produce sourcing, crop cycles, and supply planningStrong commercial acumen with demonstrated experience managing P&L impact and driving cost optimization initiativesExceptional negotiation skills with experience managing complex supplier and grower networksDemonstrated ability to build, lead, and develop high-performing teams across multiple regionsAdvanced analytical, financial,



and forecasting capabilitiesStrong communication skills with executive presence and the ability to influence senior stakeholdersExperience operating in cross-border sourcing environments (US and Canada markets) preferredAbility and willingness to travel frequently across North America as requiredKEY LEADERSHIP ACCOUNTABILITIESEstablish and execute the procurement strategy aligned with corporate growth and customer commitmentsServe as a key member of the leadership team, contributing to broader business strategy, planning, and executionBuild a high-performance procurement organization with strong bench strength and succession planningDrive a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellenceEnsure alignment between procurement, sales forecasts, and operational executionPRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIESDevelop and implement comprehensive sourcing strategies across North America marketsEnsure consistent, high-quality supply while optimizing cost, reliability, and risk mitigationIdentify diversification opportunities to strengthen supply chain resilienceBuild and maintain strategic partnerships with growers, packers, and key suppliersExpand and optimize the grower network to support growth objectives and market demandsLead contract negotiations, pricing strategies, and long-term supply agreementsLead, mentor, and develop regional procurement teams across the US and CanadaEstablish clear performance metrics, accountability structures, and development plansFoster a team-oriented, results-driven culture aligned with company valuesSupply Planning & Inventory OptimizationOversee inventory positioning, storage strategies,



and crop movement across regionsAlign procurement planning with sales forecasts and operational capacityMinimize shrink, waste, and supply disruptions through proactive managementFinancial & Performance ManagementOwn procurement budgets, cost structures, and margin optimization initiativesAnalyze market trends, cost drivers, and pricing strategies to enhance profitabilityEstablish and track KPIs related to cost, service levels, quality, and supplier performanceQuality & Compliance OversightEnsure all sourced product meets company and customer quality standardsPartner closely with Quality Assurance and Food Safety teams to maintain complianceSupport continuous improvement in product consistency and specificationsMonitor global market conditions, crop forecasts, weather impacts, and supply risksDevelop contingency plans and alternative sourcing strategiesProvide market insights to executive leadership and commercial teamsOversee claims management processes with growers and suppliersEnsure timely, fair, and effective resolution of quality or supply issuesProgram Development & Growth InitiativesLead the expansion of grower programs and proprietary supply agreementsIdentify and execute opportunities to increase supply chain efficiency and scaleSupport new product development and category expansion initiativesDrive process improvements across procurement systems, tools, and workflowsLeverage data and technology to enhance forecasting, sourcing decisions, and reportingImplement best practices in agricultural procurement and supply chain managementCross-Functional CollaborationPartner with Sales to align procurement strategies with customer demand and pricingCollaborate with Operations on storage, logistics, and distribution planningWork with Finance to support forecasting, budgeting, and performance reportingAdditional ResponsibilitiesPerform other duties as assigned by the Chief Sales and Procurement Officer #J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Vice President Procurement (Burlington)
🏢 Earthfresh Farms
📍 Burlington