Job Summary The Hardlines Buyer is responsible for managing assigned non-food categories, ensuring the right products, inventory levels, pricing, and supplier partnerships are in place to support business and customer needs. This role oversees day-to-day category procurement while also sourcing specialized and non-stock products for projects, commercial customers, and unique business requirements.

The successful candidate will combine strong procurement, category management, supplier negotiation, and inventory management skills with the ability to independently manage sourcing initiatives from initial request through to delivery.

Core Responsibilities

- Special Order & Project Sourcing: Source custom, specialized, and non-stock products to support projects, commercial customers, and other unique business requirements.
- Supplier Development: Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers and specialty manufacturers to expand product and sourcing capabilities and meet specific project or customer needs.
- Pricing & Negotiation: Negotiate competitive pricing, volume discounts, project-specific quotations, rebates, freight terms, and other commercial considerations to achieve the best overall value for the organization.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Commercial Sales and other internal stakeholders to review project specifications, material lists, and customer requirements and coordinate the sourcing of required products.
- Project Coordination: Manage sourcing requirements from initial request through purchase and delivery, maintaining clear and timely communication with suppliers and internal stakeholders throughout the process.
- Purchase Order Management: Create and manage purchase orders, monitor supplier commitments and delivery timelines, and proactively address potential delays, shortages, or other supply issues.
- Business Support: Provide procurement and category expertise to support new initiatives,



special projects, and evolving operational requirements.

Key Requirements

- Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Experience: Minimum of 2 years of progressive buying, procurement, or category management experience, preferably within Hardlines, retail, wholesale, building materials, or a project-based setting.
- Technical & Product Knowledge: Demonstrated ability to interpret project specifications, material requirements, and product information and translate those requirements into effective sourcing solutions.
- Negotiation Skills: Proven ability to negotiate competitive supplier pricing, project quotations, volume discounts, rebates, and commercial terms.
- Analytical Skills: Strong ability to evaluate sales, inventory, pricing, supplier performance, and other business data to support effective purchasing and category decisions.
- Entrepreneurial Mindset: Self-motivated and resourceful, with the ability to independently research products, identify potential suppliers, evaluate alternatives, and develop solutions for stakeholder requirements.
- Relationship Management: Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to develop productive relationships with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and cross-functional teams.
- Organization & Follow-Through: Strong planning and organizational skills with demonstrated attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities from sourcing through delivery.
- Technology: Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, Power BI, SharePoint, and ERP systems used for purchase orders and sales orders. Advanced Excel skills are required.

Benefits:
- Company events
- Dental care
- Life insurance
- RRSP match
- Vision care

Application question(s):
- What are your salary expectations for this role?

Work Location: In person

📌 Hardlines Buyer (Winnipeg)
🏢 Eskimo Point Lumber Supply
📍 Winnipeg