Overview

To consolidate the Garden Centre Group Co-op's buying power across 241 vendors and convert it into the best sustainable total cost, terms and program value for members — across both hardgoods and green goods.

Core responsibilities

Negotiation & vendor management

- Own the negotiation of price, discount tiers, rebates, early-buy terms, freight, payment terms, returns and marketing/program funds across all 241 vendors.
- Segment the vendor base — a critical top tier managed intensively, a long tail managed by exception — and set a call/visit cadence accordingly.
- Run structured annual line reviews with key vendors; benchmark competing suppliers; consolidate volume where it strengthens leverage without harming member choice.
- Adapt approach by vendor type: program and rebate engineering with multinationals; reliability, terms and partnership with family suppliers.

Working with category chairs and members

- Partner with each category chair to learn the history of the category and the SKUs that matter to members — which lines are non-negotiable, which vendors have loyalty, where past deals were won or lost.
- Translate member needs into buying strategy; bring proposed vendor changes to the Board and relevant chair before acting.
- Communicate available deals, program funds and early-order windows clearly so members can actually capture them.

Green goods & hardgoods breadth

- Hardgoods: pottery, soils and amendments, fertilizers and chemicals, tools, irrigation, hard landscape, décor, seasonal and giftware.
- Green goods:



manage early-order programs, availability and crop commitments; buy for quality ,best price for size, establish 1st to introduce recent plant program, create contracted grower program, coordinate with growers and the green goods chair.

Analysis, systems & reporting

- Track spend, savings, cost-avoidance, rebate accrual and program participation; ( with support from the GCGC office ); report results to the Board each quarter.
- Maintain clean vendor and SKU data and seasonal demand with the category chairs.
- Watch input-cost trends and vendor price-increase announcements, and get ahead of them.

Required Qualifications:

- 5+ years in buying, procurement or category management, with a real negotiation track record
- Demonstrated hardgoods buying strength
- Strong analytics (Excel; ERP/purchasing systems)
- Excellent relationship and communication skills (proficient in English)

Preferred Qualifications:

- Garden-centre, nursery, horticulture or DIY/home experience
- Working knowledge of green goods / plant material/ SCMP or equivalent (or willingness to earn it)
- Experience in a co-op, buying group or GPO

Compensation:

Base salary will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s qualifications, experience and demonstrated capabilities. This position has an anticipated stating salary of approximately $110,000 per year. The position also includes performance-based bonus opportunities tied to established individual and organizational objectives.

Pay: From $110,000.00 per year

Work Location: Remote

📌 Purchaser / Negotiator (Canada)
🏢 The Garden Centre Group Co-Op
📍 Canada