Contract Buyer

Established in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) is a proudly Canadian, privately held organization with operations across Canada and the United States. With more than 20,000 employees, JDI is committed to operational excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth across its diverse portfolio of businesses.



Irving Business Services , a vital support function within JDI, delivers expertise in Finance, Human Resources, Supply Chain, Health and Safety, Communications, and Legal, driving strategic success across the broader organization.



Meridia Recruitment is proud to partner with JDI in their search for a Contract Buyer to join the Irving Business Services Supply Chain team based in Saint John, New Brunswick.



This is an exciting opportunity for a procurement professional who wants to play a key role in advancing strategic sourcing practices within a large, complex organization. The Contract Buyer will combine hands-on procurement execution with strategic thinking, supporting sourcing initiatives, supplier relationships, category management activities, and opportunities to improve value, mitigate risk, and drive cost efficiencies across the organization. Working closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers, this role supports the procurement of a diverse range of goods and materials, including operational (MRO) categories.



The successful candidate will bring strong purchasing fundamentals, an analytical mindset, and the ability to build relationships across operations, maintenance, engineering, and business teams.



Your responsibilities will include:

• Execute sourcing activities including RFx processes, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and purchase order execution.
• Support the implementation of established sourcing and contracting strategies.
• Partner with engineering, operations, maintenance, and project teams to support procurement initiatives and resolve sourcing challenges.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Manage supplier communications related to pricing, delivery schedules, performance, and contract compliance.
• Support contract administration activities, including amendments, renewals, and compliance tracking.
• Analyze pricing and sourcing options to support informed purchasing decisions and identify opportunities for cost savings.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, approval authorities, and supply management standards.
• Maintain accurate procurement documentation and master data.
• Effectively balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while responding to changing business needs.

Your Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline is preferred; a combination of education and experience may be considered.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, purchasing, or category management, or a related supply chain function.
• Working knowledge of strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and contract administration.
• Experience supporting sourcing initiatives from supplier identification through implementation.
• Ability to analyze pricing, market information, and cost drivers to support effective decision-making.
• Strong relationship management skills with the ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders across an organization.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and respond effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience supporting industrial operations, manufacturing, or project-based procurement environments is considered an asset.

At J.D. Irving, Limited, employees are part of a team that values integrity, collaboration, innovation, and delivering results. The company is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where employees are supported in developing their skills and building meaningful careers.



We appreciate your interest in this opportunity. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

To express interest in this opportunity please apply online by clicking “Apply Now” below.

For more information contact Thomas Pugh, Partner, at View phone number on meridiarecruitment.ca and View email address on meridiarecruitment.ca or Heather Simmons, Consultant at View phone number on meridiarecruitment.ca and View email address on meridiarecruitment.ca . If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.

Meridia Recruitment Solutions connects leading organizations with top talent by building strong relationships and creating ideal matches with candidates because we are only successful when you are. We appreciate your interest in this opportunity.

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