Senior Procurement Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Senior Procurement Specialist is an advanced role for an accomplished procurement professional with deep and broad experience across sourcing, supplier management, contracting, and procurement operations.

In this role, you will serve as a trusted procurement partner to operations, ensuring materials and services are sourced efficiently, cost-effectively, and in compliance with supply chain standards. You will work closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Finance, Legal, and Risk to deliver value, reduce risk, and support operational excellence.

This is a full-time, in-person position that requires regular travel to operational sites across New Brunswick.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the primary procurement contact for assigned operations and business units, providing responsive, solutions-focused support.
• Lead sourcing initiatives from RFx development through supplier selection, commercial evaluation, and award recommendation.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies that balance cost, quality, delivery, risk, and total cost of ownership.
• Lead contract negotiations and manage contract lifecycles, including execution, renewals, amendments, and administration.
• Manage complex and time-sensitive purchasing requirements, resolving supply disruptions, delivery issues, and quality concerns.
• Independently identify and deliver cost savings and value creation opportunities across the business.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers to support operational and strategic objectives.
• Manage supplier performance through KPI tracking, performance reviews, issue resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Conduct spend analysis, market research, and risk assessments to identify sourcing opportunities and mitigate supply risks.
• Monitor market conditions and industry trends to proactively recommend sourcing strategies.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, governance requirements, and supply chain standards.
• Track and report procurement performance, savings, and value creation metrics.
• Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
• Collaborate with Legal, Risk, Finance, and operational teams to align procurement activities with business objectives.
• Mentor and support less experienced procurement team members, promoting best practices and consistency.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
• 7-10+ years of progressive procurement, strategic sourcing, category management, or supplier relationship management experience.
• Demonstrated success leading competitive sourcing initiatives, including RFx development, supplier evaluation, commercial analysis, and supplier selection.
• Strong experience negotiating supplier agreements and managing contract lifecycles.
• Deep understanding of procurement, strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, governance, and compliance practices.
• Experience analyzing spend data to identify cost savings, risk mitigation, and value creation opportunities.
• Proven ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders across multiple business units.
• Strong customer service orientation with experience supporting operational teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., JD Edwards, SAP, Oracle) and Microsoft Excel.
• Experience in industrial, manufacturing, MRO, maintenance, or operational procurement environments is an asset.
• SCMP, CPSM, CSCP, or progress toward a professional designation is considered an asset.

ABOUT US

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) operates in Eastern Canada (New-Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Québec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador), as well as in USA. We are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.

We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.

Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.

Our recruitment advisors and hiring teams will utilize human screening combined with AI technology to help identify the skills and qualities that matter most to our business, while safeguarding your privacy and using AI responsibly.

We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

ABOUT THE TEAM

Irving Business Services is a vital support function within J.D. Irving, Limited, delivering expertise in essential areas such as Finance, Human Resources, Supply Chain, Health and Safety, Communications, and Legal.

By managing resources, delivering fast and flexible outcomes, and fostering innovation, Irving Business Services plays a critical role in driving operational success and supporting the company's long-term strategic goals. With a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement, Irving Business Services offers exciting opportunities for growth and development within a leading organization.