Director of Procurement

Why Join NEXT Supply?

NEXT Plumbing Supply is a family-owned and operated business with 19 strategically located branches across Ontario. As a leading distributor of Plumbing and Hydronic supplies, NEXT is built on a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service, dependable product availability, and solutions that help our customers succeed.

Our competitive advantage is driven by a strong delivery fleet, strategically positioned branches, knowledgeable and dedicated industry professionals, and an industry-leading fill rate exceeding 98%. Every aspect of our operation is designed around one goal: making it easier for our customers to get what they need, when they need it.

Be Integral to Our Customers, Our Co-Workers and Our Community.

At NEXT, we foster a respectful, collaborative and inclusive culture built on innovation, integrity and entrepreneurial spirit. We value motivated, adaptable and reliable individuals who demonstrate sound judgment, accountability and a commitment to positive experiences for our customers and colleagues.

Purpose of the Job:

The Director of Procurement enhances customer and co-worker experiences by developing and executing the company’s procurement strategy to ensure a reliable, cost-effective, and competitive supply of products. This role provides strategic leadership over vendor relationships, supplier negotiations, inventory optimization, product sourcing, to maximize profitability, improve supply chain performance, and support the company’s growth objectives while ensuring product availability and exceptional service to customers.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Meet and communicate with vendors and sales agents on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis to discuss market conditions, pricing, programs, competition, performance, new initiatives, commodities and open issues.
• Vendor relationship management-negotiate the best available market pricing and terms and create opportunities for mutual benefit between NEXT and its vendors.
• Plan buying strategies with the purchasing department and oversee vendor communication, engagement, and problem solving.
• Collaborate with the management team on decisions that affect company strategy for sales, quotations, inventory, planning, the branch network, finance and overall company direction.
• Work with other departments to balance of inventory investment across the company to achieve and improve upon industry leading fill rates. Help optimize inventory assets and negotiate the return or removal of slow-moving and dead stock.
• Represent NEXT in buying group agendas, meetings and negotiations, where relevant.
• Attend key industry trade shows to meet with North American and global manufacturers to strengthen existing partnerships and identify new vendor opportunities.
• Importing- potentially be engaged in NEXT’s import program - lines of supply, supplier relationships, and sourcing and buying strategy - and integrate it into daily operations. Includes occasional travel to current or prospective factories for audits and reviews.
• Rebate programs.: be an active participant in annual rebate negotiations and validate annual rebates for financial planning and audit.
• Customs brokerage and freight forwarding.: manage relationships with our customs broker and freight forwarder to maintain and improve service levels and cost.
• Maintain a current working knowledge of global commodity trends (e.g., metals) through our pricing service, regular communication with key vendors, and ongoing research, to guide sound buying and selling decisions.
• Represent NEXT at key industry associations, such as CIPH (Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating), to build relationships and industry knowledge, participating in conferences and volunteer roles where relevant, and attending approximately three local business meetings per year in Toronto.
• CBSA and CITT: manage NEXT’s responses to information requests in trade investigations by the Canada Border Services Agency and the Canadian International Trade Tribunal, including processes and deadlines, working with trade lawyers where required.
• Work with the senior management team to shape current and long-term company strategy and goals. and deliver key projects on schedule.
• Establish and report on procurement KPIs (e.g., fill rate, inventory turns, cost savings, vendor performance) to the CEO and senior leadership.
• Champion the use of data, ERP and forecasting tools to improve demand planning and purchasing decisions.

Recommended Qualifications:

Knowledge/Skill/Ability Requirements:

• Ability to consistently model Next’s core values and character expectations listed above
• Proven track record negotiating with major manufacturers and managing rebate programs and buying group relationships.
• Experience with importing, global sourcing, customs and trade compliance.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen.
• Highly motivated, with the ability to work well under pressure, multi-task with attention to detail, and communicate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Well-developed organizational, time management and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in an environment that encourages and fosters teamwork, participation, creativity, openness, honesty and mutual respect.
• Engage in continuous learning to keep up to date on new products and market trends.
• Strong product knowledge of plumbing and hydronic supplies is an asset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and ERP/inventory management systems.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (trade shows, buying group meetings, factory visits).

Experience & Education:

• 5+ years of progressive purchasing/procurement experience in wholesale distribution (plumbing, HVAC/hydronics or building products preferred).
• Post-secondary degree in Business, Supply Chain Management or a related field; SCMP, CPSM or similar designation an asset.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions:

• Position requires the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle high-pressure situations calmly and effectively.
• This position requires prolonged periods of working at a computer and using a keyboard and mouse.

Once you have gained proficiency in your current role and developed the necessary skills and experience, you are encouraged to explore other career opportunities within the organization that align with your goals and aspirations.

This posting is for one (1) currently available position.

NEXT does not currently use AI or automated decision-making to screen candidates but may do so in the future in compliance with applicable law.

Application Process:

We're eager to welcome candidates who believe in excellent service and in being involved with their co-workers, customers, and the community. We appreciate all applications, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We are proud to be in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2005 and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. We are happy to honour accommodations at any part of the recruitment process and invite you to let us know how we can help.