Job Description

Headquartered in Toronto, Polar Racking Inc. is a North American leader in the design, engineering and manufacturing of PV mounting systems. We are at the forefront of PV innovation, leading the industry in cutting edge design with a focus on continuous innovation. Our vision is to deliver the highest value to our clients at the lowest cost per kWh. To support this, the company has a diversified portfolio of ground mount and carport products for the commercial and utility scale markets. This, coupled with our unique suite of engineering collaboration tools, technical services and installation support allow us to deliver turnkey solutions that are modular, lighter, and quicker to install. We support our North American and Caribbean clients from our locations in Toronto, Calgary, and US.

The Opportunity:

Polar Racking is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Senior Buyer to join our dynamic procurement team. This role will be crucial in ensuring the timely and cost-effective sourcing and delivery of steel, aluminum, electro-mechanical and other critical material components from a global network of suppliers. The successful candidate will be responsible for the entire procurement lifecycle, from identifying new sources to managing complex logistics and ensuring materials arrive at our warehouses, third-party logistics (3PL) locations, or directly to client construction sites.

Responsibilities:

Supplier Identification and Qualification: Research, identify, and evaluate potential new suppliers of steel, aluminum, electro-mechanical and other material components and assemblies, both domestically and internationally. Conduct thorough due diligence to assess supplier capabilities, reliability, and adherence to quality standards. Negotiation and Contracting: Lead the negotiation of pricing, terms, and conditions with suppliers to secure the most favorable agreements while maintaining strong supplier relationships. Develop and manage purchase orders and contracts in accordance with company policies. Material Planning and Forecasting: Collaborate with engineering, operations, and project management teams to understand material requirements, lead times, and forecasts. Translate these needs into timely and accurate purchase orders. Logistics and Transportation Management: Coordinate the efficient and cost-effective transportation of materials from suppliers to Polar Racking's warehouses, 3PL locations, or directly to client construction sites across North America and the Caribbean. This includes managing freight forwarders, customs brokers, and other logistics providers. Inventory Management: Monitor inventory levels of key materials to ensure optimal stock levels, minimizing both shortages and excess inventory. Collaborate with warehouse and production teams to reconcile deliveries and resolve discrepancies. Quality Assurance Liaison: Work closely with the quality control team to address any material quality issues and ensure supplier compliance with Polar Racking's specifications. Participate in supplier performance evaluations and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Cost Optimization: Continuously seek opportunities to reduce procurement costs through strategic sourcing, negotiation, process improvements, and value analysis. Track and report on cost savings initiatives. Market Analysis: Stay informed about market trends, commodity pricing fluctuations, and potential supply chain disruptions for key materials. Proactively assess risks and develop mitigation strategies. Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers. Act as the primary point of contact for commercial and operational matters. Documentation and Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date procurement records, including supplier information, pricing agreements, purchase orders, and delivery documentation. Compliance and Ethics: Adhere to all company procurement policies and procedures, as well as relevant regulatory requirements and ethical standards. Problem Solving: Proactively identify and resolve procurement-related issues, including delays, quality problems, and discrepancies. Continuous Improvement: Participate in process improvement initiatives within the procurement department to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field. Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in a purchasing or procurement role within a manufacturing environment (experience in steel or aluminum raw material and fabricated component procurement is a strong asset). Proven experience in international sourcing and logistics. Strong negotiation, communication (both written and verbal), and interpersonal skills. Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities. Proficiency in using ERP systems (Microsoft GP) and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel in particular). Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Knowledge of Incoterms and international trade regulations is an asset. * SCMP (Supply Chain Management Professional) designation or progress towards it is considered an asset.