ORGANIZATION SUMMARY:
Wakefield Canada Inc., is a privately owned Canadian company that markets, distributes and manufactures category leading products for the automotive, commercial heavy-duty and industrial markets including Castrol, the #1 brand of passenger car motor oil in Canada, and the “Super Clean” cleaner-degreaser brand.

In 2020, Wakefield will celebrate its 15th anniversary as the exclusive Canadian marketer of Castrol lubricants. With coast-to-coast distribution and warehousing, and a large dedicated sales force, Wakefield provides exceptional service and innovative solutions to more than 5,000 customers in all segments, including retailers, warehouse distributors, automotive and heavy duty jobbers, franchised and independent installers, quick lubes, fleet companies, new car dealers and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM).

Wakefield Canada Inc. is recognized as a Platinum Member with the Canada’s Best Managed Companies program. This accomplishment puts Wakefield amongst the best-in-class of Canadian owned and managed companies, demonstrating clear strategy and vision, capability, and commitment to talent.


JOB SUMMARY:
Based in Toronto and reporting to the VP of Supply Chain, the Director of Procurement & Planning will have overall responsibility for Procurement as well as the Inventory and Demand Planning departments. Key responsibilities will also include KPI development and management, as well as leadership in continuous improvement.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Accountable for developing and executing strategies to manage the Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) and minimize potential costs increases and leverage opportunities to reduce costs.
• Provide leadership and direction to Procurement as well as to the Inventory and Demand Planning departments.
• Provide oversight to the National Inventory and Demand plan to ensure the right balance is met to meet customer needs – ensuring the right product is in the right place at the right time using the most cost effective approach.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight on the procurement of COGS, including consistent monitoring of external markets and alternative sources, to ensure Wakefield is receiving positive cost advantage through its partners. Oversee the end to end procurement process for the supply of non-Castrol raw materials, including acquisition price, service level & quality agreements.
• Manage the Supply Chain relationship with BP and overall management of the BP-Wakefield master agreement to ensure pricing and sourcing changes are in line with the legal structure and spirit of the agreement.
• Build and foster collaborative relationships with BP for proactive involvement in potential changes impacting Wakefield and to ensure Wakefield’s interests are well-represented in advance of change.
• Lead collaboration with Wakefield functional leaders for significant purchases, to provide procurement best practices across Wakefield with the RFP processes and establishing contracts & service level agreements.
• lead and execute process improvements within Supply Chain, working effectively across functions as required. Continuously identify opportunities for projects designed to reduce costs, improve process efficiency, and improve customer service.
• Leverage technology to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of Wakefield’s Supply Chain operations and increase the availability of information across the business. Work in partnership with the Business Technology team to drive changes and improvements in our current technology as well as the implementation of new technology or tools as required to continue to evolve the Supply Chain Operations.
• Develop and manage a robust KPI framework for Supply Chain to support results management in the Supply Chain operations.
• Oversight of customs framework development, monitoring and adjustment.
• Key participant in the budget process and cost reviews
• Special projects as required

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• A results-oriented professional with a high degree of personal and professional integrity
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - a ‘people person’ and a leader, with people and project management skills, with the confidence and ability to clearly communicate goals, plans and operational requirements
• Skilled in relationship management with internal and external stakeholders with an ability to communicate effectively across all levels within the organization and with external partners
• A broad strategic thinker, yet possessing the ability and willingness to be “hands-on” when required
• Strong business acumen, possessing knowledge of current and future trends in Supply Chain Management.
• Strong analytical abilities to diagnose complex organizational issues and recommend actions to improve organizational effectiveness
• Innovative problem solver with strong organization and decision making abilities
• Resourceful, with an ability to manage multiple assignments and prioritize activities effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to identify areas of opportunity for continuous improvement and implement solutions to drive efficiencies

DIRECT MANAGERIAL/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for the supervision, evaluation and development of teams
• Provide direction, coaching, mentoring, training and work flow supervision to department members
• Create an environment that encourages personal and career development

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• University degree in Business, Engineering, Economics or a related discipline
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in Supply Chain Management with national scope and broad functional experience.
• Relevant functional experience required that includes Inventory and Demand Planning.
• Functional leadership experience, including experience in managing a team
• Experience in a technology savvy environment and experience in delivery on sizable business initiatives with organizational wide impact.
• In depth skills in the MS suite of products and experience working within an integrated ERP system environment. Experience with MS Dynamics would be an asset.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Office environment. Occasional plant operations/warehouse environment
• National/International travel as required.