OE Utility Services, formerly Ontario Excavac, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Enbridge Inc. While we have changed our name, we have not changed our focus on proving great service. We provide a broad range of end-to-end services for utility companies. In addition to our industry-leading hydro excavation services, we offer an array of expert water & gas distribution specialty services along with best-in-class restoration and soil processing. It's how we all benefit from meaningful work, done right the first time.
OE is looking for an enthusiastic Procurement and Inventory Manager to join our team. We are looking for someone passionate about growth, and who aligns with our core values of: Respect Each Other, Be Responsive, Champion Safety, and Do the Right Thing.
Reporting to the COO, the Procurement and Inventory Manager is responsible for leading procurement and inventory management activities across all Operation Units of OE Utility Services. The role oversees the sourcing, purchasing, receiving, inventory control, supplier management, and availability of materials, equipment, PPE, parts, and services required to support day-to-day operations.
The position focus will be on the “Five Rights”-
· to get the “right material,
· at the right time,
· to the right place,
· in the right quantity, and
· at the right cost.
The role provides leadership in procurement planning, supplier performance, inventory optimization, cost management, process improvement, and procurement reporting, while partnering with Operations, Finance, Fleet, Facilities, Project teams, and other internal stakeholders.
The Procurement and Inventory Manager is also responsible for identifying opportunities to improve procurement and inventory processes through technology, automation, data analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Purchase goods and services that meet quality, specification, and delivery requirements at the lowest overall cost for all operational units, while concurrently maintaining and building strategic relationships with key suppliers.
- Optimize the replenishment process using inventory consumption data, demand requirements, supplier lead times, and visual inventory controls to establish appropriate reorder points and maintain required inventory levels.
- Track and manage the process from specification setting to order and delivery, and communicate with suppliers for delivery issues, damages, price, and other discrepancies.
- Continuously improve and maximize processes to facilitate effective materials, parts, and services sourcing, clear identification and location of inventory, and visual-based monitoring of inventory consumption and quantities.
- Manage 3rd party contractor and supplier relationships and maintain Service/Contract Agreements.
- Ensure Safety Data Sheets ("SDS") are obtained for all regulated or hazardous items
- Evaluate key suppliers based on total cost, quality, delivery performance, service, responsiveness, and overall supplier performance, and identify opportunities for improvement or corrective action.
- Lead and support procurement, inventory, supplier, and process-improvement projects as assigned, including initiatives focused on cost reduction, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement.
Job Duties:
- Develop and maintain effective inventory management, control, replenishment, and ordering processes across all operational locations, using inventory consumption, demand, and supplier lead-time information to maintain appropriate stock levels.
- Implement Lean Principles to improve the flow of work and drive the elimination of waste.
- Work with Manager Fleet and Facilities to ensure new vehicles are fitted with standard items promptly to ensure efficient deployment.
- Process purchase orders according to purchasing policies and procedures.
- Manage kitchen/office supplies
- Manage the company’s hazardous materials inventory which includes: ensuring an SDS is received in advance for all deliveries of regulated products and/or hazardous materials, maintain the Company SDS records, proper storage and labelling, and communicating changes as required.
- Ensure all purchasing activities comply with company policies, legal requirements, and ethical standards.
- Audit Bowes facility for SDS compliance at least quarterly working with the Manager Fleet and Facilities on opportunities for improvement.
- Source, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers and vendors for materials, equipment, supplies, and services, considering price, quality, availability, delivery, service, and total cost.
- Maintain vendor database and track vendor performance against established metrics.
- Manage inventory replenishment using appropriate inventory controls, visual management, consumption data, demand requirements, supplier lead times, and established reorder points to maintain required levels of supplies, equipment, and materials.
- Manage 3rd party services, eg: office equipment, cleaners, uniforms, fire extinguisher replacement, fall protection equipment replacement, dielectric glove program
- Ensuring 3rd party services meet OE’s health and safety requirements.
- Identify potential risks in the supply chain and take appropriate actions to mitigate them.
- Maintain company telephone/cell phone plan and inventory of telephones/cell phones.
- Assist with the reconciliation of procurement transactions and maintain supporting documentation, such as order confirmation, invoices, and other receiving documents.
- Follow up on delivery variances and quality issues and work with accounting personnel to resolve them in a timely manner.
- Compile data and prepare reports to be used for cost-saving initiatives.
- Communicate all delays or variances of inbound supplies to the appropriate parties.
- Monitor procurement spending against the approved annual budget and identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve overall value.
- Actively participate on the On-Call Team.
- Assist with new-hire onboarding by providing procurement/inventory-related supplies and orientation and support when required.
- Coordinate with internal teams to align purchasing decisions with company goals and operational requirements.
- Other related duties as required or assigned.
Requirements:
- Post-secondary education in purchasing, inventory control, or supply chain management is preferred.
- Must have at least five (5) years of in-depth, practical hands-on experience with supply chain competencies including but not limited to: Lean, visual workplace, demand-pull systems, kanban, inventory control and analysis, VMI, safety stock, etc.
- Experience managing procurement and inventory activities across multiple locations, business units, or operational sites is preferred.
- Experience using ERP systems to manage purchasing, supplier, inventory, receiving, and procurement-related data, with a strong focus on data accuracy and recordkeeping.
- Experience in the Hydrovac sector is considered an asset.
- High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Microsoft Excel, for data analysis, reporting, inventory management, and procurement activities.
- Knowledge of SAGE Intact is an asset.
- Experience drafting vendor agreements including the ability to assess and mitigate risk with vendors and suppliers through well-structured agreements.
- Experience with evaluating vendor performance-vetting criteria, gathering performance data, and evaluating performance both quantitatively and qualitatively.
- Effective attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
- Strong planning, prioritization, and execution skills with the ability to assess the needs of the business and implement the best solutions.
- Solid command of the English language: reading, verbal, and written will be required to gather and impart information, act as a point of contact to suppliers.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, a positive attitude, and a willingness to take on new challenges.
- Ability to identify key issues and creatively/strategically overcome internal challenges or obstacles.
- A strong passion for continuous improvement and learning, both personally and professionally.
Work Conditions
- Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals
- Some travel within regional business unites and job sites may be required.
- Able to physically inspect company property and assets.
- Physical ability to lift up to 30 lbs. unassisted
- May be required to wear PPE including but not limited to Hi-Vis wear, hard hat, safety shoes, safety glasses)
- Overtime as required
Benefits:
- Company Culture: A supportive and inclusive environment that values teamwork and collaboration.
- Compensation and Benefits: Competitive salary, health insurance, retirement plan, and discretionary bonus.
- Impact and Purpose: The opportunity to build processes and implement procurement best practices, and meaningfully contribute to a rapidly growing company.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $80,000.00-$100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Flexible language requirement:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Concord, ON L4K 1K2: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- To what capacity are you familiar or competent with Lean methodologies?
Education:
- AEC / DEP or Skilled Trade Certificate (preferred)
Experience:
- Inventory management: 5 years (required)
- Procurement: 5 years (required)
- Supply chain: 5 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
