Procurement Specialist

J ob Title: Procurement Specialist Company: Cove Drinks Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia (On Site) About Cove Drinks: Founded in 2016 by brothers John and Ryan, Cove Drinks is on a mission to make healthy easy with game-changing functional beverages. We are proudly certified organic in both Canada and the USA, meeting the highest quality standards. With contract manufacturers (co-mans) in Canada and the USA, Cove is expanding rapidly across retail and restaurant channels. As our business grows, we need a highly organized and experienced Procurement Specialist to ensure we have the right ingredients in the right place, at the right time. This role will require collaborating closely with Finance, Demand Planning, and our co-man partners to meet production demands efficiently and cost-effectively. Position Summary: The Procurement Specialist will be directly responsible for sourcing ingredients and packaging materials and ensuring on-time delivery to our contract manufacturers. Working within a lean and efficient operations team; you will manage supplier relationships, align purchasing with demand forecasts, and work closely with Finance to plan budgets and control costs. This role is critical to Cove’s success as we continue to scale production across multiple co-man sites. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, be proactive in problem-solving, and take ownership of the end-to-end procurement process. Key Responsibilities: Core Focus: Procuring Ingredients & Ensuring On-Time Delivery Manage ingredient and packaging procurement to meet production schedules at multiple contract manufacturing sites across Canada and the USA. Collaborate with Demand Planning to forecast material needs and Finance to align purchasing with budgets and financial forecasts. Track orders from placement through delivery to ensure on-time, in-full (OTIF) performance at all co-man locations. Monitor lead times, inventory levels, and potential disruptions to mitigate risks and avoid production delays. Supplier Relationship Management & Compliance Build and maintain strong partnerships with suppliers to secure the best pricing, lead times, and terms. Ensure all suppliers and materials meet organic certification standards and regulatory requirements. Negotiate contracts and manage supplier performance to drive continuous improvement and long-term collaboration. Cost Management & Process Development Work with Finance to forecast procurement budgets and analyze spend to keep costs under control. Support the development of procurement processes and systems to improve efficiency and scalability as Cove grows. Provide regular spend reports and procurement KPIs to leadership, identifying cost-saving opportunities where possible. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Problem Solving Collaborate closely with R&D, packaging, logistics, and marketing teams to ensure the smooth launch of new products. Work directly with contract manufacturers to manage inventory releases and production schedules. Be proactive in solving supply challenges as Cove scales operations, ensuring production stays on track without compromising quality. Skills & Experience: 3-5 years of experience in procurement or supply chain management, preferably in food, beverage, or CPG industries. Experience managing contract manufacturers (co-mans) and working across Canada and the USA is a strong asset. Strong ability to work independently, building processes and managing procurement from the ground up. Proven experience working with Finance and Demand Planning to align procurement with budgets and forecasts. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, formulas) and familiarity with ERP (BC365D) or procurement systems. Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities. Excellent negotiation and relationship management skills, with a collaborative mindset. Familiarity with organic certification and industry regulations is an asset. Education & Qualifications: Post-secondary degree or diploma in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field. Experience working in CPG, organic food, or beverage production is an asset. What We Expect from You: Proactive: As Cove’s Procurement Specialist, you will take ownership of purchasing activities and build scalable processes as we grow. Highly Organized: With multiple co-man sites in Canada and the USA, and growing demand across retail and restaurants, keeping materials on track is essential. Financially Savvy: You’ll work closely with Finance to forecast spending and align procurement with company budgets and financial goals. Collaborative Problem Solver: You will partner with Demand Planning and contract manufacturers to anticipate and solve supply challenges as they arise. Adaptable & Resourceful: Be ready to adjust plans as we expand into new markets and grow the business quickly. What We Offer: Career Growth: Help build Cove’s procurement function from scratch and lay the foundation for future expansion. Collaborative Culture: Work closely with founders and cross-functional teams—no silos, just teamwork. Values-Driven Success: Uphold Cove’s core values of Respect, Ownership, and Fun in everything you do. Personal Development: We’ll provide the training, tools, and support you need to grow and achieve your goals. Gratitude & Recognition: At Cove, we show appreciation in meaningful ways—because we value every team member’s contribution. How to Apply: If you’re excited about the opportunity to lead procurement and work closely with contract manufacturers across North America, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and cover letter to Zoe Burton, Recruitment Consultant with Level Up Recruitment by applying directly to this posting. Level Up Recruitment is a boutique recruitment and executive search firm with a national team of specialized Senior Recruitment Consultants focused on supporting the growth of Mining, Manufacturing and Industrial companies. To learn more about Level Up Recruitment please visit us at leveluprecruitment.ca and Follow Us on LinkedIn We look forward to hearing from you.

Location: Halifax region, CA

Posted Date: 11/9/2024