External Manufacturing Planner

Changing the World, One Kibble at a Time 

Champion Petfoods is expanding! We are excited to announce we are looking for a External Manufacturing Planner to join our rapidly growing company. 

Champion Petfoods is an award-winning pet food crafter with a reputation of trust spanning 35+ years. From our humble beginnings, founded in a small town in Alberta, Canada, Champion – with its ORIJEN® and ACANA® brands – is a key player in the global premium pet food industry. 

Our purpose, To Earn Pet Lover Trust Every Day so Pets Thrive for a Lifetime, provides the foundation for our highest aspirations as a company. Being a partner to the communities that surround us – and the environment that sustains us – are top priorities. 

We would love to hear from you if you are passionate about personal and professional growth and see yourself as a key player contributing to our continued success as an award-winning company.

Here’s the scoop - Summary 

As an External Manufacturing Planner, you’ll play a key role in ensuring that our external manufacturing partners deliver the right products and materials on time and to specification. 

You’ll manage purchase orders, track production schedules, and maintain strong communication with suppliers to ensure seamless execution across our supply chain.

This role requires exceptional attention to detail, strong relationship management skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

What are we looking for?

• Ensure compliance to Company’s policies, practices and procedures related to Health and Safety, Food Safety, and the Environment

• Coordinate production schedules and order fulfillment with external manufacturers and co-packers, ensuring timely delivery and product accuracy.

• Manage the procurement process — from placing purchase orders to monitoring production progress and delivery timelines.

• Act as the primary liaison between internal teams and external manufacturing partners, addressing issues related to production, logistics, or materials.

• Review and process claims or discrepancies related to supplier performance or order quality.

• Analyze inventory levels, sales trends, and demand forecasts to determine production needs and procurement priorities.

• Maintain and update ERP system data, ensuring all product and order information is accurate and current.

• Provide internal departments with timely product availability, production status, and delivery updates.

• Proactively identify and communicate potential supply disruptions, lead time challenges, or material shortages, recommending alternative solutions.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance supplier performance, production efficiency, and overall supply chain reliability.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Maintain awareness of internal and external factors impacting supply chain, and assist in making alternate arrangements in the event of storages, overages, or delayed deliveries to minimize impact on the organization

What are we looking for? 

• Post-secondary education in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field; SCMP designation preferred.

• Minimum 2 years of experience in a Supply Chain, Vendor Management, or Procurement role, ideally working with external manufacturers or co-packers.

• Experience with ERP systems (M3 or equivalent) is an asset.

• Experience in a customer facing role an asset.

• Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills.

• Excellent attention to detail, analytical ability, and problem-solving mindset.

• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Knowledge of production planning and logistics coordination is considered an asset.

What can you expect from Champion? 

• Safety: a strong commitment to ensure all people are provided with a safe, healthy and respectful environment. 

• Earnings: Competitive Wages that give financial peace of mind, RRSP with Company, and donation matching. 

• Industry Competitive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision and Employee Assistance Programs to meet your individual or family needs. 

• Continuing Education: In House & Online Learning & Development, as well as an Education Assistance Program. 

• Quality: a dedication to uphold the highest standards of authenticity, nutritional integrity, and food safety, to earn the trust of Pet Lovers everywhere. 

• Other Perks: Free Bag of Premium Pet Food each month, Free Parking and more! 

What are you waiting for? Join the pack! 

Come as you are. 

We value diversity in all forms and know the power it can bring. Workplace equality allows for creative ideas to bloom, diverse points of views to be heard, and increases overall happiness. That sounds pretty good to us.