Purchasing Lead, Proteins

About the Company

Founded in 2016, Foodtastic is already one of the largest restaurant companies in Canada. We have increased system sales in the last five years from less than $50mm to over $1B. Our current portfolio of 27 brands includes Milestones Grill & Bar, Second Cup Café, Pita Pit, Quesada, La Belle et La Boeuf, and Rôtisseries Benny.

We are passionate about building our franchisee partnerships and providing our guests with a memorable dining experience. Our growth would not be possible without our people's creativity, dedication, and entrepreneurship. We continue to build the team and always look for exceptional candidates to join Foodtastic.

As the Purchasing Lead, Proteins, you will take ownership of the procurement, quality control, and overall strategy for proteins across our national restaurant chain. Your mission is to ensure a reliable and cost-effective supply of high-quality proteins that reflects seasonal availability and evolving customer preferences. You will collaborate closely with culinary, supply chain, and vendor partners to deliver freshness, flavor, and sustainability at scale. You should feel equally comfortable negotiating contracts with key suppliers as you are walking through a meat processing plant to assess product quality.

This role requires a blend of strategic sourcing, hands-on execution, and relationship management to elevate the proteins category as a critical contributor to guest satisfaction and brand value.

Responsibilities:

Proteins Sourcing & Supplier Management

Identify, negotiate, and manage relationships with nationwide proteins suppliers to ensure a consistent and reliable supply of proteins. Regularly evaluate supplier performance based on product quality, cost competitiveness, delivery reliability, and compliance with food safety standards.

Seasonal Planning & Forecasting

Develop seasonal proteins plans that take into account market trends, weather conditions, and supply chain risks. Adjust sourcing strategies based on growing seasons, availability, and pricing fluctuations.

Quality Assurance

Collaborate with quality control teams to set and maintain strict standards for proteins freshness, ripeness, and presentation. Implement regular audits of proteins quality.

Menu Collaboration

Partner with culinary teams to plan and source seasonal and long-term proteins for menu items, ensuring optimal freshness and assortment. Suggest new options that align with evolving customer tastes and health trends.

Sustainability & Waste Reduction

Lead initiatives to minimize proteins waste, optimize storage practices, and ensure the use of sustainable, locally sourced products where possible. Work on reducing food miles by selecting local or regional suppliers when appropriate. 

Cost Negotiations & Profitability Management

Monitor and analyze proteins pricing trends, negotiate supplier contracts, and establish cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality. Balance cost-efficiency with customer satisfaction and operational needs. Collaborate with Revenue Management team to maximize profit for the category.

Inventory & Supply Chain Optimization

Work closely with the operations team to streamline the logistics of proteins procurement and distribution, ensuring optimal stock levels, minimizing spoilage, and maintaining efficient delivery schedules. Seek and execute on efficiencies through vendor consolidation and SKU rationalization.

Proteins Trends & Consumer Preferences

Stay up to date on the latest trends in proteins, including Halal, Grass-fed, Organic, etc. Analyze customer feedback and market research to anticipate shifts in demand and recommend changes accordingly.

Regulatory Compliance & Food Safety

Ensure all proteins comply with applicable food safety regulations and traceability standards. Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to conduct supplier audits and verify adherence to established food safety protocols and best practices.

Product Lifecycle Management

Manage the lifecycle of proteins items, from introduction to discontinuation, ensuring that only the highest-quality and most profitable items remain on the menu. Coordinate with marketing teams for promotional activities involving seasonal or specialty proteins.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field.


• Minimum of 7 years of experience in procurement or category management, preferably in proteins or fresh food.


• Bilingual in French and English, both oral and written.


• Advanced proficiency in Excel is required; experience with Power BI and procurement systems (e.g., NetSuite) is an asset.


• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data, identify trends and opportunities, and proactively transform insights into actionable strategies and projects.


• Proven success in developing sourcing strategies, negotiating vendor contracts, and managing supplier relationships.


• Familiarity with food safety regulations and sustainable sourcing practices.


• Highly autonomous with strong prioritization and time management skills.


• Proactive and solutions-oriented, able to drive initiatives independently.


• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.


• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment with multiple stakeholders.

Company benefits:

• Market related compensation


• Complimentary coffee, drinks and snacks at the office


• Free parking at the office


• Summer Fridays


• 1 hour lunch paid


• Virtual health care


• Company social events


• Group insurance plan, including health, dental and long-term disability.