Buyer - Manufacturing

About Footage Tools

Established in 1982, Footage Tools specializes in designing and manufacturing precision tools for the natural gas, waterworks, and underground construction sectors. Our product line includes squeeze tools, tapping tools, piercing tools, pipe pullers, and service line replacement tools, all trusted by utility companies and contractors throughout North America. Our manufacturing facility in Vaughan, Ontario, utilizes advanced CNC technology to mill every tool from aircraft-grade aluminum. We uphold ISO 9001 quality standards and are proud members of multiple industry organizations including the American Gas Association, American Waterworks Association, and the Canadian Gas Association.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Buyer to join our procurement team in Concord, Ontario. Reporting to the Purchasing Manager, you will oversee daily purchasing functions, including sourcing raw materials, managing supplier relationships, tracking order statuses, and ensuring uninterrupted production flow. This role bridges production, planning, and supply chain operations within our ISO 9001 quality framework, using SYSPRO ERP software. The position requires collaboration across various departments including engineering and warehousing. Candidates of varying experience levels are welcome, with responsibilities and compensation adjusted accordingly.

Key Duties

• Issue, confirm, and monitor purchase orders for raw materials such as aluminum, steel, titanium, plastics, tooling, MRO supplies, and subcontracted services.
• Identify and assess suppliers based on cost, quality, lead time, and capabilities, escalating complex negotiations when necessary.
• Track open orders, expedite when needed, and communicate any delivery risks proactively to production and planning teams.
• Maintain supplier documentation, certifications, and performance metrics in line with ISO 9001 standards.
• Promptly resolve order discrepancies, delivery delays, and invoice issues.
• Handle emergency purchases during machine downtime or critical production situations.
• Monitor inventory levels, usage rates, and reorder points, coordinating with warehouse teams to verify inbound shipments and address discrepancies.
• Support physical inventories, cycle counts, and purchasing data reconciliation efforts.
• Contribute to initiatives aimed at reducing inventory and standardizing materials.
• Review work orders to ensure materials and services align with production schedules and coordinate subcontracted operations like plating, heat treating, coatings, and anodizing to meet deadlines.
• Respond promptly to material shortages, expedite requests, and rework requirements, communicating potential supply delays to planning and production teams.
• Maintain accurate procurement and supplier records within SYSPRO ERP, generate reports on costs, order history, supplier performance, and inventory discrepancies.
• Assist in updating standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions as processes evolve.
• Provide necessary documentation and explanations to support internal and external audits.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or similar field, or comparable practical experience.
• Between 1 and 5 years of procurement experience in a manufacturing environment is required.
• Familiarity with ERP systems is needed; experience specifically with SYSPRO is highly regarded.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Outlook, and Word.
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and the ability to prioritize competing tasks.
• Effective communication skills to interact with suppliers, engineers, production staff, and warehouse personnel regularly.
• Preferred qualifications include progress toward or completion of supply chain certifications such as SCMP, CPIM, or CSCP.
• Knowledge of machining materials (aluminum, steel, titanium, plastics) and subcontracting procedures (heat treating, plating, anodizing, coatings) is advantageous.
• Experience in evaluating suppliers, negotiating contracts, and tracking performance metrics.
• Understanding of ISO 9001 quality management principles.
• Background in product manufacturing companies rather than contract machining preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary ranging from 65000 to 75000 CAD, commensurate with experience and credentials.
• Comprehensive benefits package covering health, dental, and group insurance plans.
• Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) matching program available.
• Paid vacation entitlement.
• Support for professional development and supply chain certification courses (SCMP, CPIM, CSCP).

Work Environment

• Work will be a mix of office duties and presence on the manufacturing floor.
• Standard workweek is Monday to Friday during daytime hours, with occasional after-hours work as required for urgent tasks.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used in manufacturing zones.

Company Highlights

• More than four decades of expertise in engineering durable tools trusted throughout North America.
• We design and manufacture our own branded products in-house, rather than contracting out production.
• Small, close-knit team environment where contributions directly impact production timelines and customer satisfaction.

Accessibility Commitment

Footage Tools is dedicated to fostering an accessible and inclusive workplace in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We provide accommodations throughout the recruitment process to candidates with disabilities upon request, ensuring a supportive hiring experience.