Summary: We are seeking a Jr/Sr. Purchasing Specialist to support the launch and expansion of our merchandising operations in Canada. This role will own end-to-end category management, including sourcing, procurement, vendor management, and pricing strategy, with a strong focus on driving GMV growth while maintaining healthy margins.

As part of a growing business, this position requires a hands-on, entrepreneurial mindset to build supplier networks and establish scalable purchasing processes from the ground up. The ideal candidate brings strong negotiation and analytical skills, along with existing vendor resources and industry connections in Canada or North America, to accelerate business growth and strengthen our local supply base.

This role will collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, operations, and supply chain teams to optimize assortment, pricing, and promotions, while leveraging data insights to improve inventory efficiency and customer experience.

Benefits & Compensation: Extended Health, Dental & Vision Benefits Paid Vacation, Statutory Holidays, and Sick Leave Employee discount Coffee and snacks $55,000 – $75,000 CAD per year

Job Responsibilities Sourcing & Procurement Generate purchase orders, follow up on POs, confirm status, and ensure timely delivery on a daily basis Source and develop new vendors; craft negotiation strategies on pricing, payment terms, and lead times, and close deals with optimal terms Identify and develop new products within Asian food categories based on customer demand, pricing, quality, availability, market trends, and budget Strategy and Analytics Develop, lead, and optimize category sourcing and purchasing strategies Utilize data and multidimensional metrics to improve KPIs such as inventory levels, allocation, turnover, and cash flow Forecast pricing, analyze customer buying patterns, and assess market trends to optimize assortment, pricing, and supplier dynamics Maintain a customer-first mindset, enhancing the overall customer experience through daily decision-making Communicate KPI performance and root cause analyses to management, and lead corrective actions when needed Vendor Relationship Management Build, manage, and maintain strong vendor relationships using standardized performance metrics (e.g., fill rate, lead time, compliance requirements) Navigate complex negotiations with confidence under tight timelines and high expectations Partner with cross-functional teams on promotions, marketing allocations, markdown strategies, payment terms, and special initiatives Other Duties Perform additional tasks as assigned Qualifications & Requirements Bachelor’s degree required 3-5+ years of purchasing and/or vendor management experience in retail or related industries Demonstrated passion for food, grocery, snack, or beverage products, with strong customer understanding Strong negotiation and communication skills in English; Mandarin Chinese proficiency is required Established vendor network or existing supplier resources is highly preferred, with the ability to leverage relationships to drive business growth Analytical thinker with a positive attitude and adaptability in a fast-evolving environment Detail-oriented self-starter with the ability to learn quickly and take ownership Strong decision-making skills, with the ability to synthesize information from multiple internal and external sources

Compensation Transparency: The anticipated salary range for this role is $55,000 – $82,000 CAD per year. Final salary offers are determined based on a variety of factors, including the candidate’s specialized experience, skill set, and existing professional network in the local market.

Accessibility & Inclusion: Yami is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Yami will provide accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment, selection, and/or assessment process. If selected to participate, please inform our team of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require.

AI Disclosure & Transparency: All final hiring decisions, interviews, and candidate evaluations are conducted by our human recruitment team. We ensure that our use of technology supports, rather than replaces, fair and equitable human judgment.

Work Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in Canada at the time of application. Yami does not provide visa sponsorship or relocation assistance for this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Benefits