VP Operations

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada | Operations | Full-time | Partially remote

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Please note: there is a requirement to be based in the wider Vancouver area.

Overview:

At Saje Natural Wellness, our mission is to connect people with the healing power of plants so that everyone can live their life to the fullest, naturally.

Since 1992, we’ve been committed to creating 100% natural products that are rooted in function and designed to help people tune into their personal wellness. And just like nature, we’re continually growing!

We’re on the lookout for top talent to join our team, in our stores, offices and distribution centres. We offer competitive compensation and benefits, flexibility in working styles and a commitment to professional growth and personal wellness supported by a generous Team Member discount on our products.

The impact you'll make:

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the VP Operations will be responsible for overseeing the Planning function (Demand, Supply, Channel Allocations), the Procurement function (raw materials – hard goods and essential oils, finished goods, packaging) and the Distribution and Logistics function (logistics for the flow of goods from oversees to domestic to the stores/DC, DC operations – both in-house and 3PL). Reporting into this position is the Director of Planning, the Director of Procurement and the Sr. Director of Distribution and Logistics.   

The VP Operations serves a key leadership role in aligning the teams to support the business and other functional partners in a way that aligns to our strategic roadmap and financial goals. 

 All Saje Team Members are responsible for contributing to Saje’s culture and maintaining a positive environment for themselves and their peers.

Responsibilities:

  • Strategic Plan – In partnership with the CFO and Executive team develops a strategic operational and supply plan that aligns with the businesses core strategies and objectives both ‘in-year’ and over a 3 year + horizon  

  • Procurement Excellence – with support from Director of Procurement ensure a clear roadmap for quality supply of raw materials including Essential Oils and hard goods/electronics and packaging that meets Saje and regulatory expectations/requirements. Develop in conjunction with R&D, CEO and Finance objectives on quality and financial input costs. Important to bring proactive anticipation based on evolving supply network and Saje innovation plans that look beyond one year. Proactively identify areas for savings including partnering with R&D on reconfirmation considerations.  

  • Planning Support & Process Ownership – with the support of the Director of Planning optimize an efficient org structure and use of tools and establishment of processes in coordination with cross functional business partners (Marketing, Finance, Product etc) to build and establish rigor on Demand Planning, Supply Planning and Allocations (shipments to stores and e-comm reservations). Leveraging Netstock and identifying process improvements and ensuring proper organizational support and cross-functional relationships are built and maintained. Own and co-pilot monthly S&OP process (with Finance co-pilot) for all sales driven planning (Channel goals, store goals, product forecasts etc). Deliver strategic SKU portfolio reviews (pareto analysis or other) in coordination with Finance and Product team on annual/semiannual basis and help manage end of life or expiration issues proactively (monthly E&O reviews). Deliver on KPIs (OOS, inventory turns etc)  

  • DC and Logistics – with the strong support of Sr. Director of Distribution and Logistics, help chart path for next 3 years on optimal fulfillment and logistics infrastructure and flows including 3PL management and in-house DCs. Coordinate with Finance to establish cost efficiency and quality objectives. Proactively identify areas for negotiating with vendors (Freight) or optimizing processes or product flow. Ensure proper management of both Corp and hourly employees including all regulator, government and health and safety requirements. Ensure on-site quality process fits seamlessly with overall Saje quality processes and requirements. Maintain stewardship over Health Canada site kitting license and ensure proper adherence to requirements.  

  • Leadership Development and Skill Development – Ensure leaders and teams are supported and have clear development paths. Identify areas for organizational change and enhancement in coaching, org design, process design.  

  • Process Thought Leader and Change Implementation and Execution Champion – be an owner and champion of identify process enhancement opportunities or ‘new ways’ of doing things and advocate for appropriate change. Be a key supporter of execution of change and be willing to roll up sleeves we needed while not losing site of the bigger picture. 

Qualifications

  • Proven experience leading large-scale teams with developed ability to coach, enhance team capability, and grow emerging leaders at all levels of their career. 
  • You have a strong breadth of experience across areas of Supply Chain Planning and Procurement.  
  • Experience working with perishable, physical goods and understanding of regulatory requirements. 
  • Proven experience establishing roadmap within a highly complex Supply Chain for raw materials. 
  • Experience proactively identifying areas for negotiation with vendors, optimizing processes, and product flow.  
  • Must have a strong strategic mindset to establish a future vision for each function of Planning, Procurement and Distribution & Logistics, present and long-term objectives.  
  • You have proven ability to build a strong cross functional lens, work cross collaboratively and improve collaboration across all key business units.  
  • Candidate must have proven ability to forecast effectively while develop an effective inventory planning process that systematically determines the most efficient, cost-effective way to optimize inventory investment to meet the retail and ecommerce demands.  
  • Proven ability to establish credibility, a true partnership, and strong relationships organization wide.  
  • You will be able to negotiate for cost efficiency and ensuring quality is met, while being able to build strong relationships proactively. 
  • Proven ability to develop strategies that enhance performance and reduce cost through automation.  
  • Must have interest in identifying areas for automation, innovation, and trends in omnichannel distribution. 
  • You will ideally have experience working for a company that procures goods outside of Canada and sells to the US or another country. 


Why Saje?

Here at Saje, we understand that joining a team is an important decision to make and we want to be sure you’re supported to do your best work.

We offer:

  • A competitive compensation package
  • A hybrid way of working
  • Flexible work hours based on business needs
  • Wellness days to ensure you're taking care of your mental and physical health
  • Health benefits - comprehensive health, vision, and dental packages
  • Paid sick days
  • Generous product discount
  • Individualized onboarding plan to ensure you’re set up for success
  • Employee Assistance Program - 24/7 support, resources, and information available to you and your family
  • GRSP programs
  • Paid time off to ensure you're resting & recharging
  • Product training – you will learn about the benefits and efficacy of our 100% natural products to support your own wellness journey.

Note: The incentive programs, benefits, and perks have certain eligibility requirements. The company reserves the right to alter these incentive programs, benefits, and perks in whole or in part at any time without advance notice.

Join our team!

If this opportunity sounds like you, please apply in the link below. Not sure you're 100% the right fit? We encourage you to apply even if you don't have all of the listed qualifications.

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