Procurement & Inventory Management Specialist

Location: Windsor, ON

About Crop Defenders Ltd:

Crop Defenders Ltd. is a pioneering biological crop protection company dedicated to producing and supplying ecological alternatives to pesticides for consumable crop growers. Our mission is to improve the lives of millions by enabling growers to produce ecologically grown crops that are safer for farmers, consumers, and the ecosystem. Through continuous innovation in product development, operational optimization, and trusted partnerships, we help growers across North America adopt sustainable practices that support food security and environmental health.

Job Purpose:

The Procurement & Inventory Management Specialist ensures Crop Defenders has the right products and materials, at the right time, in the right condition, and at the right cost across both biological control products and operational/non-bio supplies. This role owns day-to-day purchasing execution, supplier follow-up, inbound visibility, and inventory controls (min/max, cycle counts, storage logic, and accuracy). Success means fewer stockouts, fewer urgent last-minute buys, tighter ETAs, reduced shrinkage, and smoother operations.

Key Responsibilities:

1) Biologicals Procurement (Live Product Execution)

Plan and execute purchasing of biological control products (predatory mites, parasitoids, predators, microbial products and other bios as applicable) based on demand, crop cycles, seasonality, and operational priorities.
Convert needs into accurate purchase orders/confirmations (product specs, pack format, counts, ship day, target arrival day, handling/temperature requirements).
Maintain tight supplier follow-up from PO → confirmation → shipment → arrival to protect service levels and prevent stockouts.
Proactively manage substitutions, backorders, and allocation constraints—communicating early to internal teams when supply risk appears.

2) Cold Chain, Transit-Time, and Condition Protection

Coordinate shipping method selection and scheduling to minimize transit time while maintaining product conditions and controlling transport cost.
Flag and escalate risks immediately (delays, weather, missed cutoffs, clearance holds) and drive recovery plans with suppliers and logistics partners.
Coordinate receiving windows and packaging capacity so live product is processed quickly and does not sit unnecessarily.

3) Import / Documentation Readiness (as applicable)

Coordinate required documentation and shipment readiness items (labels, certificates, permits, broker instructions, commercial invoices/packing lists when needed).
Work with Logistics/brokers to reduce holds and clearance time and maintain clean documentation trails for repeat shipments.

4) Non-Bio Procurement for Operations (Company-wide)

Procure operational goods and services required across the company (packaging materials, consumables, tools, cold-chain shipping materials, equipment supplies, and other non-bio items).
Run RFQs as needed, compare quotes, confirm specs, and ensure purchase decisions balance cost, lead time, and reliability.
Resolve discrepancies quickly (wrong items, shortages, damages, incorrect invoicing) and prevent repeat failures.

5) Inventory Management & Replenishment Control

Maintain accurate inventory visibility for both biological-supporting materials and general operational supplies.
Set and maintain min/max levels, reorder points, and replenishment cadence based on lead times, usage trends, seasonality, and risk.
Execute cycle counts and reconciliations; investigate variances and implement corrective actions that stop issues from recurring.
Maintain clean storage/location logic, labeling standards, and inventory organization to reduce waste and operational friction.

6) Supplier Relationship Building & Performance Management

Build strong, trust-based relationships with suppliers and carriers to improve responsiveness and reliability.
Track supplier performance (on-time delivery, accuracy, responsiveness, quality outcomes where applicable) and recommend improvements or alternates.
Support supplier accountability by keeping clear records and driving corrective actions when failures happen.

7) Reporting, Systems Discipline, and Cross-Functional Coordination

Maintain clean purchasing and inventory records (pricing, lead times, confirmations, ETAs, backorders, item specs).
Use Excel and internal tools (ERP/trackers) to monitor stock risk, inbound schedules, supplier performance, and cost trends.
Coordinate daily with Packaging & Quality, Logistics, Customer Support/IPM, and Finance to align purchasing with real operational needs.
Communicate clearly and early when supply constraints, ETA changes, or backorders will impact operations or customer commitments.

Key Requirements:

2+ years of experience in procurement, purchasing, inventory control, or supply chain execution (fast-paced environments preferred).
Demonstrated ability to manage time-sensitive and/or perishable supply reliably (live products is a strong asset).
Strong vendor management and follow-through: you don’t let orders drift, and you close loops.
Comfortable working with shipment documentation and compliance workflows (cross-border experience is an asset).
Strong Excel skills (tracking, basic analysis, reporting); comfort with ERP/trackers is an asset.
Excellent written and verbal communication; confident coordinating across multiple teams and handling escalations calmly.
Highly detail-oriented, process-driven, and consistent in execution.

Core Values:

A special note before you apply:

We are replacing hierarchy with self-managed teams where authority is distributed instead of centralized. Before applying, please reflect on whether this structure aligns with your personal values. We are building a culture of high engagement and performance at Crop Defenders. If you are driven by ownership, collaboration, and accountability, you’ll thrive here. If not, we respect your honesty in recognizing this is not the right fit.

Ideal candidates will align with these values:

Truthful and trustworthy
Reliable and dependable
Humble and courageous
Collaborative and team-oriented
Altruistic and selfless in priorities
Committed to high standards
Embraces change
Process- and improvement-minded
Empowers others
Driven and productive
Mindful of impact on team energy
Focused on creating value

Benefits:

● Comprehensive health and dental coverage
● Opportunities for professional development through training and certification
● A collaborative, mission-driven environment
● The chance to contribute to global food security through sustainable agriculture

Join Our Team:

If you’re strong at supplier follow-up, inventory control, and keeping operations stocked and stable—while protecting the timing and condition requirements of biological products—we invite you to apply for the Procurement & Inventory Management Specialist role at Crop Defenders Ltd.

Apply