Teresa Jacques

Results-driven Purchasing Manager and procurement professional with extensive experience in retail, distribution and manufacturing. Strong background in strategic sourcing, vendor negotiations, purchasing, product selection, inventory optimization, budgeting, market analysis and supplier relationship management. Proven ability to manage large SKU portfolios and purchasing budgets, identify cost-saving opportunities, improve product assortments, reduce obsolete inventory and lead cross-functional initiatives.

Recognized for building productive supplier and internal partnerships while balancing quality, availability, service, customer needs and cost.

Purchasing Manager - Tooltown

(2024-03 - 2026-09)

• Lead purchasing activities across all company product categories, aligning purchases with demand, inventory requirements and business objectives.
• Monitor purchasing activity and vendor product quality while maintaining accurate supplier information and performance records.
• Negotiate vendor pricing and terms to support competitive product costs and purchasing objectives.
• Conduct ongoing market research to identify trends, competitive pricing and new product opportunities.
• Develop purchasing budgets covering future purchases, markdowns, inventory levels and inventory turns.
• Introduced more than 35 new vendors, expanding product assortment and supplier options.
• Lead SKU rationalization and department reline initiatives to optimize assortment and inventory productivity.
• Reset four store layouts and design planograms to improve product placement and merchandising execution.
• Maintain and update flyer planning programs and support product selection for promotional initiatives.
• Reconcile invoices and resolve purchasing discrepancies in collaboration with vendors and internal teams.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to evaluate purchasing decisions and support company objectives.
• Conduct store visits and participate in trade shows to assess products, market trends and supplier opportunities.

Purchasing Agent - Matix Lumber

(2023-08 - 2024-03)

• Procured raw materials and finished products based on quality, price, availability and project requirements for northern and local communities.
• Reviewed purchase order confirmations within 24 hours, validating pricing, quantities and ETAs against purchase orders.
• Identified opportunities for supplier development, cost reduction, process optimization and continuous improvement.
• Analyzed industry and demand trends to support sourcing strategies and purchasing decisions.
• Processed and tracked orders while maintaining effective supplier communication.
• Managed supplier issues involving defective or unacceptable goods and coordinated corrective actions.
• Evaluated new supplier products against existing products and changing customer requirements to support purchasing and SKU rationalization.
• Monitored supplier risk and developed strategies to address potential issues and supply concerns.
• Maintained accurate inventory records through cycle counts and stock adjustments.
• Reviewed competitor lumber pricing monthly and prepared approved pricing updates for import into BisTrack.
• Collaborated with sales and operations to ensure purchasing information was accurate and accessible.
• Resolved invoice discrepancies and supplier shipping errors using structured problem-solving and contingency planning.

Purchaser - Eskimo Point Lumber Supply Ltd.

(2019-08 - 2020-04)

• Sourced quotes and procured materials for multiple divisions in partnership with internal business teams supporting northern operations.
• Prepared and processed purchase orders and evaluated pricing, financial information and supplier proposals.
• Evaluated suppliers based on quality, price, selection, service, reliability and production/distribution capabilities.
• Purchased required merchandise at competitive cost while maintaining quality and quantity requirements.
• Processed and tracked orders while maintaining strong supplier communication.
• Improved purchasing processes and maintained accurate, organized vendor files.
• Developed advertising programs and selected products and pricing to support sales.
• Implemented programs to reduce stale-dated and slow-moving inventory.
• Designed sell sheets and planograms to support product promotion and store merchandising.
• Provided in-store operational support when required.

Purchasing Manager - MacMor Industries

(2018-08 - 2019-08)

• Directed purchasing and distribution of materials, equipment and supplies while balancing cost, quality and delivery requirements.
• Monitored daily fill rates and identified opportunities to reduce obsolete inventory and increase vendor returns.
• Analyzed market and delivery conditions to assess current and future material availability.
• Directed purchasing at competitive cost while maintaining established quality and delivery standards.
• Reviewed and approved contracts, purchase orders and invoices.
• Negotiated with suppliers to resolve pricing, delivery and product specification issues.
• Supervised three Buyers and supported training and development of purchasing personnel.
• Issued and expedited purchase orders and maintained strong vendor relationships.
• Led special purchasing projects to meet evolving company requirements.

Parts Purchaser - Maxim Truck & Trailer

(2018-05 - 2018-08)

• Managed parts purchasing for multiple locations using suggested order reports and branch requests.
• Negotiated special vendor pricing adjustments and followed up on stock orders and backorders.
• Maintained stock minimum/maximum levels to support appropriate inventory availability.
• Updated pricing and part descriptions and maintained centralized vendor purchasing documentation.
• Evaluated potential suppliers against current suppliers based on cost, product and other purchasing factors.
• Supported obsolete inventory reduction and vendor return activities.

Buyer - Princess Auto

(2017-07 - 2018-02)

• Managed an approximately $48M budget and approximately 2,500 SKUs across hardware, camping, food processing, security, ATV, marine, electrical and hunting categories.
• Developed a comprehensive camping program, completed a line review and selected 77 new SKUs in partnership with the Planogram team.
• Developed promotional programs and selected products for flyer advertising while maintaining budget requirements.
• Forecasted advertising requirements up to 18 months in advance using sell-through performance and partnered with Replenishment to support inventory availability.
• Participated in consensus meetings reviewing top and bottom products and collaborated with Demand Planning and Replenishment teams.
• Mentored an Assistant Buyer and aligned development goals with organizational initiatives.
• Negotiated vendor exclusivity opportunities and reduced the vendor base to improve product costing and strengthen supplier programs.

Buyer - TruServ (Ace Canada)

(2005-10 - 2017-06)

• Managed a $15M budget and approximately 15,000 SKUs across multiple categories including appliances, confectionery, pet, workwear, footwear, apparel, baby, luggage and accessories.
• Partnered with vendors to develop programs through bookings and direct-ship opportunities, contributing to a 14% increase in sales while exceeding the company margin goal.
• Built and maintained professional relationships with approximately 250 vendors and more than 700 stores across Canada.
• Researched and negotiated product costs, supplier terms and agreements.
• Selected product lines for bi-annual trade shows and managed vendor meetings and new-product introductions.
• Supported flyer planning and negotiated improved vendor costing for stores and end customers.
• Reduced excess inventory through monthly sell-through programs.
• Managed international importing, monitored production and lead times, and coordinated full-container purchasing to improve costing.
• Supervised and mentored staff, including two associates who progressed into senior buying positions.
• Monitored Canadian and U.S. competitor activity through store visits and online research.

Buyer’s Associate, Re-Buyer, Planner and Buyer - SAAN Stores – Support Office

(1988 - 2005)

Earlier Career