Inside the Supply Chain and Purchasing Industry

It’s been a short while, but this issue is chock full of opportunities right across Canada (Victoria and Delta B.C., Fort McMurray, Winnipeg, Kitchener, Burlington.)

Tim is wrapping up a whirlwind speaking tour, having presented Resume workshops at Fanshaw College in London, the OIPMAC office – downtown Toronto, and has just ‘appeared’ (and he likes to say) at Casino Rama in Orillia, offering a special “networking” event for PMAC. (A request to speak with supply students has just arrived from Humber College, and is upcoming.)

Considering it was snowing and blowing with ‘white outs’ driving up to Orillia, there was a good turnout and a fine OIPMAC networking evening. Tim briefly led in with his “TOP TIPS FOR SUPPLY PROFESSIONALS…MEETING IN A CASINO…STUCK IN A SNOWSTORM” (essentially how to win at slots) overview; before starting the actual networking event. Being Supply professionals, not too many appeared interested, until Tim’s wife showed up (where do you think he got these ‘winning principles’), and waived her $ 5,000+ cheque from her night’s application of these ‘tips.’

Tim is also “appearing” and will be presenting at the APICS Grand Valley, INNOVATION conference this Friday at the Cambridge conference centre.

On a different note, we’re asking that those of you who have been ‘casually’ receiving these bulletins, but have not formally registered with TMA, to kindly do so. The job market is rapidly expanding, and there are immediate needs by our clients. If you’re not registered, we have no way of quickly identifying or contacting you. Guarantee your success by registering with TMA today – Click here for the registration area.

Clients with immediate needs are illustrated here, and to get the complete list with FULL information, please click here.

We hope that no matter where you’re receiving our Supply Chain Jobs Bulletin (in Canada, the U.S. or abroad), that you’ll take a moment this weekend to be with family and friends to reflect on your many blessings.

Here at TMA, we appreciate the number of talented Supply Chain candidates that we represent and are thankful for the substantial increase in calls from our many new (and established) clients, requiring Supply professionals.

We continue to experience an increase in inquiries, right across Canada with clients requiring an immediate introduction of resumes. “We’re hearing that clients are NOT attracting the caliber of individuals required through conventional means, regardless of the impression that it’s a “candidate rich” economic environment out there, “ adds Tim Moore, President of Tim Moore Associates. Clients are calling urgently in need of candidates – ‘sooner than yesterday’ and expecting an immediate turnaround. “In a lot of cases, they’ve been trying on their own for over 6 – 8 weeks,” adds Moore.

Another interesting development according to Tim, is the requirement for Supply Chain professionals – versed in IT. “Everything from laptops, mainframes, software, components, printers, corporate services – the works! We’ve had a least a half dozen inquiries this week, for this type of professional.” So, if you or one of your friends has this type of experience and profile, kindly ask them to register with TMA at our website at www.timmooreassociates.com TODAY !

Now, here are some of our latest opportunities.

Job430 in the eastern GTA is looking for a Category Manager for IT equipment and services. Bring your background in corporate IT and IT services.

Job431 is for a an interesting role as a Strategic Sourcing Specialist. This role can touch upon a number of supply chain disciplines, including healthcare, electronics, medical devices, public sector, bidding/tendering, etc.

Job424 is for a Calgary based client looking for a Director, Global Supply Chain. A substantial role for someone with a solid background in the oil and gas, exploration and development fields.

Please see our website for additional opportunities and send us your UP TO DATE resumes for immediate consideration for these and other late breaking Supply positions.

The market continues to improve as TMA receives new orders for Procurement and Supply Chain Specialist. “There’s never been such a diverse marketplace for Supply Professionals,” claims Tim Moore, President of Tim Moore Associates. “We have clients that are coming to TMA to discuss strategic recruitment initiatives for future hiring needs over the next 6 – 12 months, those who have an immediate requirement (‘sooner than yesterday Tim,’), and those who fall in the middle, requesting assistance with 6 – 12 month contract roles – that “most likely will go permanent”.

Candidates are again reminded to ensure that we have your latest most up to date resume on file; as new orders continue to come in.

“We have orders from coast to coast, and from quite a broad spectrum of sectors including: oil and gas, telecommunications, medical equipment, aerospace, defense, hi tech, and yes, even pulp and paper…adds Moore. Some firms are continuing to request that “only candidates who possess 85% to 95% ++ of the skill sets and background mentioned need apply,” on their media advertisements; and when frustrated by a flood of candidates – yet poor results, decide to eventually involve two or three recruitment firms once these efforts don’t work.

“It’s funny”, comments Moore, “but being focused solely in Supply Chain recruitment for so long, we’ve been achieving and operating under those higher qualifying guidelines for candidate skill sets for some time.” Candidates have also recently reported solicitations by other search firms, when we’ve already identified superior candidates, prescreened and prequalified them for these roles, and even had them in for first and second interviews with our clients; before the other firm eventually stumbled onto our candidate – to see if they might be interested in the very same roles.

The employment market is rapidly changing, and firms are demanding immediate responses to their Supply Chain recruiting needs. “That’s why we’ve added and trained more staff and increased our operating hours as well,” added Moore. “You’ve got to be much more responsive, highly focused, and knowledgeable of Supply Chain, than the other guy to get ahead,” concluded Moore.

Here are some of the new opportunities from Tim Moore Associates.

Job – 429 is for a Buyer for a high tech client in Montreal. Bring your knowledge of ERP, MRP, and SAP. A bilingual (English/French) speaking candidate is preferred.

Job – 428 is for a Planning and Warehouse Coordinator, for a returning client in Mississauga. This is for a 6 month contract role, which may in fact turn permanent. NEED IS IMMEDIATE.

Job – 427 is for a Senior Buyer in Montreal. Bring your bilingual (English/French) abilities along with negotiations, forecasting and/or inventory background with a working knowledge of SAP MM functionality and Excel spreadsheet.

Job – 425 is for a Purchasing Analyst/Sr. Buyer for both it’s Mississauga and Montreal offices. Bring your knowledge of SAP, MRP, and inventory control abilities.

Do you have experience in OFFSHORING? Have you been involved with the relocation of a business process (manufacturing, production or services) from one country to another?

Are you involved with the procurement of IT and business services to low cost countries?

Have you worked with offshore destinations such as India, China, or the Philippines?

Have you planned and developed a specific OFFSHORING strategy; or have you been involved with major business transformations in general…from start to finish?

If you’ve answered “YES” to any of these questions then you need to check out the 3 new opportunities at TMA.

***We need an IMMEDIATE indication of your interest, as Tim is having a conference call with our client TUESDAY MORNING, to discuss prospective candidates.***

These 3 (jobs 421, 422, 423 and are located in beautiful B.C. (Vancouver/Burnaby area); and our client is willing to source candidates globally, and offers generous relocation assistance. Don’t delay – respond TODAY !

An Ottawa area client is looking for a Director, Supply Chain (job – 420.) Bring your aerospace, airline, defense, heavy industrial or semi conductor background. Client would like those strong in ‘processes’ such as Lean, Six Sigma that can drive (and guide) teams through change. Will relocate the successful candidate. APPLY TODAY!

Job – 419 is looking for a Senior Manager, Customer Service for a Mississauga client. The ideal candidate brings a track record of improving processes and results. SAP background, Lean, Six Sigma appreciated. (Ssshhh…Tim says this position may possibly lead to a Director, Supply Chain role…) APPLY TODAY !

We hope that you are enjoying the summer and that it continues to heat up, much like the economy. We are experiencing more employer calls into TMA, looking for recruitment assistance and qualified supply chain professionals.

There has been a lot of speculation in the media recently about firms being particular in hiring only currently employed candidates, because of the impression that employers in general have been using the recent economic slowdown to ‘rid’ themselves of under performing or redundant employees. “That may be true in some cases, ‘admits Tim Moore, President of Tim Moore Associates, an employment agency specializing in the recruitment of Supply Chain professionals, “but it’s certainly not the norm, nor the standard these days. Good people – like the firms that employ them, have been caught up in the economic downturn, and legitimately downsized through no fault of their own.“

Surprizingly, and against the speculation, TMA has also experienced some clients asking for our recruitment assistance, and showing a definite bias TOWARD hiring someone who is currently unemployed. “Not only do they wish to hire a qualified and substantial professional, but they want to make a decided and immediate impact on their lives and livelihood as well. It’s not a bad idea, builds loyalty, and is certainly a great way to get the Canadian economy back on track,” added Moore.

Here now are FOUR new positions available through Tim Moore Associates.

Job419 is for a Senior Manager, Customer Service for a returning client in the Mississauga area. Bring your background in substantial customer service diagnostics, metrics, support, and integration. SAP, Lean Sigma certification (green or black belt) is ideal.

Job418 is a 6 month contract position for a Transportation and Customs Coordinator, which has the potential for full time, permanent employment. Bring your solid background in Customs, Brokerage, Transportation, and compliance. Ideal candidates have a related background and CITT or CCS studies and/or certification.

Job417 is a permanent role for a returning client looking for a Buyer/Planner. Support the planning and scheduling functions for a designated production line, for this Mississauga firm. Purchase components, sub-contracted services and finished product based on assigned commodity groupings. Manage KanBan programs.

Job416 is a 6 month contract position, for a Buyer/Planner with a potential for a full time permanent role, with the same client and description as above.

Economy starting to move
The Canadian and U.S. economies continue to show brief signs of expansion and sector growth; further fueling impressions of finally developing some stability and possible turnaround. The labour market added 35,000+ jobs in April, putting to an end of months of steep declines. Marc Pinsonneault, economist at National Bank Financial mentioned that “there is a sign of hope” and that he believes the Canadian economy began to stabilize in the second quarter of 2009 and will be able to show an expansion in the last half of the year.” Similarly, Paul Krugman, a Nobel Prize winning economist, Princeston professor and New York Times columnist, said he would ‘not be surprised to see world trade stabilize, world industrial production stabilize and start to grow two months from now,” and that he would also “not be surprised to see flat to positive GDP growth in the United States, and maybe even in Europe, in the second half of the year.”

TMA starting to move as well!
TMA has also noticed an increase in inquiries from prospective clients who are now considering adding to their Supply ranks, but are experiencing much greater difficulty in locating, indentifying, and recruiting top talent. “It’s much more difficult because of the economy and the expanded talent pool out there,” remarked Tim Moore, President of Tim Moore Associates, a search firm specializing in locating and recruiting Supply Chain professionals.
Firms are getting flooded with resumes from ‘interested’ and unemployed candidates; and feel that it’s a candidate ‘rich’ environment, not needing a recruiter, but find – after 6 – 8 weeks of frustrating searching and interviewing, that they’re not getting the caliber of supply candidate they require, and then contact TMA. “Whether you’re a supply professional looking for your next opportunity, or a company looking for your next supply hire, you have to take a more stringent and targeted approach to find that next match, in today’s environment” commented Moore.
Here is a listing of our latest urgent assignments at TMA (apply TODAY!)

Job412 is for a Buyer involved with 3rd Party Packaging, for a new client involved with generic pharmaceutical products. Candidates would be responsible for the purchase of all packaging components and the management of suppliers. Candidates should have a background in packaging components, pharmaceutical procurement, and ideally working within a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice ) environment.

Job410 is for a returning client looking for a Supply Chain Manager. Bring your background in electronics, knowledge of using Principles of Value Analysis, and experience working with vendors from Asia. Buying and importing electronics from the Far East and a knowledge of ISO 9000 and TS 16949 standards would be helpful. (APPLY TODAY!)

Job411 is for a Buyer. Bring your knowledge of SAP or relative applications and your knowledge of EPC, industrial, and related experience. Create Purchase Orders, issue Request for Quotations, and generate reports.
Important Notice

Candidates are reminded to send in their updated resumes to TMA and to refer to your new login procedures when applying for TMA job opportunities – a bulletin alerting candidates of this website upgrade has been sent out previously. (Some candidates were unable to receive this notice due to changes in their e-mail addresses, which we were NOT aware of.) Please be sure to send any contact changes (phone, cell, employer, e-mail addresses, etc. to TMA) If you do experience difficulties applying for TMA positions on our website, please contact tim@timmooreassociates.com for immediate assistance.

“Okay, okay…it’s been a while. As a matter of fact, we have been quite busy!

As the majority of the free world has been buckling down and trimming budgets (and freezing head count), we’ve been busy upgrading our software and computer systems – yes again, and even bringing on new staff. No matter what you’re hearing, firms are still hiring, and yes, still having difficulties in sourcing qualified supply chain professionals. That’s why they come to TMA. It’s no wonder in today’s economy that firms are looking for cost saving, supply management, and efficiency experts.

Re-Launch of Candidate Profiles
We’ve also re-designed some of our handy business intelligence, with the pro-active re-launch of our “Candidate Profile Bulletin” distributed to clients right across Canada (and beyond). Inside, we offer profiles of just some of the unique Supply candidates whom we represent, that are looking for new opportunities. Instead of waiting for the phone to ring, we’re knocking on doors, to introduce both our qualified professionals and our supply chain recruitment firm. To see this new area click here.

Employer Bulletins
Similarly, we’ve designed a new promotional piece that we have been introducing into the marketplace as well. If your firm is looking for a Supply Chain professional, now or in the future, perhaps you’d like to forward it along to the Hiring Manager or the Human Resources area? (Don’t forget to suggest signing up for our Candidate Profile Bulletin” as well.) I’d deeply appreciate it. Take a look at the new promotional piece.

We have a number of jobs to highlight today, some new…some old, so let’s begin!

The Jobs
Our latest is job is for a Materials Management Coordinator, Job409. Bring your pharmaceutical background, print/packaging, MRP and BPCS background! Oakville location.

Our client for Job404, Category Specialist has hired one of our candidates and is coming back for more! Bring your background of Strategic Sourcing (either the five or seven step process), healthcare, public sector, negotiation, and project management. Urgent fill required.

If you’re open to Edmonton and Alberta area jobs in general, then send us your resume! A returning client has hired many supply candidates from us, and is coming back for more. We are their sole vendor of supply chain professionals. Candidates versed in Contract negotiations, sourcing, EPC, engineering, oil and gas, and power generation, are asked to contact us immediately! Job367.

Prestigious Toronto area client is looking for a Sr. Manager, Procurement and Vendor Management. Manage, coach and develop a 4 person procurement team. Define and implement best practices. Manage complex negotiations of contracts, service level agreements, etc. Downtown Toronto location Job398.

Lead and manage multiple complex technology projects from inception to implementation, then handing off the product or system to Operations and Support. Work through internal and external technical staff at all levels. Manage the project plan, budget and resources. Project and conflict management, business process re-engineering, managing e-business projects. Diploma or degree in business and/or technology. Job399.

An interesting title: Manager, Making Projects Perform. Be involved with increasing the probability of project success, reduce risk, transfer knowledge, manage benefit realization. Bring your consulting experience. Experience in project management, project portfolio management, PMO and strategic initiatives. Job406.

Senior Associate Capital Project Services. Bring your two or three year experience in internal and contract audits, construction, quantity surveying, management. (PMP, CA, CIA, CFE in accounting, real estate, or construction sector is desireable. Vancouver location. Job407.

For those in the Ottawa area, Job408 for a Director, Strategic Resourcing might be for you ! Bring your solid knowledge of procurement and contracting with the Federal Government, to the table. Ten years of experience in providing advisory consulting services to clients with a fast paced environment. Bilingualism (English/French) an asset.

That’s it for now…more on the way !

Everyone here at Tim Moore Associates would like to express our sincere and best holiday wishes to all of our clients and Supply Chain candidates – globally, for your help in our continued success this year.  Thank you for your cards as well !

The days leading up to the holidays have not diminished our ‘busy’ness (or rather business), filled with conference calls, presenting candidate portfolios, setting up interviews and meetings, and taking new orders across Canada.  The New Year is shaping up to be quite active for supply chain jobs.

Whether client or candidate, we hope that you too will take a well deserved break with family and friends, and look forward to what the New Year may bring.  Whether your 2009 resolution is to find a new job – or supply chain professionals, we hope that you will consider Tim Moore Associates.

Click here for our holiday greeting card!

All the best.

Tim.

Christmas has come early this year as we’ve just received orders for TEN more supply chain professionals – click here to check them out.

It’s disturbing how (SOME) employers and candidates seem to be listening to all the doom and gloom out there about a shrinking global marketplace, and also ‘add to the mix’ the seasonal ‘cheer’ that employers “aren’t looking to hire during the holidays either,” tidbit as well.

“That’s not entirely correct,” according to Tim Moore, President of Tim Moore Associates, a global recruitment firm, focused on Supply Chain professionals.

“We’re fielding calls from established clients and new prospects as well, from right across Canada, and it doesn’t appear to be slowing yet. Most want successful placements by the first few weeks of the new year, if not sooner, which means we’re going to be steady right through the holidays.”

“Don’t listen to the naysayers or slow your job search,” advises Tim. The demand for qualified procurement and supply chain professionals appears to be strong, and well into the next quarter, regardless of the current economic fears. “There continues to be a need for professionals who can assist our clients in reducing raw materials, lower finished product overages, and minimize excess supply components within a supply chain, thus delivering profit and margin benefits. Supply practitioners we represent, can reduce the quantity of expensive inventory on hand, helping to improve both working capital and our client’s competitive positions, and deliver other supply chain strategies which grow revenue and improve organizational performance,” remarked Moore.

Some clients intensify their searches, especially during the holiday season, as they know candidates are more easily available for interviews, and they have new hiring ‘budgets’ which are also starting in the new year.

“It all depends on the specific client and what they’re looking for,” advises Tim. “Some want things wrapped up in time to squeeze in the new hire expense for the current fiscal year; whilst others want the expense to be deferred and into next year’s budget. We can accommodate them either way,” assures Moore.

The worst thing that candidates can assume is that there is a weakening market for supply chain jobs, or that employers are dramatically slowing their efforts to source qualified and resourceful supply chain professionals – because of the economy or the approaching holidays.

“Nothing could be further from the truth. So whether you’re a TMA candidate looking for a job, or an employer looking to hire a Supply Chain professional, forget what you’ve heard and get them while they’re hot!” smiles Tim.

Back in the office again…

Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve had the privilege of writing you directly.  It’s also been a hectic 6 weeks.  First things first…I was a guest speaker at the BC Institute of the Purchasing Management Association of Canada’s annual conference and workshop.  The theme of this year’s fabulous event was “Survival of the Fittest,” (perfect for today’s economic times) and my presentation was “How to develop a (more) professional image, for Supply Chain specialists.”  I met a lot of solid practitioners and reconnected with members (and good friends) again.  Thank you to the BCIPMAC for both the cordial invitation to attend and present…AND for the top notch hospitality extended.

We were then off Stateside to attend a conference for Recruitment and Placement professionals.  (Professional development doesn’t only apply for the supply side of our business…)  Lots of innovation and technology advancement.  Which reminds me.  We’re also upgrading our computer software and web presence. If you’ve been to the website recently (http://www.timmooreassociates.com ) you’ll notice Mike’s fine handy work in optimizing our site, to make it’s more ‘Google-icious’ and search engine friendly.  We’re also working with upgrading our database software to better assist both our clients and candidates.

If you were able to sneak a digital camera into the office over the last 2 weeks, you would have ‘pics’ of drop sheets and paint cans on the floor, ceiling tiles down, and computer cabling and equipment being added.  (Ah, I love to ‘fish’ computer cabling across ceiling tiles…)  We’ve taken over the adjacent office space and added requisite desks as we expand to serve you better.  All this whilst conducting reference checks, extending offers and identifying/recruiting top notch Supply Chain candidates.  I also snuck in a couple of days off to recuperate…Whew !

That’s it for now.  Check out the ‘new’ orders…

Job385 is for a returning client looking for a Quality Control Team Lead.  Bring your background from within the food, grocery, and/or produce industry and oversee the day to day quality decisions.  Brampton location.

Job386 is also from a returning client looking for a Buyer to fill in for a maternity leave for a year.  Bring your knowledge of the electronics and/or automotive industry for this manufacturer in the Burlington area.

Job387 is HOT of the presses and is from a new client in the United States.  A branch office in Rexdale is looking for a Warehouse Manager to be responsible for all material movement, shipping/receiving, inventory control, and costs pertaining to the warehouse operations.  Help implement a barcode system to enable effective use of ERP system.