Senior Commodity Logistics Coordinator

Blommer Chocolate Company; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental & Vision

Birthday chocolate gift

Generous benefits package

Job summary

Blommer Chocolate Company in Chicago seeks an experienced International Logistics Manager to lead global logistics for cocoa sourcing, shipping, customs, and final delivery across North America. You will drive contract execution, pre-shipment quality, and exchange delivery operations while coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities include monitoring shipments, managing tariffs and records, and driving continuous improvement and internal controls.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in international trade, supply chain, logistics operations, contract execution, or related fields.
• Experience working with suppliers, ocean carriers, and freight forwarders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, SAP, and other ERP systems.
• Excellent communication skills in a global business environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead international logistics activities related to sourcing of cocoa beans and cocoa products.
• Manage shipping instructions, vessel bookings, customs clearance, inland transportation, and final delivery within North America.
• Coordinate with carriers to obtain freight rates, terms, and schedules to select optimal logistics solutions.
• Monitor shipment status and resolve logistics issues with stakeholders.
• Coordinate marine cargo insurance activities and related communications.
• Manage tariff payments, refunds, and supporting records.
• Partner with III to support efficient importation of materials into North America.
• Communicate delivery schedules and shipment updates to stakeholders.
• Monitor contract execution, shipments, and delivery deadlines; identify delays and risks.
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve execution issues.
• Support open contract reviews and escalation of significant risks.
• Oversee pre-shipment sampling, inspection, testing, and quality approval processes.
• Coordinate QA, inspection agencies, and manufacturing facilities.

Skills

5+ years experience

Ocean carriers & freight forwarders

Excel & SAP

Global communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

SAP ERP

Job description

Chicago - MerchandiseMart
Blommer Chocolate Company (Headquarters)
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza
Suite 626
Chicago, IL 606541339, USA

Description

Blommer has been providing delicious, high-quality chocolate and cocoa products to customers since 1939. Built as a family business, we are continuing to grow and are looking for motivated and reliable associates to help in our mission of Bringing Chocolate to Life!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

International Logistics Management (40%)

• Lead international logistics activities related to the sourcing of cocoa beans and cocoa products.
• Manage shipping instructions, vessel bookings, customs clearance, inland transportation, and final delivery within North America.
• Obtain and evaluate freight rates, transportation terms, and schedules from ocean carriers and freight forwarders to select the most effective logistics solution.
• Monitor shipment status and resolve logistics issues or delays in coordination with relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinate marine cargo insurance activities and related communications with internal and external parties.
• Manage tariff payments, refunds, and supporting records, and lead follow-up activities on outstanding recoveries.
• Partner with Itochu International Inc. (III) to support the efficient importation of materials into North America.
• Communicate delivery schedules and shipment updates to relevant stakeholders to support supply continuity.

Contract Execution and Open Contract Management (25%)

• Monitor the execution status of purchase contracts, including contract quantities, shipment schedules, and delivery deadlines.
• Maintain and manage open contracts, identifying delays, execution gaps, and supply risks.
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve execution issues and delayed shipments.
• Support open contract reviews, ensuring execution status and required actions are clearly identified.
• Escalate significant risks that may impact raw material availability or manufacturing operations.

Pre-Shipment and Quality Coordination (15%)

• Manage pre-shipment sampling, inspection, testing, and quality approval processes.
• Coordinate activities among suppliers, Quality Assurance, inspection agencies, and manufacturing facilities.
• Identify quality-related risks or approval delays and drive timely resolution.

Exchange Delivery Operations (10%)

• Manage tender and stop activities related to cocoa bean deliveries through ICE Futures U.S.
• Coordinate cocoa bean sampling, inspection, grading, and delivery processes.
• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders including III, warehouse operators, inspection agencies to ensure accurate and timely execution of exchange delivery obligations.
• Maintain records and coordinate payment, receipt, invoicing, and reconciliation activities related to exchange transact

Continuous Improvement and Internal Controls (10%)

• Analyze contract execution, logistics performance, and logistics costs to identify improvement opportunities.
• Drive the standardization and optimization of procedures, reporting tools, and operational processes.
• Maintain and manage contracts, shipping documentation, tariff-related records, and other critical business documents.
• Support internal control requirements and maintain documentation necessary for audits and compliance reviews.
• Promote process documentation, knowledge sharing, and business continuity practices.

Physical Requirements:

• General office environment with majority of time using computer; prolonged periods of sitting
• Travel required, approximately 5-20%

Safety, Quality and Hygiene Requirements:

• Maintain compliance with all company policies, procedures, and code of conduct
• Comply with workplace uniform requirements and safety gear, when on the plant floor v. office

Performance Expectations:

• Manage product operation with a high set of standards to produce consistent, quality-driven results
• Promote a positive attitude and a sense of curiosity in learning new roles and responsibilities
• Instill a culture of leadership and engagement of team to achieve performance expectations

Skills and Work Experience Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience in international trade, supply chain, logistics operations, contract execution, or related fields.
• Experience working with suppliers, ocean carriers, and freight forwarders.
• Strong coordination, problem-solving, and follow-up skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, SAP, and other ERP systems.
• Excellent communication skills in a global business environment.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience in agricultural commodities, food ingredients, or related industries.
• Knowledge of cocoa bean and cocoa product logistics and delivery operations.
• Familiarity with exchange delivery processes and physical commodity settlements.
• Experience with marine cargo insurance and tariff administration.
• Experience driving process improvement and operational standardization.

Education:

• Employees are encouraged to express interest in internal career opportunities throughout Blommer
• Expectations for promotion or job role change are driven by proficiency and performance in current role
• Career progression would align to other corporate leadership roles within Blommer

Pay Range: $80-100K

Benefits: Blommer understands that our employees are our biggest assets. With this in mind we offer a generous benefits package.

• Health, Dental & Vision- eligibility begins day 1 of hire!
• 10 pounds of free chocolate for your birthday

Blommer Chocolate Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.