Strategic Food Sourcing & Sales Associate

Conexus Food Solutions; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Pet Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) Plan

Career development

Job summary

Conexus Food Solutions, headquartered in Chicago, seeks an Associate Product Sourcing & Sales Specialist to support the Corporate Category Manager in sourcing and managing major commodities. You will analyze markets, build supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and ensure supply chain stability.

The role requires strong analytical skills, experience with PO management and MRP, and collaboration with DCs, sales, and finance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Agriculture, Food Science, Economics, or a related field.
• 1+ year of experience in sourcing, procurement, supply chain, or commodity trading (food industry preferred).
• Demonstrated experience with purchase order management and coordinating drop shipments.
• Solid understanding of MRP systems and replenishment processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; comfortable working with data and market indices (e.g., Urner Barry, USDA, CME).
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, ERP systems, and procurement software.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, evolving environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Occasional travel to supplier sites and DCs as needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and execution of sourcing strategies for major commodity categories (e.g., dry goods, sweeteners, oils, grains, dairy, etc.).
• Issue and manage purchase orders across multiple commodities and customer segments
• Coordinate with the supply chain replenishment team to ensure timely fulfillment of demand via drop shipments to DCs and outside customers
• Support demand planning and inventory optimization through a strong understanding of MRP and replenishment principles
• Identify, evaluate, and manage supplier relationships to drive value, service, and innovation
• Monitor commodity markets and industry trends to inform buying decisions and risk management strategies
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and agreements to ensure cost competitiveness and security of supply
• Collaborate with internal teams including DC operations, sales, and finance to align procurement with operational needs
• Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) such as cost savings, supplier performance, service levels, and inventory turns
• Maintain accurate documentation including contracts, specifications, supplier scorecards, and procurement records
• Help resolve supply disruptions, quality issues, and vendor performance concerns

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Communication

Relationship management

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Agriculture, Food Science, Economics, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Procurement software

Job description

Conexus Food Solutions, headquartered in Chicago, seeks an Associate Product Sourcing & Sales Specialist to support the Corporate Category Manager in sourcing and managing major commodities. You will analyze markets, build supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and ensure supply chain stability.

The role requires strong analytical skills, experience with PO management and MRP, and collaboration with DCs, sales, and finance.