Strategic Sourcing & Imports Specialist

Ashaphak Wood Works; Forest View (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 is seeking a results-driven Strategic Sourcing Specialist to support our Corporate Category Manager in sourcing and managing key imports. This role focuses on analyzing market trends, building supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and ensuring supply chain stability.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree and 1+ year in sourcing or imports, strong analytical skills, and experience with MRP, PO management, and ERP systems. Travel to supplier sites may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• 1+ year in sourcing, procurement, supply chain, or imports trading (food industry preferred).
• Experience with purchase orders and coordinating drop shipments.
• Strong understanding of MRP and replenishment processes.
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficient in Excel, ERP, and procurement software.
• Willingness to travel occasionally.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and execution of sourcing strategies for major import categories.
• Issue and manage purchase orders across multiple imports 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 imports 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

Negotiation

Communication

Data analysis

Excel

ERP systems

Import/Trade knowledge

Relationship management

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Procurement software

Job description

Conexus Food is seeking a results-driven Strategic Sourcing Specialist to support our Corporate Category Manager in sourcing and managing key imports. This role focuses on analyzing market trends, building supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and ensuring supply chain stability.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree and 1+ year in sourcing or imports, strong analytical skills, and experience with MRP, PO management, and ERP systems. Travel to supplier sites may be required.