Strategic Sourcing Specialist – Commodities

Who We Are

Conexus Food is a leader in the Asian food service industry, bringing a diverse range of ethnic cuisines, such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Thai, to the table. Our corporate headquarters in Chicago is where we house our fully integrated food processing, manufacturing, logistics, and worldwide supply chain services all under one roof. With distribution centers spanning the US, over 2 million square feet of warehousing space, and a fleet of more than 1,000 trucks, we're the go-to when it comes to reliable delivery services.

At Conexus Food , we believe that teamwork and collaboration are the keys to success. We pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards of integrity and honesty in everything we do and building strong relationships with our clients. We're looking for individuals who share our values and are committed to excellence. Join our team and contribute to our culture of collaboration and integrity while growing your own skills and expertise. Together, we'll deliver high-quality products and exceptional service to our clients and achieve great things.

Position Overview: 
We are seeking a results-driven Strategic Sourcing Specialist to support our Corporate Category Manager in sourcing and managing key commodities. This position will focus on analyzing market trends, building supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and ensuring supply chain stability. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with strong analytical and communication skills, and a passion for the food and commodities space. 

Key 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 

Qualifications: 

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

• 2 years 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  

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience in commodity markets 

• Familiarity with logistics and freight coordination in a distribution environment 

• Prior experience with foodservice or wholesale distribution 

• Bilingual in Chinese   

Benefits Offered: 

• Medical Insurance – Comprehensive coverage to help you and your family stay healthy. 

• Dental Insurance – Preventive care and treatments to keep your smile bright. 

• Vision Insurance – Coverage for eye exams, glasses, and contacts. 

• Pet Insurance – Help ensure your furry friends are covered for unexpected medical expenses. 

• Life Insurance – Financial protection for your loved ones in the event of the unexpected. 

• 401(k) Plan – Save for your future with access to a retirement savings plan. 

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match: Save for your future and grow your retirement savings with company contributions. 

• Career development in a growing organization