Sourcing Specialist- Specialty Cheese/ Deli

Lipari Foods is currently seeking an experienced Sourcing Specialist- Specialty Cheese/ Deli to join our team. Reporting to the Director of Specialty Program Development, this role will be responsible for identifying, evaluating, and sourcing high-quality cheeses and deli products from local, regional, and international producers. The ideal candidate is passionate about cheese and deli products, understands market trends, and has a network within the dairy/deli or specialty food industry.

Key Responsibilities:

• Sourcing & Supplier Management:
• • Identify and establish relationships with cheese producers, co-ops, and suppliers domestically and internationally.
  • Negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms with suppliers to secure the best deals without compromising on quality.
  • Visit farms and production facilities to ensure product quality and production methods align with company standards.
• Product Evaluation:
• • Regularly evaluate new and existing products to ensure they meet the company’s quality and taste standards.
  • Collaborate with suppliers to develop exclusive or seasonal cheese/deli offerings.
  • Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of trends, new products, and innovations in the market.
• Inventory Management:
• • Collaborate with the logistics and operations teams to ensure smooth product flow from supplier to warehouse/store.
• Compliance & Documentation:
• • Ensure all products meet legal and regulatory requirements, including labeling, safety, and sustainability certifications.
  • Maintain detailed records of sourcing activities, contracts, and product specifications.

Position Requirements:

• 3 years of experience in food sourcing, ideally with a focus on cheese/dairy specialty products.
• Strong knowledge of various cheese varieties, deli products, production methods, and regional specialties.
• Excellent negotiation, relationship-building, and communication skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed to meet with suppliers.
• Passionate about sustainable sourcing and supporting small producers.
• Demonstrated success in building solid working partnerships across functional groups and in managing teams on key projects against established deadlines
• Strong Microsoft proficiency (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)

Company Profile:

Lipari Foods is a regional full-line deli, bakery, packaging, and grocery distributor, headquartered in Warren, MI. We are a premier store distributor, delivering 37,000 food and packaging products to 32 states and 14,000 retail accounts. We operate several manufacturing facilities from a USDA fresh food plant to facilities specializing in jar goods, cheese and confections. We are in your communities providing food to your stores and feeding your families and neighbors. And we are growing. Fast. In fact, Lipari Foods was recently named by Crain’s Business as one of the fastest growing companies in Michigan, and we’re not just growing in Michigan!

We are looking for talent with a can-do mindset, focused on growing a career, and interested in working on a diverse, dedicated team to create something greater collectively. Together, we are delivering more than great food to build a better tomorrow.

Lipari Foods LLC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.