Overview

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionWho We AreConexus 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 Associate Product Sourcing & Sales 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 segmentsCoordinate with the supply chain replenishment team to ensure timely fulfillment of demand via drop shipments to DCs and outside customersSupport demand planning and inventory optimization through a strong understanding of MRP and replenishment principlesIdentify, evaluate, and manage supplier relationships to drive value, service, and innovationMonitor commodity markets and industry trends to inform buying decisions and risk management strategiesNegotiate pricing, terms, and agreements to ensure cost competitiveness and security of supplyCollaborate with internal teams including DC operations, sales, and finance to align procurement with operational needsTrack and report key performance indicators (KPIs) such as cost savings, supplier performance, service levels, and inventory turnsMaintain accurate documentation including contracts, specifications, supplier scorecards, and procurement recordsHelp resolve supply disruptions, quality issues, and vendor performance concernsQualifications:Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Agriculture, Food Science, Economics, or a related field1+ year of experience in sourcing, procurement, supply chain, or commodity trading (food industry preferred)Demonstrated experience with purchase order management and coordinating drop shipmentsSolid understanding of MRP systems and replenishment processesStrong analytical and problem-solving skills; comfortable working with data and market indices (e.g., Urner Barry, USDA, CME)Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship management skillsProficient in Microsoft Excel, ERP systems, and procurement softwareAbility to work in a fast-paced, evolving environment and manage multiple prioritiesOccasional travel to supplier sites and DCs as neededPreferred Qualifications:Experience in commodity marketsFamiliarity with logistics and freight coordination in a distribution environmentPrior experience with foodservice or wholesale distributionBenefits 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 Insuranc