Strategic Sourcing Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:Join our growing Supply Chain team as a Strategic Sourcing Specialist and play a key role in supporting a stable, healthy, and rapidly expanding food and beverage ingredient distribution business. In this role, you will oversee the full sourcing lifecycle, from supplier identification and contract negotiation to inventory coordination and issue resolution—ensuring reliable supply and strong vendor partnerships.This position requires a hands-on, entrepreneurial approach and close collaboration with sales, quality, logistics, and finance teams. The ideal candidate understands ingredient markets, proactively manages cost volatility, and ensures reliable supply while protecting margins and customer service levels.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Strategic & Tactical SourcingSource bulk and specialty food ingredients (oils, dairy powders, sweeteners, cocoa, starches, flavors, etc.).Lead supplier negotiations for pricing, MOQs, freight terms, and payment terms.Develop dual-sourcing strategies to reduce supply risk.Track commodity and market trends impacting ingredient costs.Support margin management by analyzing landed cost and pricing impact.Supplier Relationship ManagementBuild strong relationships with domestic and international manufacturers.Evaluate and qualify new suppliers to support growth initiatives.Monitor supplier performance (OTIF, quality, responsiveness).Resolve supply, quality, or logistics issues directly with vendors.Regulatory & Quality SupportCollaborate with QA to ensure compliance with:FDA and FSMA requirementsGFSI-recognized food safety programsOrganic, Non-GMO, Kosher, Halal certifications (as applicable)Inventory & Operations CoordinationWork closely with operations and warehouse teams to manage:Inventory levels and safety stockLead times and replenishment timingSlow-moving and aging inventoryAssist with forecasting in partnership with sales.Cross-Functional & Commercial SupportProvide market insight and cost updates to the sales team.Assist in pricing decisions and margin improvement strategies.Support new product launches or customer-specific sourcing requests.Participate in customer meetings when supply chain expertise is needed.QUALIFICATIONSBachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Food Science or related field (preferred but not required with relevant experience)3–8 years of sourcing or procurement experience in: Food ingredients, Food manufacturing, Commodity trading or Ingredient distributionStrong negotiation and cost analysis skillsKnowledge of ingredient market dynamics and price volatilityUnderstanding of food safety and regulatory requirementsComfortable wearing multiple hats in a small organizationERP experienceAdvanced Excel skillsHigh accountability and ownership mindsetIdeal Candidate ProfileEntrepreneurial and solutions-orientedStrong relationship builderDecisive and able to move quicklyUnderstands both operational detail and commercial impactBenefits | Perks: Health/Vision/Dental Insurance - Available first of the month following 30days!Paid Time OffPaid Holidays + Your Birthday!401k with 4% match (Traditional & Roth options)Profit Sharing ProgramWHO IS AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL FOODSWe are a team of passionate hustlers that pride ourselves in solving critical needs and providing tremendous value to our customer base. Our mission statement is to "Perpetually create an unsurpassed value in the ingredient distribution business." Headquartered in West Michigan, we leverage our deep relationships with food ingredient producers around the world to provide the highest quality materials to food and beverage manufactures.OUR INDUSTRYFood is a powerful medium. It's daily, it's family, it's cultural, it's passionate, it's ever evolving, it's our connection to earth, and it's a connection to spirit and a higher power. In the presence of food we have birthdays, first dates, weddings, family discussions, celebrations, we conduct business lunches, and we go out to share beverages with friends. There is not a more impactful and connected industry than this.