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Procurement Strategy & Market Insights Manager – Food Division

Procurement Strategy & Market Insights Manager – Food Division

Conexus Food SolutionsChicago, IL, US
6 days ago
Job type
  • Full-time
  • Permanent
  • Quick Apply
Job description

Salary Range :

  • 80K - 120K (Based on Experience) Schedule : 5 Day Work Week (Onsite)  Site Address : 6500 W. 51st Street, Chicago, IL 60638 Who We Are   Conexus Food Solutions 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 Solutions, 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 Summary The Procurement Strategy & Market Insights Manager – Food Division plays a pivotal role within the Strategic Sourcing organization, overseeing procurement strategy, market analytics, and supplier performance across key food categories.
  • This role combines analytical depth with sourcing expertise to ensure supply continuity, cost efficiency, and competitive advantage in a volatile commodities environment.
  • The ideal candidate is both data-driven and market-savvy, possessing a trading mentality that balances proactive risk management with opportunistic purchasing.
  • This leader will interpret global and domestic market signals to drive sourcing decisions, strengthen supplier partnerships, and deliver sustainable value to the business.
  • Key Responsibilities Procurement Strategy & Market Intelligence Develop and lead category and procurement strategies across multiple food divisions (including proteins, produce, and frozen) to meet cost, quality, and supply objectives.
  • Continuously monitor and analyze commodity markets, pricing indices, and supply chain trends to provide actionable insights that guide sourcing decisions.
  • Translate market data into strategic recommendations for leadership, identifying opportunities for forward buys, risk hedging, and cost optimization.
  • Execute day-to-day sourcing activities, including supplier outreach and negotiations, obtaining and analyzing RFQs, placing purchase orders, and ensuring accurate and timely P.O. creation and processing within company system.
  • Supplier Relationship & Performance Management Oversee the full sourcing lifecycle—from supplier identification and qualification through contract negotiation and ongoing performance management.
  • Build and sustain strong partnerships with growers, processors, distributors, and manufacturers to ensure consistent quality and reliability.
  • Lead negotiations that balance cost efficiency with sustainability, quality, and ethical sourcing commitments.
  • Develop and monitor supplier performance metrics (KPIs) to drive continuous improvement in service, quality, and innovation.
  • Cost Optimization & Risk Mitigation Identify and implement cost-reduction initiatives while safeguarding product integrity and supply continuity.
  • Anticipate and mitigate supply risks driven by market volatility, weather events, or geopolitical conditions through proactive strategy and contingency planning.
  • Manage category spend forecasting, providing leadership with accurate reporting on cost performance, savings, and exposure.

Apply a trading mindset to identify and capitalize on market opportunities for strategic procurement timing.

  • Cross-Functional Leadership Partner with cross-functional teams including Quality Assurance, Operations, Finance, and R&D to align sourcing strategies with business and product needs.
  • Support innovation and new product development by sourcing new ingredients and evaluating emerging suppliers.
  • Communicate market and procurement insights to senior leadership, supporting strategic planning and financial forecasting.
  • Ensure compliance with all food safety and sustainability standards (e.g., USDA, FDA, and company-specific sourcing policies).
  • Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Agriculture, Food Science, or related field; MBA preferred.
  • Minimum of 7 years of procurement, sourcing, or category management experience within the food industry.
  • Strong expertise in commodity analysis, food sourcing, and supplier negotiations.
  • Demonstrated success in developing and executing sourcing strategies that deliver measurable cost savings and risk mitigation.
  • Proven ability to analyze and interpret complex market data and financial trends to inform decision-making.
  • Experience with commodity trading principles, futures markets, or hedging strategies is highly valued.
  • Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills across all organizational levels.
  • High proficiency in procurement analytics tools, Excel, and ERP systems.
  • Strong leadership and project management skills, capable of driving cross-functional initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
  • 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.
  • Sponsorship for Employment Conexus Food Solutions does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g.
  • H-1B visa status).
  • To be considered for permanent employment, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
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