About this opportunity
American International Foods, Inc. lists this Strategic Buyer/Category Manager opportunity in city of grand rapids, Michigan. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
American International is seeking an on-site Strategic Buyer to lead the strategy, development, and performance of assigned ingredient categories. Serving as the "CEO of the category," this individual will identify, qualify, and commercialize both existing and new ingredients and suppliers that accelerate the company's growth. The successful candidate will strengthen supply chain resiliency, create value, and help establish a procurement center of excellence that drives top- and bottom-line results.
Ready to apply Before you do, make sure to read all the details pertaining to this job in the description below.
The ideal candidate is proactive, commercially minded, and analytical, and works comfortably with suppliers, customers, and internal teams across Sales, Supply Chain, Quality, Logistics, Finance, and Operations.
Key Responsibilities:
Category Leadership
Develop and execute category strategies that drive revenue growth, margin improvement, and supply chain resiliency
Negotiate supplier agreements that enhance margin and market competitiveness
Execute trading, PO timing, and hedging strategies informed by predictive analytics and commodity market trends
Identify and commercialize new ingredients, private-label opportunities, and products that complement existing lines
Resolve cost, quality, and delivery challenges through the Corrective Action Request (CAR) process
Supplier Relationship Management
Build "first call" partnerships with key strategic suppliers through structured business reviews and engagement models
Develop supplier relationships that evolve into exclusive U.S. distribution opportunities
Request and evaluate RFPs, including pricing, MOQs, lead times, capacity, payment terms, Incoterms, and logistics
Conduct preliminary supplier qualifications and coordinate formal approval with Quality
Maintain a current database of suppliers, products, certifications, and commercial terms
Innovative Sourcing
Research manufacturers, producers, exporters, and distributors to identify alternative and backup sources
Identify substitute ingredients when supply is unavailable or commercially uncompetitive
Pursue private-label, consignment inventory, and re-pack opportunities
Identify geographic regions offering competitive advantages for specific ingredients and customers
Prepare sourcing reports comparing suppliers, origins, specifications, pricing, and logistics
Commercial Growth and Inventory Strategy
Partner with Sales to identify high-potential ingredients, develop targeted campaigns, and convert wins into recurring business
Equip Sales with product information, competitive positioning, pricing guidance, and availability
Track category sales performance to ensure top-line goals are achieved
Own warehouse inventory strategy by location, including on-hand levels, aging, turns, and replenishment
Process, Technology, and Data
Lead technology, automation, and process improvement initiatives within supply chain
Build predictive category models using internal and external data to guide domestic and global strategy
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Sales, Purchasing, Quality/Regulatory, Warehouse/Operations, Finance, and Management to align sourcing decisions with business objectives
Qualifications:
7+ years of experience in sourcing, purchasing, procurement, or supply chain
Experience in food ingredients, food manufacturing, chemicals, or commodities strongly preferred
Demonstrated success developing supplier strategies and strategic partnerships
Strong negotiation and analytical skills, including evaluation of landed cost, margin, and supply risk
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational and project management abilities, with capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and business systems
Leadership experience preferred
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Operations, Logistics, Procurement, or a related field preferred
Core Competencies:
Commercial Mindset: Pursues profitable supply solutions, not simply the lowest price
Hunter Mentality: Continuously seeks new suppliers, products, and markets
Analytical Thinking: Evaluates pricing, landed cost, margins, and commercial viability
Supplier Development: Turns initial conversations into reliable sources of supply
Execution: Drives opportunities from discovery through qualification, sampling, pricing, and commercialization
Problem Solving: Identifies alternative suppliers, products, and origins when challenges arise
WHO IS AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL FOODS
We are an industry-leading wholesale ingredient supplier serving food and beverage manufacturers nationwide. Our portfolio includes more than 2,500 high-quality ingredients, allowing us to meet a wide range of customer needs across the industry.
Our team is made up of passionate, knowledgeable professionals who take pride in solving critical challenges and delivering exceptional value to our customers. Guided by our mission to “perpetually create unsurpassed value in the ingredient distribution business,” we are committed to excellence in everything we do.
Headquartered in West Michigan, we leverage strong relationships with hundreds of ingredient producers around the world to provide high-quality materials to manufacturers and processors in the food and beverage, pet food, and personal care industries.
OUR INDUSTRY
Food 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.
OFFICE LOCATION
Our one-of-a-kind facility is located in Ada, Michigan on the banks of the Grand River. We sit right off Fulton Street East in a beautifully restored barn, with a silo addition in 2020 for additional office space. xzgxqkn Our unique facility strips away the “institutional” feel to provide a comfortable and distinctive office environment.
*Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm | Onsite | No Nights or Weekends*
Benefits:
Worksite address
city of grand rapids, MI, 49528, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.