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Category Sourcing Manager : Fresh Products (Proteins and Produce)

Category Sourcing Manager : Fresh Products (Proteins and Produce)

Conexus Food SolutionsChicago, IL, US
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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 Category Manager for Fresh Proteins and Produce is a critical role within our Strategic Sourcing team, responsible for overseeing and optimizing the procurement of fresh poultry, beef, pork and a wide range of fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • This position requires an expert understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within these categories, including commodity market volatility, seasonality, food safety, and sustainability.
  • The ideal candidate will have a trading mentality, bringing a proactive, risk-aware, and opportunistic approach to sourcing.
  • They will be a highly skilled negotiator and a proactive problem-solver who can develop and execute strategic sourcing plans to ensure supply continuity, manage risk, and deliver exceptional value.

    • Key Responsibilities :

  • Category Strategy & Market Expertise : Develop and execute comprehensive sourcing strategies for fresh proteins (beef, pork, poultry) and fresh produce that align with business goals for quality, cost, and risk management.
  • Continuously monitor and analyze global and domestic commodity markets, futures pricing, and seasonal trends for assigned categories to inform strategic decisions and identify commitment opportunities.
  • Act as the subject matter expert for fresh proteins and produce, providing timely market insights and recommendations to internal stakeholders.

    • Supplier & Supply Chain Management :

  • Lead the entire sourcing lifecycle, from identifying new suppliers to managing ongoing relationships.
  • Build and maintain strong, collaborative partnerships with farmers, growers, processors, and distributors to ensure a reliable and high-quality supply chain.
  • Negotiate contracts that address key risks specific to fresh products, including terms for quality standards, food safety compliance, and supply chain flexibility.
  • Develop and manage supplier performance metrics (KPIs) to drive continuous improvement in quality, service, and cost.

    • Cost Management & Risk Mitigation :

  • Proactively identify and implement cost-saving initiatives and value-add opportunities within the categories.
  • Develop and execute risk mitigation strategies to address market volatility, natural disasters, and other potential disruptions to the fresh supply chain.
  • This includes a trader's mindset for making forward-looking decisions.
  • Manage and forecast category spend, providing detailed analysis and reporting on savings and budget performance.

    • Cross-Functional Collaboration & Compliance :

  • Collaborate closely with internal teams, including Quality Assurance, Operations, R&D, and Marketing, to ensure product specifications and sourcing strategies meet business needs.
  • Ensure all sourcing activities and suppliers adhere to strict food safety regulations (e.g., USDA, FDA), sustainability standards, and company-specific ethical sourcing policies.
  • Support new product development initiatives by sourcing and vetting suppliers for innovative ingredients and product lines.
  • Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Agriculture, Food Science, or a related field.
  • Minimum of  7 years of strategic sourcing or category management experience, with a focus on fresh food products.
  • Deep expertise in sourcing fresh proteins (poultry, beef, pork) and / or fresh produce.
  • Demonstrated experience in negotiating complex contracts and managing supplier relationships within the food industry.
  • Proven track record of delivering significant cost savings and implementing effective risk management strategies.
  • Experience in or exposure to commodity trading, futures markets, or financial analysis is highly valued.
  • Strong trading mentality characterized by a proactive, data-driven, and opportunistic approach to market fluctuations.
  • In-depth knowledge of agricultural supply chains, commodity markets, and food industry regulations.
  • Exceptional negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to build consensus and influence stakeholders at all levels.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret market data and financial information to drive strategic decisions.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

    • Proficiency in procurement software and data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, ERP systems).   Salary Range :

  • 70K - 100K 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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    Category Manager • Chicago, IL, US