Strategic Buyer/Category Manager

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.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 LeadershipDevelop and execute category strategies that drive revenue growth, margin improvement, and supply chain resiliencyNegotiate supplier agreements that enhance margin and market competitivenessExecute trading, PO timing, and hedging strategies informed by predictive analytics and commodity market trendsIdentify and commercialize new ingredients, private-label opportunities, and products that complement existing linesResolve cost, quality, and delivery challenges through the Corrective Action Request (CAR) processSupplier Relationship ManagementBuild "first call" partnerships with key strategic suppliers through structured business reviews and engagement modelsDevelop supplier relationships that evolve into exclusive U.S. distribution opportunitiesRequest and evaluate RFPs, including pricing, MOQs, lead times, capacity, payment terms, Incoterms, and logisticsConduct preliminary supplier qualifications and coordinate formal approval with QualityMaintain a current database of suppliers, products, certifications, and commercial termsInnovative SourcingResearch manufacturers, producers, exporters, and distributors to identify alternative and backup sourcesIdentify substitute ingredients when supply is unavailable or commercially uncompetitivePursue private-label, consignment inventory, and re-pack opportunitiesIdentify geographic regions offering competitive advantages for specific ingredients and customersPrepare sourcing reports comparing suppliers, origins, specifications, pricing, and logisticsCommercial Growth and Inventory StrategyPartner with Sales to identify high-potential ingredients, develop targeted campaigns, and convert wins into recurring businessEquip Sales with product information, competitive positioning, pricing guidance, and availabilityTrack category sales performance to ensure top-line goals are achievedOwn warehouse inventory strategy by location, including on-hand levels, aging, turns, and replenishmentProcess, Technology, and DataLead technology, automation, and process improvement initiatives within supply chainBuild predictive category models using internal and external data to guide domestic and global strategyCross-Functional CollaborationWork closely with Sales, Purchasing, Quality/Regulatory, Warehouse/Operations, Finance, and Management to align sourcing decisions with business objectivesQualifications:7+ years of experience in sourcing, purchasing, procurement, or supply chainExperience in food ingredients, food manufacturing, chemicals, or commodities strongly preferredDemonstrated success developing supplier strategies and strategic partnershipsStrong negotiation and analytical skills, including evaluation of landed cost, margin, and supply riskExcellent written and verbal communication skillsStrong organizational and project management abilities, with capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneouslyProficiency in Microsoft Excel and business systemsLeadership experience preferredBachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Operations, Logistics, Procurement, or a related field preferredCore Competencies:Commercial Mindset: Pursues profitable supply solutions, not simply the lowest priceHunter Mentality: Continuously seeks new suppliers, products, and marketsAnalytical Thinking: Evaluates pricing, landed cost, margins, and commercial viabilitySupplier Development: Turns initial conversations into reliable sources of supplyExecution: Drives opportunities from discovery through qualification, sampling, pricing, and commercializationProblem Solving: Identifies alternative suppliers, products, and origins when challenges ariseWHO IS AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL FOODSWe 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 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.OFFICE LOCATIONOur 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. 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: