Senior Commodity Logistics Coordinator

Chicago - Merchandise Mart
Blommer Chocolate Company (Headquarters)
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza
Suite 626
Chicago, IL , USA

Blommer has been providing delicious, high-quality chocolate and cocoa products to customers since 1939. Built as a family business, we are continuing to grow and are looking for motivated and reliable associates to help in our mission of Bringing Chocolate to Life!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

International Logistics Management (40%)

• Lead international logistics activities related to the sourcing of cocoa beans and cocoa products.
• Manage shipping instructions, vessel bookings, customs clearance, inland transportation, and final delivery within North America.
• Obtain and evaluate freight rates, transportation terms, and schedules from ocean carriers and freight forwarders to select the most effective logistics solution.
• Monitor shipment status and resolve logistics issues or delays in coordination with relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinate marine cargo insurance activities and related communications with internal and external parties.
• Manage tariff payments, refunds, and supporting records, and lead follow-up activities on outstanding recoveries.
• Partner with Itochu International Inc. (III) to support the efficient importation of materials into North America.
• Communicate delivery schedules and shipment updates to relevant stakeholders to support supply continuity.

Contract Execution and Open Contract Management (25%)

• Monitor the execution status of purchase contracts, including contract quantities, shipment schedules, and delivery deadlines.
• Maintain and manage open contracts, identifying delays, execution gaps, and supply risks.
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve execution issues and delayed shipments.
• Support open contract reviews, ensuring execution status and required actions are clearly identified.
• Escalate significant risks that may impact raw material availability or manufacturing operations.

Pre-Shipment and Quality Coordination (15%)

• Manage pre-shipment sampling, inspection, testing, and quality approval processes.
• Coordinate activities among suppliers, Quality Assurance, inspection agencies, and manufacturing facilities.
• Identify quality-related risks or approval delays and drive timely resolution.

Exchange Delivery Operations (10%)

• Manage tender and stop activities related to cocoa bean deliveries through ICE Futures U.S.
• Coordinate cocoa bean sampling, inspection, grading, and delivery processes.
• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders including III, warehouse operators, inspection agencies to ensure accurate and timely execution of exchange delivery obligations.
• Maintain records and coordinate payment, receipt, invoicing, and reconciliation activities related to exchange transact

Continuous Improvement and Internal Controls (10%)

• Analyze contract execution, logistics performance, and logistics costs to identify improvement opportunities.
• Drive the standardization and optimization of procedures, reporting tools, and operational processes.
• Maintain and manage contracts, shipping documentation, tariff-related records, and other critical business documents.
• Support internal control requirements and maintain documentation necessary for audits and compliance reviews.
• Promote process documentation, knowledge sharing, and business continuity practices.

Physical Requirements:

• General office environment with majority of time using computer; prolonged periods of sitting
• Travel required, approximately 5-20%

Safety, Quality and Hygiene Requirements:

• Maintain compliance with all company policies, procedures, and code of conduct
• Comply with workplace uniform requirements and safety gear, when on the plant floor v. office

Performance Expectations:

• Man…