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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Work closely with Sales, Purchasing, Quality/Regulatory, Warehouse/Operations, Finance, and Management to align sourcing decisions with business objectives

• 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…