Procurement Manager

Fueled by passion and purpose, we unite to solve mission-critical problems and create lasting value for our growing community of customers. Our mission statement is to “Perpetually create an unsurpassed value in the ingredient distribution business.” Headquartered in West Michigan, we leverage our deep relationships with food ingredient producers around the world to provide the highest quality materials to Food, Beverage & HBA manufactures.

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.

The Leader of Imports Supply Chain and Procurement is responsible for developing and executing sourcing, procurement, logistics, inventory, supplier relationship management, and supply chain strategies that ensure a reliable, cost-effective, high value supply of food ingredients sourced globally and delivered into the United States.

This role leads strategic supplier relationships across international markets while ensuring regulatory compliance, supply continuity, cost competitiveness, and operational excellence. New product/supplier introductions is a key component to achieving top-line growth goals annually. The position serves as the connection between global suppliers, logistics providers, regulatory agencies, and internal teams---sales, customer service, domestic procurement, operations, and finance to support growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

The ideal candidate combines strategic sourcing expertise, international trade knowledge, and supply chain leadership with a deep understanding of food ingredients and global commodity markets.

Strategic Procurement Leadership

• Develop and execute global sourcing strategies for food ingredients and raw materials.
• Build category strategies that balance cost, quality, innovation, risk, and supply continuity.
• Lead contract negotiations with international suppliers and strategic partners.
• Identify alternate sourcing opportunities and geographic diversification strategies.
• Drive annual cost savings and margin improvement initiatives.
• Establish procurement policies (inventory levels, reorder points, etc.) and supplier performance management processes.
• Develop embedded relationships (3X3) with suppliers throughout Asia, Europe, Latin America, India, and other strategic sourcing regions.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, financial stability, quality systems, and capacities.
• Develop scorecards and business reviews strategies.
• Drive supplier innovation and collaboration.
• Innovate AIFI branded solutions.
• Manage supplier risk, business continuity, and contingency planning (balancing inventory and regional supplier strategies).
• Leverage BI and ERP data to drive insights, action and unprecedent results---procurement and sales.
• Develop KPI’s to lead progressive business success and evolution.

Import & International Trade Management

• Oversee import operations into the United States.
• Ensure compliance with:
• Customs regulations
• USDA requirements
• Tariff and duty programs
• Partner with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and logistics providers.
• Develop freight management strategies (AIFI led vs. supplier managed).
• Monitor changing trade regulations and geopolitical impacts.
• Optimize duty, tariff, and landed cost management strategies.
• Determine optimal port of entry solutions, balancing regional customer demands.

Supply Chain Leadership

• Lead supply planning and inventory strategies.
• Develop inventory targets balancing service and working capital.
• Improve forecast accuracy and supply reliability.
• Manage global transportation and logistics networks.
• Leverage and enhance AITI business opportunities.
• Establish KPIs for service, inventory, supplier performance, and logistics execution.
• Drive continuous improvement across planning, procurement, and logistics functions.
• Infuse continuous…