Procurement Strategy & Market Insights Manager – Food Division

Conexus Food Solutions • Chicago, IL

26d • $80,000 - $120,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Procurement Strategy & Market Insights Manager – Food Division plays a pivotal role within the Strategic Sourcing organization, overseeing procurement strategy, market analytics, and supplier performance across key food categories. This role combines analytical depth with sourcing expertise to ensure supply continuity, cost efficiency, and competitive advantage in a volatile commodities environment. The ideal candidate is both data-driven and market-savvy, possessing a trading mentality that balances proactive risk management with opportunistic purchasing. This leader will interpret global and domestic market signals to drive sourcing decisions, strengthen supplier partnerships, and deliver sustainable value to the business.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Agriculture, Food Science, or related field; MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of procurement, sourcing, or category management experience within the food industry.
• Strong expertise in commodity analysis, food sourcing, and supplier negotiations.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing sourcing strategies that deliver measurable cost savings and risk mitigation.
• Proven ability to analyze and interpret complex market data and financial trends to inform decision-making.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills across all organizational levels.
• High proficiency in procurement analytics tools, Excel, and ERP systems.
• Strong leadership and project management skills, capable of driving cross-functional initiatives in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with commodity trading principles, futures markets, or hedging strategies is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead category and procurement strategies across multiple food divisions (including proteins, produce, and frozen) to meet cost, quality, and supply objectives.
• Continuously monitor and analyze commodity markets, pricing indices, and supply chain trends to provide actionable insights that guide sourcing decisions.
• Translate market data into strategic recommendations for leadership, identifying opportunities for forward buys, risk hedging, and cost optimization.
• Execute day-to-day sourcing activities, including supplier outreach and negotiations, obtaining and analyzing RFQs, placing purchase orders, and ensuring accurate and timely P.O. creation and processing within company system.
• Oversee the full sourcing lifecycle—from supplier identification and qualification through contract negotiation and ongoing performance management.
• Build and sustain strong partnerships with growers, processors, distributors, and manufacturers to ensure consistent quality and reliability.
• Lead negotiations that balance cost efficiency with sustainability, quality, and ethical sourcing commitments.
• Develop and monitor supplier performance metrics (KPIs) to drive continuous improvement in service, quality, and innovation.
• Identify and implement cost-reduction initiatives while safeguarding product integrity and supply continuity.
• Anticipate and mitigate supply risks driven by market volatility, weather events, or geopolitical conditions through proactive strategy and contingency planning.
• Manage category spend forecasting, providing leadership with accurate reporting on cost performance, savings, and exposure.
• Apply a trading mindset to identify and capitalize on market opportunities for strategic procurement timing.
• Partner with cross-functional teams including Quality Assurance, Operations, Finance, and R&D to align sourcing strategies with business and product needs.
• Support innovation and new product development by sourcing new ingredients and evaluating emerging suppliers.
• Communicate market and procurement insights to senior leadership, supporting strategic planning and financial forecasting.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety and sustainability standards (e.g., USDA, FDA, and company-specific sourcing policies).

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level