Product Specialist - Asian Imports

Batory Foods•Rosemont, IL

About The Position

The Product Specialist – Asia Imports supports the management of assigned product lines by partnering with Product Managers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams. This role coordinates Asia import activities, including supplier communication, purchase order management, import documentation, and shipment execution to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of products. The Product Specialist serves as a key resource for Sales, Customer Experience, Procurement, and Operations by providing product expertise, market insights, and vendor support. The role also requires a working knowledge of international import processes, including customs clearance, tariffs and duties, Incoterms, and freight logistics, to support compliance and efficient supply chain operations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Food Science, Supply Chain Management, Marketing, Chemistry, Biology, Nutrition, or a related field An equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience will be considered.
Fluency in Mandarin Chinese (spoken and written) is required.
Working knowledge of Incoterms, customs regulations, and international shipping documentation.
Experience coordinating ocean freight and working with customs brokers and freight forwarders.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint), as well as ERP and CRM systems.
Strong project management, organizational, and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced, changing environment.
Self-motivated and capable of working independently while effectively collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment while fostering a collaborative, customer-focused work environment.
Models Batory Foods' core values by building trust through honesty, teamwork, respect, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

Progressive experience within the food ingredient distribution, food manufacturing, or related industry is preferred.
Familiarity with CRM systems such as MS Dynamics or Power BI.

Responsibilities

Support the effective management and growth of assigned product lines by partnering with Product Managers, key suppliers, Sales, Procurement Coordinators, and cross-functional teams.
Create, process, and maintain accurate purchase orders, vendor confirmations, shipment documentation, and delivery schedules while ensuring timely execution and product availability.
Verify ordered products, quantities, pricing, shipping origins, delivery locations, and expected delivery dates, proactively resolving discrepancies prior to product receipt.
Develop and maintain in-depth knowledge of assigned products, including their characteristics, applications, market dynamics, pricing, cost structures, and competitive positioning.
Participate in training with Product Managers, the Technical Business Development team, vendor-sponsored programs, and approved industry conferences to expand product and industry expertise.
Monitor market conditions and assist Product Managers in communicating market updates, pricing changes, supply issues, and product availability to internal stakeholders and the Sales team.
Support the development and execution of product line strategies that drive sales growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
Review monthly product line financial performance, identify trends, and partner with Product Managers on corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
Provide pricing support to the Sales team using the Margin Management Tool (MMT), market intelligence, and Product Manager guidance.
Maintain accurate product, vendor, pricing, trade agreements, item master data, and vendor costs within Microsoft Dynamics 365, CRM, Power BI, Power Apps, and other business systems.
Collaborate with Product Managers to manage CRM opportunities, sample requests and report while gathering customer and Sales feedback to provide meaningful updates to suppliers.
Partner with Inventory Planning to review forecasts, inventory strategies, stock modes, customer contract balances, and dormant or expiring inventory to optimize inventory performance.
Work cross-functionally with Operations to identify opportunities to improve transportation, warehousing, packaging, and overall supply chain efficiency.
Build and maintain strong supplier relationships by serving as the liaison between vendors, Procurement Coordinators, and internal teams to resolve order issues, invoice discrepancies, product returns, shelf-life extensions, customer complaints, vendor contract balances, and other operational matters.
Support Product Managers with quarterly business reviews, vendor performance evaluations, and other strategic initiatives that strengthen supplier partnerships and drive business growth.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.