Import Manager

WHO IS AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL FOODSFueled 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.OUR INDUSTRYFood 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.Position SummaryThe 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.Key Responsibilities:Strategic Procurement LeadershipDevelop 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.Global Supplier ManagementDevelop 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 ManagementOversee import operations into the United States.Ensure compliance with:Customs regulationsUSDA requirementsImport documentation requirementsTariff and duty programsPartner 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 LeadershipLead 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 improvement into global suppliers and internal teams.Risk ManagementMonitor global market conditions, commodity trends, and geopolitical risks.Develop business continuity plans for critical categories.Implement risk mitigation strategies related to:Supply disruptionCurrency fluctuationsRegulatory changesTransportation interruptionsSupplier financial stabilityLeadership & Team DevelopmentLead and develop procurement, sourcing, and import logistics teams.Create a category management culture focused on ownership and accountability.Coach team members to become strategic business leaders rather than transactional buyers.Develop talent pipelines and succession plans.All other duties as assignedQualifications:Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Procurement, Logistics, Food Science, or related field. MBA preferred.7-10 years of procurement, sourcing, supply chain, or import management experience.5+ years leading teams.Experience in food ingredients, food manufacturing, specialty ingredients, flavors, sweeteners, proteins, starches, oils, or related categories.Strong experience importing products into the United States.Demonstrated success negotiating international supply agreements.Experience managing suppliers across multiple regions globally.Knowledge & SkillsSupply Chain ManagementStrategic SourcingCategory ManagementGlobal ProcurementInternational Trade ComplianceCustoms & Import RegulationsFDA and FSMA RequirementsSupplier DevelopmentInventory OptimizationSales & Operations Planning (S&OP)Landed Cost AnalysisRisk ManagementContract NegotiationCommodity Market AnalysisERP Systems (SAP, Dynamics, Oracle, etc.)Leadership CompetenciesStrategic ThinkerBusiness AcumenLeader-Developer-Relationship BasedChange Management-TransformationNegotiation ExcellenceData-Driven Decision MakingExecutive/Leadership PresenceCross-Functional CollaborationCustomer-Sales FocusAccountability MindsetContinuous ImprovementBenefits/Perks:Health | Vision | Dental Insurance ( PPO & HSA options)Paid Time Off Paid Holidays +Your birthday! 401k with 4% match (Roth & Traditional Options)Profit SharingSuccess ProfileThis leader serves as the strategic owner of the global import supply base, ensuring the organization maintains a resilient global network of ingredient suppliers, optimizes landed cost, protects against disruption, and enables profitable growth through world-class procurement and import supply chain execution.