International Import Specialist (Bilingual in Mandarin and English)

Salary Range: 40,000 - 65,000
Schedule: 5 Day Work Week (Onsite) 
Site Address: 6500 W 51st Chicago, IL 60638

Who We Are

Conexus Food is a leader in the Asian food service industry, bringing a diverse range of ethnic cuisines, such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Thai, to the table. Our corporate headquarters in Chicago is where we house our fully integrated food processing, manufacturing, logistics, and worldwide supply chain services all under one roof. With distribution centers spanning the US, over 2 million square feet of warehousing space, and a fleet of more than 1,000 trucks, we're the go-to when it comes to reliable delivery services.

At Conexus Food , we believe that teamwork and collaboration are the keys to success. We pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards of integrity and honesty in everything we do and building strong relationships with our clients. We're looking for individuals who share our values and are committed to excellence. Join our team and contribute to our culture of collaboration and integrity while growing your own skills and expertise. Together, we'll deliver high-quality products and exceptional service to our clients and achieve great things.

We are seeking a results-driven International Import Specialist to support our Corporate Category Manager in sourcing and managing key international imports. This role focuses on global supplier sourcing, regulatory and labeling compliance, cost analysis, and supply chain stability, with a strong emphasis on sourcing from China and expanding into new countries of origin for products not currently carried. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong analytical and communication skills, working knowledge of import compliance requirements, and a passion for the food and imports space.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and execution of sourcing strategies for major international import categories
• Source and evaluate suppliers internationally, including current sourcing from China, and identify opportunities to expand sourcing into additional countries for products not currently carried
• Issue and manage purchase orders across multiple imports and customer segments
• Ensure compliance with product labeling requirements and U.S. FDA import requirements for all sourced products
• Maintain and support IFS (International Featured Standards) certification requirements and related food safety/quality documentation
• Coordinate with the supply chain replenishment team to ensure timely fulfillment of demand via drop shipments to DCs and outside customers
• Support demand planning and inventory optimization through a strong understanding of MRP and replenishment principles
• Identify, evaluate, and manage supplier relationships to drive value, service, and innovation
• Monitor import regulations, tariffs, and industry trends to inform buying decisions and risk management strategies
• Analyze and understand total landed cost, including freight, duties, tariffs, and compliance costs, to inform sourcing decisions
• Develop strong product knowledge to support sourcing, quality evaluation, and vendor negotiations
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and agreements to ensure cost competitiveness and security of supply
• Collaborate with internal teams including DC operations, sales, quality, and finance to align procurement with operational needs
• Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) such as cost savings, supplier performance, service levels, and inventory turns
• Maintain accurate documentation including contracts, specifications, supplier scorecards, import/customs records, and procurement records
• Help resolve supply disruptions, quality issues, customs/import delays, and vendor performance concerns

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Agriculture, Food Science, Economics, or a related field
   

• 2 + year of experience in sourcing, procurement, supply chain, or imports trading (food industry preferred) 

• IFS (International Featured Standards) certification requirements

• Solid understanding of MRP systems and replenishment processes 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; comfortable working with data and market indices (e.g., Urner Barry, USDA, CME) 

• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills 

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, ERP systems, and procurement software 

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, evolving environment and manage multiple priorities 

• Occasional travel to supplier sites and DCs as needed  

• Bilingual in Mandarin and English.

• Familiarity with logistics and freight coordination in a distribution environment 

• Prior experience with foodservice or wholesale distribution