Merchandise Manager (Food Products)

Job Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and customer-focused Merchandise Manager to support the sourcing and supply chain management of food products for the U.S. market. This role will be responsible for identifying and managing supplier partnerships, driving sourcing strategies, ensuring product quality and compliance, and delivering competitive sourcing solutions that meet customer expectations.
The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in food sourcing, supplier management, and supply chain execution, combined with a deep understanding of U.S. food industry requirements and customer expectations. This position requires close collaboration with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to ensure seamless product development and delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

-Customer Partnership & Account Support

• Develop a thorough understanding of customer requirements, business objectives, and product specifications
• Serve as a key point of contact for sourcing-related activities and provide proactive support to customers throughout the product lifecycle
• Build strong relationships with customers and contribute to long-term business growth through exceptional service and execution
• Provide market intelligence, sourcing recommendations, and innovative product solutions to meet evolving customer needs

-Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Identify, evaluate, and develop a network of qualified suppliers and manufacturing partners for food products
• Lead supplier selection, negotiations, and contract discussions to achieve optimal quality, cost, and delivery performance
• Establish and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure reliable supply and continuous improvement
• Monitor supplier performance through regular business reviews and corrective action plans where necessary

-Quality, Compliance & Food Safety

• Partner closely with Quality Management, Vendor Compliance, and Technical teams to ensure products meet customer requirements and applicable regulatory standards.
• Ensure suppliers comply with food safety regulations, customer standards, social compliance requirements, and ethical sourcing practices.
• Support supplier audits, factory assessments, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Drive resolution of quality and compliance issues through effective collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

-Supply Chain & Risk Management

• Coordinate with suppliers and internal teams to ensure timely production and delivery.
• Monitor supply chain performance and proactively identify potential risks, including capacity constraints, material shortages, and logistics disruptions.
• Develop contingency plans and alternative sourcing solutions to minimize supply chain interruptions.
• Support inventory planning and supply continuity initiatives to meet customer demand.

-Cost Management & Business Performance

• Analyze market trends, raw material costs, and industry developments to support sourcing decisions.
• Drive cost optimization initiatives while maintaining product quality, compliance, and service levels.
• Prepare and present sourcing analyses, cost-saving opportunities, supplier evaluations, and business updates to internal stakeholders and customers.
• Support annual budgeting, forecasting, and productivity improvement initiatives.

-Market Intelligence & Product Innovation

• Stay informed of emerging food industry trends, ingredients, technologies, and regulatory developments.
• Identify new suppliers, product opportunities, and market innovations that can create value for customers.
• Provide insights on competitive market developments and sourcing dynamics in support of business growth.