Supply Chain Procurement Manager -(Distribution Center) Commerce, CA Los Angeles, CA

About the role

N.A. Trading Company, established in 1986, is a leading Asian food importer and distributor in the Los Angeles area. We specialize in importing products from Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China, offering over a thousand different items under renowned brands like FOCO, Chaokoh, Aroy-D, Pantainorasingh, and our own Three Deer Brand.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute procurement strategies to support inventory, service level, and business growth objectives.
• Manage supplier relationships, including overseas manufacturers, domestic vendors, freight forwarders, and brokers.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, lead times, and service agreements to ensure cost competitiveness and continuity of supply.
• Maintain supplier performance, including quality, fill rates, on-time delivery, and responsiveness.
• Identify and evaluate new sourcing opportunities to improve cost savings, product availability, and operational efficiency.
• Partner with suppliers to address shortages, quality concerns, and supply disruptions.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve demand forecasts using historical sales, seasonality, promotions, and market trends.
• Translate demand forecasts into actionable purchasing and replenishment plans while considering production constraints, international transit lead times, and inventory targets.
• Collaborate closely with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Operations to align purchasing strategies with business objectives and customer demand.
• Monitor inventory levels, aging inventory, slow-moving items, and obsolete products; recommend corrective actions as needed.
• Establish and maintain inventory targets (safety stock, cycle stock, reorder points) to balance service levels, costs, and working capital.
• Incorporate promotional activities, new product launches, and customer-specific demand patterns into planning activities.
• Coordinate with overseas suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and warehouse teams to ensure timely replenishment of imported products.
• Monitor supply chain risks such as port congestion, vessel delays, supplier capacity constraints, and geopolitical or regulatory impacts.
• Develop contingency plans to mitigate supply disruptions and demand volatility.
• Align procurement and supply plans with warehouse capacity, shelf-life considerations, and food safety requirements.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on procurement processes, inventory optimization, and operational efficiency.
• Track and report KPIs including forecast accuracy, inventory turns, service levels, fill rates, supplier performance, cost savings, and days of supply.
• Provide actionable insights and recommendations based on purchasing, inventory, and operational data analysis.
• Maintain planning and procurement data integrity within ERP and planning systems.
• Prepare and present procurement and supply chain performance updates to leadership teams.
• Lead and support procurement and planning activities across multiple product categories and business units.
• Partner cross-functionally with Sales, Finance, Operations, Logistics, and Warehouse teams to support company initiatives and operational goals.
• Aid in training, mentoring, and developing team members within the supply chain and procurement functions.
• Drive accountability and execution of procurement strategies, inventory initiatives, and operational improvements across the organization.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and convert insights into actionable business decisions.
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, formulas, scenario analysis); experience with SQL or BI tools (Power BI, Tableau) preferred.
• Hands-on experience with ERP, MRP, and planning systems (e.g., SAP, Dynamics 365, JDA, Logility, or similar).
• Strong understanding of procurement, strategic sourcing, demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and supply chain planning principles.
• Experience managing imported products with long lead times is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with food industry requirements, including shelf-life management, lot tracking, and regulatory compliance (FDA, FSMA preferred).
• Experience negotiating supplier agreements, pricing structures, and procurement contracts preferred.

Skills

• Strong communication and relationship management skills with the ability to present data-driven insights to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally with internal departments and external business partners.
• Ability to lead discussions, influence decision-making, and drive operational execution across multiple departments.

Benefits

Flexible schedule, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.

Pay

$80,000 to $120,000 per year (based on experience)

Schedule

Full-time position