Food and Beverage Ingredient Sourcing Specialist
5 days ago
Brooklyn
About Us JAI Development is a leading food and beverage innovation lab based in Brooklyn, NY. We specialize in product formulation and production operations management, supporting a wide range of food and beverage categories. Our strength lies in helping emerging CPG brands develop and commercialize high-quality, scalable products through a mix of technical expertise, creative thinking, and strategic execution. Backed by a robust network of industry professionals, we serve as a collaborative partner from concept through commercialization. What we are looking for We’re seeking a self-driven Food and Beverage Ingredient Sourcing Specialist to support our Brooklyn-based innovation and formulation team. This hands-on, lab-focused role owns ingredient sourcing, supplier management, and inventory flow to ensure projects are supplied on time and with best-in-class materials. Key Responsibilities • Research, evaluate, select, and manage ingredient suppliers, serving as JAI’s primary connection to the supplier ecosystem., • Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to secure access to innovative ingredients and advantaged terms for our clients., • Develop and maintain master ingredient data (pricing, MOQs, lead times, availability, specs, nutrition, and costing) in internal systems., • Implement and maintain supplier scorecards to track quality, responsiveness, lead times, and overall performance., • Monitor market and commodity trends, assess supply chain risks, and recommend mitigation strategies and sourcing improvements., • Conduct basic cost modeling, spend analysis, and benchmarking to support value-conscious ingredient selection., • Manage ordering, receiving, and inventory of ingredients, packaging, and lab supplies; ensure accurate tracking and timely replenishment., • Coordinate shipping and logistics for formulation samples and project-related materials., • Act as a key point of contact for clients on sourcing-related topics, facilitating supplier and vendor introductions as appropriate., • Prepare and organize final sourcing-related project documentation for internal and client use., • Support the formulation team with operational and administrative tasks and contribute to routine lab cleaning and maintenance. Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, • 3+ years of sourcing or procurement experience within the Food & Beverage Industry, • Knowledge of SQF, HACCP, FDA nutrition labeling (TTB a plus), • Proven experience developing and executing sourcing strategies with a strong understanding of supplier markets and industry trends, • Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, • High attention to detail with excellent organizational and time-management skills What We Offer • A mission-driven company helping good people create great products, • A collaborative, supportive, and science-forward team culture, • A dynamic environment where science, creativity, and strategy intersect, • Opportunities to work with emerging brands with real-world impact, • Flexible PTO, competitive compensation and growth opportunities, • Compensation is commensurate with experience, ranging from $60,000 to $80,000