Sourcing Specialist

R&D and Sourcing Associate

Location: Richmond, CA (Hybrid listed, on-site strongly preferred)

Schedule: Full-time, Exempt | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (flexible to 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM)

Compensation: $72,600 – $93,700

Start Date: ASAP

Job Overview

The R&D and Sourcing Associate will play a key role in developing, testing, and sourcing innovative food products for military and private-label foodservice. This position requires strong technical expertise, project management skills, and the ability to navigate fast-paced, regulatory-heavy environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and test recipes; conduct sensory evaluations.
• Create and maintain accurate nutrition facts panels, ingredient statements, and allergen declarations.
• Ensure all labeling and packaging meet USDA/USDC/FDA/PHC and military regulatory compliance.
• Source and qualify suppliers for ingredients and packaging; manage vendor relationships.
• Maintain documentation including recipes, product specifications, and certifications.
• Conduct internal QA audits, update specifications, and ensure compliance with annual military guideline changes.
• Support sales demos and food shows (occasional domestic travel, approx. once per month).
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, QA, Marketing, Procurement, and Sales.
• Stay informed on food trends, packaging innovations, and industry best practices.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Culinary Science, or related field.
• Experience: 3–5 years in food product development/commercialization.
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, formulas, data modeling).
• 2+ years of technical compliance experience (food safety, labeling, or nutrition compliance).
• Hands-on recipe formulation and bench work experience.
• Familiarity with USDA/USDC/FDA/PHC regulations and military foodservice guidelines.
• Proven success in supplier sourcing and vendor management.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills under pressure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Culinary or menu board development experience.
• Exposure to multiple food categories (e.g., frozen, baked, meats, canned).
• Private-label and niche product sourcing experience.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and ownership mentality.
• Experience with ERP, QA/FSQA systems, CRM, or BI tools.

Additional Details

• Travel: Domestic travel approximately once per month.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

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The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act

• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance

• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers

• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance