Sourcing Specialist

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.

We’re seeking a self-driven Food & Beverage Ingredient Sourcing Specialist to support our Brooklyn-based innovation and formulation team and projects. This is a hands-on, lab-focused role responsible for sourcing high-quality ingredients, managing suppliers, keeping all stakeholders updated, and ensuring timely procurement and inventory flow for product development projects.

• Research, evaluate, select, and manage ingredient and supplier relationships
• Implement supplier scorecards to monitor quality, lead times, and performance
• Conduct cost modeling, spend analysis, benchmarking, and market research to identify savings opportunities
• Monitor commodity trends and manage price volatility
• Identify supply chain risks and implement mitigation strategies
• Track sourcing metrics, analyze performance, and recommend improvements to sourcing strategy
• Order, receive, and track ingredients, supplies, and products
• Manage inventory of ingredients, shipping materials, and supplies
• Maintain up-to-date master ingredient lists, including pricing, MOQs, lead times, and availability
• Update ingredient nutritional and costing data in internal information systems
• Coordinate shipping of formulation samples
• Serve as a key client contact during sourcing, sample shipment, and project wrap-up phases
• Prepare final project document deliverables and facilitate suppliers/vendors introductions
• Support the formulation team with administrative tasks, organization, and lab operations
• Participate in cleaning and maintenance of the R&D laboratory

• 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

• 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 $70,000