R&D Purchasing Specialist

About the Role:

The R&D Procurement Specialist plays a critical role in supporting new product development by serving as the connection between Research and Development, Procurement, Supply Chain, Quality, and Manufacturing. This position is responsible for sourcing raw materials, evaluating suppliers, managing technical ingredient data, supporting regulatory compliance, and identifying cost-effective sourcing strategies. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and has experience with procurement, supplier management, ingredient sourcing, ERP systems, and cross-functional collaboration within the food, dietary supplement, pharmaceutical, or other regulated manufacturing industries.

Responsibilities:

• Source new raw materials and suppliers to support research and development projects while meeting aggressive project timelines.
• Obtain supplier quotations, pricing, minimum order quantities, Certificates of Analysis, technical documentation, and product specifications.
• Develop and maintain relationships with domestic and international suppliers to ensure timely sample requests and material availability.
• Evaluate alternative raw materials by comparing functionality, quality, cost, availability, regulatory status, and manufacturing compatibility.
• Identify opportunities for ingredient rationalization to improve cost efficiency, supply continuity, and product standardization.
• Maintain accurate ERP and PLM master data for new and existing raw materials, including chemical identifiers, scientific names, common names, country of origin, manufacturer information, and technical specifications.
• Ensure ingredient documentation complies with applicable regulatory, quality, and food safety requirements.
• Review and interpret Certificates of Analysis, specification sheets, technical documents, and supplier quality information.
• Monitor supplier performance, market trends, ingredient availability, pricing fluctuations, and emerging raw material innovations.
• Utilize AI tools, market intelligence, scientific publications, and industry research to identify new sourcing opportunities and innovative ingredients.
• Partner with Research and Development, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Regulatory Affairs, and Supply Chain teams to resolve sourcing challenges and minimize supply risks.
• Support new product development from concept through commercialization by ensuring raw material readiness for laboratory, pilot, and production activities.
• Maintain purchasing documentation, supplier records, and procurement reports while ensuring data accuracy and process consistency.
• Assist in supplier qualification, onboarding, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify process improvements that enhance procurement efficiency, supplier responsiveness, and inventory optimization.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Chemistry, Food Science, Biology, Business, Engineering, or a related scientific discipline. Equivalent industry experience may be considered.
• Experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, purchasing, or supply chain within dietary supplements, food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, cosmetics, chemicals, or another regulated manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of supplier sourcing, vendor management, procurement best practices, and strategic purchasing.
• Experience interpreting Certificates of Analysis, technical specifications, ingredient documentation, and quality records.
• Knowledge of cGMP requirements, food safety standards, quality systems, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience with ERP, PLM, MRP, or inventory management systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and modern business software applications.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across cross-functional technical and operational teams.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate supplier risk, negotiate effectively, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and coordinating with domestic and international vendors.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify sourcing alternatives and mitigate supply chain disruptions.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience supporting research and development or new product development within a manufacturing environment.
• Background in private label, contract manufacturing, or consumer packaged goods industries.
• Knowledge of ingredient functionality, formulation support, and raw material evaluation.
• Experience using AI tools, market intelligence platforms, or data analytics to improve sourcing decisions.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, CPIM, or related procurement and supply chain credentials.
• Experience participating in supplier audits, supplier qualification programs, and strategic sourcing initiatives.