Procurement Specialist – Research & Development
Department: Research & Development
Reports To: Director of Research & Development
Works Closely With: Supply Chain, Purchasing, Quality, Regulatory, Manufacturing, and Operations
Position Summary
Jetpack is seeking a Procurement Specialist – Research & Development to serve as the primary procurement resource for the R&D department. This role bridges the gap between R&D and Supply Chain by ensuring scientists and formulators have the ingredients, packaging components, laboratory supplies, and equipment needed to support product development and commercialization.
The ideal candidate has a strong scientific background and understands formulation development, ingredient specifications, and laboratory operations while also possessing procurement and supply chain knowledge. This position partners closely with the Supply Chain team to align sourcing strategies, supplier management, inventory planning, and production readiness.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary procurement liaison between R&D and the Supply Chain department.
- Source raw materials, active ingredients, excipients, flavors, packaging components, and laboratory supplies for product development.
- Collaborate with R&D scientists to understand technical requirements, project timelines, and material specifications.
- Work with Supply Chain to ensure purchased materials align with inventory strategies, production schedules, and commercial launch plans.
- Obtain competitive pricing, negotiate supplier agreements, and evaluate alternative sourcing opportunities.
- Coordinate the purchase and tracking of R&D samples, pilot-scale materials, and specialty ingredients.
- Review technical documentation including Certificates of Analysis (COAs), Safety Data Sheets (SDS), Technical Data Sheets (TDS), specifications, and regulatory documentation.
- Partner with Quality and Regulatory to ensure all materials meet company and regulatory requirements.
- Monitor supplier performance, lead times, pricing trends, and potential supply risks.
- Support new supplier qualification and material approval processes.
- Maintain accurate purchasing records and communicate material status updates to project teams.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and project timelines.
- Assist with transitioning new materials and products from development into commercial production.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nutritional Science, Supply Chain Management, or a related scientific field.
- 3+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, laboratory operations, product development, or supply chain within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience in the nutraceutical, dietary supplement, food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, or chemical industry preferred.
- Understanding of laboratory materials, ingredient specifications, and product development processes.
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and negotiation skills.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
Core Competencies
- Scientific and technical understanding
- Strategic sourcing and procurement
- Supplier relationship management
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Inventory and material planning
- Project management
- Regulatory awareness
- Cost analysis and negotiation
- Continuous improvement
Success in This Role
A successful R&D Procurement Specialist ensures project teams receive the right materials at the right time while building strong partnerships with both R&D and Supply Chain. This individual proactively manages supplier relationships, identifies sourcing opportunities, minimizes supply risks, and supports the successful commercialization of innovative products through effective planning and communication.
Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid parental leave
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
