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 : Bachelors degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Culinary Science, or related field.Experience : 35 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
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https : / / www.lhh.com / us / en / candidate-privacy
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