Sourcing & Procurement Specialist (Remote) – Fast-Growing Tea Brand (Suppliers + Costing + Quality) - Contract to Hire

Job Type: Ongoing / Long-Term Location: Remote Experience Level: Intermediate to Expert Hours: 10–20 hrs/week (can increase as we scale) Job Description We are a fast-growing tea brand selling online and we’re looking for a reliable, experienced Sourcing & Procurement Specialist to help us find, manage, and negotiate with suppliers to ensure we consistently deliver high-quality tea products at competitive costs. This role is ideal for someone who understands Tea Ingredients sourcing, can communicate professionally with suppliers, and can build structured procurement systems that scale. We want a long-term partner who can help us build a world-class sourcing and procurement operation as we expand. Key Responsibilities Source tea Ingredients suppliers and manufacturers Request and compare supplier quotes (MOQ, lead times, pricing tiers, shipping terms) Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and lead times Coordinate sampling process: approvals, revisions, and supplier follow-up Ensure quality consistency (sourcing origin, packaging quality, shelf life) Manage purchase orders and supplier timelines Track orders, production status, and shipping updates Maintain supplier database + procurement tracker Work with our team to forecast inventory needs and reorder schedules Recommend improvements to reduce cost and improve reliability What We’re Looking For Proven experience in sourcing and procurement Strong supplier communication and negotiation skills Experience sourcing from domestic and/or overseas markets Ability to create vendor comparison spreadsheets and cost breakdowns Highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented Strong English communication (written + verbal) Familiarity with quality standards for consumable products Knowledge of tea Ingredients, Experience working with Shopify brands or DTC products Relationships with tea manufacturers / packers / co-packers Deliverables / Success Metrics Reliable supplier list with 3–5 qualified suppliers for each product category Clear vendor comparison sheet (cost, lead time, MOQ, quality rating) Cost reduction opportunities identified and implemented Smooth purchasing process with fewer delays and fewer stockouts Consistent quality across every batch/order How to Apply Please include: A short overview of your sourcing & procurement experience Examples of products you’ve sourced Your preferred sourcing regions (local + international) Your availability and time zone Your approach for supplier vetting (quality + pricing + reliability) Screening Questions What experience do you have sourcing consumable products like tea, coffee, spices, supplements, etc.? How do you evaluate and select suppliers (quality + price + reliability)? Have you negotiated pricing and payment terms with suppliers before? Share an example. What tools do you use to track suppliers, quotes, and purchase orders? Apply tot his job