Background Position Description: Company Representative - India Operations A prominent natural health company in the USA seeks to expand its operations in India. The company has established a partnership with a Bangalore-based manufacturer in Karnataka, southern India, to produce ingredients for health supplements. Initially, these ingredients will be shipped to the USA for bottling and final packaging. Following successful implementation, company intends to establish complete manufacturing, encapsulation, bottling, packaging, and distribution operations in India, with potential market expansion into Southeast Asia. Roles and Responsibilities: A Representative for a Health Supplement Company managing relationships with ingredient manufacturers would have the following roles and responsibilities: Relationship Management - Develop and maintain strong relationships with ingredient manufacturers. - Serve as the primary point of contact for issue resolution, and ongoing communication. - Conduct regular meetings (in-person and virtual) and in-person to ensure alignment with company goals and objectives. Supplier Evaluation - Conduct due diligence on supplier capabilities, certifications, and compliance standards. - Coordinate negotiations for pricing, contracts, and supply agreements to optimize costs and quality. Quality Assurance & Compliance - Verify that ingredients meet regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, GMP, NSF, organic, non-GMO). - Collaborate with quality control teams to monitor specifications, safety, and consistency. - Address quality or compliance issues with manufacturers proactively. Supply Chain & Logistics Oversight - Monitor supply chain performance to ensure timely ingredient delivery. - Coordinate with procurement and production teams to prevent shortages or overstocking. - Implement risk management strategies for supply disruptions. Cost & Budget Management - In conjunction with the US team, analyze cost structures and identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality. - In conjunction with the US team, develop budget forecasts for ingredient procurement and supplier expenses. Market & Industry Research - Stay informed about industry trends, new ingredient innovations, and regulatory changes. - Evaluate alternative ingredients or suppliers that align with product development goals. Cross-Functional Collaboration - Partner with legal and compliance teams to manage supplier agreements and regulatory documentation. Executive Reporting and Issue Resolution - Provide a weekly status report on accomplishments, metrics, risks, and bottlenecks. - Escalate manufacturing delays, quality concerns, or regulatory issues in a timely manner, providing options for resolutions. - Develop strategies for continuous improvement in supplier performance and ingredient quality. Basic Qualifications (Required) Education - Bachelors degree in supply chain management, Business, Food Science, Nutrition, Chemistry, or a related field. Experience: - Minimum 3-5 years of experience in supplier management, procurement, or sourcing within the food, nutraceutical, or pharmaceutical industry. - Demonstrated experience in vendor negotiations and contract management. Knowledge & Skills: - Strong communication and relationship management skills. - Basic knowledge of ingredient sourcing, quality control, and supply chain logistics. - Proficiency in Microsoft [ Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). - Good situational awareness to identify issues, communicate, and escalate. - Understanding of FDA, GMP, NSF, and other regulatory standards for dietary supplements. - Ability to analyze supplier data, cost structures, and industry trends. 4. Other Requirements: - Willingness to travel for supplier audits, trade shows, and industry events. - Problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple suppliers and projects simultaneously. - Work during united states hours, as and when required. - Be flexible and interested in taking additional responsibilities to establish and expand company operations in India. Preferred Qualifications (Ideal Candidate Profile) Advanced Education: Masters degree in business (MBA), Food Science, or Supply Chain Management. Industry Experience: - 5+ years of experience in health supplements, functional foods, or nutraceuticals. - Previous experience working with international suppliers. Technical Expertise: - Familiarity with organic, non-GMO, and sustainable sourcing practices. - Experience with quality assurance audits and supplier risk management. - Certification in Supply Chain Management (APICS, CSCP, CPSM) or Quality Management (HACCP, SQF, Six Sigma). Additional Skills: - Ability to work cross-functionally with R&D, Marketing, and Regulatory teams. - Experience using AI-driven procurement tools or supplier relationship management platforms. - Strong negotiation skills with a proven track record of cost savings and supplier performance improvements.