Sample Coordinator (Temp to Perm)

Kinder's•Walnut Creek, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This role serves as the central point of coordination for ingredient sample requests and trial support activities, working closely with suppliers, sourcing managers, logistics partners, and internal stakeholders. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, proactive, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift quickly. If you enjoy coordinating multiple projects, building strong cross-functional relationships, and helping teams bring new products to life, we'd love to hear from you.

Requirements

2+ years of experience in supply chain, procurement, product development support, customer service, logistics coordination, or a related operational role.
Strong organizational and project coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Exceptional attention to detail and follow-through.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with changing priorities.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with suppliers, purchase orders, shipping carriers, or inventory systems is preferred.
Experience in food, beverage, consumer packaged goods (CPG), manufacturing, or related industries is a plus.

Responsibilities

Monitor and manage the daily ingredient sample request process, ensuring requests are reviewed and actioned in a timely manner.
Partner with Sourcing Managers to identify approved and preferred suppliers for requested ingredients.
Coordinate ingredient sample requests directly with suppliers and maintain ongoing communication regarding status and delivery timelines.
Track inbound sample shipments and proactively resolve delivery issues as they arise.
Ensure samples are delivered to the appropriate internal stakeholders and maintain accurate documentation of completed requests.
Request and collect supporting ingredient documentation, specifications, certifications, and other required compliance materials.
Serve as a key liaison between Product Development, R&D, Procurement, and suppliers to facilitate ingredient sourcing activities.
Maintain visibility into open requests and communicate status updates to stakeholders.
Support product innovation and commercialization efforts by ensuring timely availability of ingredients and materials.
Coordinate ingredient procurement and logistics for co-manufacturer production trials.
Partner with Sourcing Managers to identify appropriate suppliers and secure required materials.
Verify trial quantity requirements and coordinate procurement activities as needed.
Generate or facilitate purchase orders to support trial material acquisition.
Coordinate shipments using appropriate carriers and logistics partners to meet trial deadlines.
Track deliveries and confirm receipt of materials at manufacturing and testing locations.
Obtain and distribute ingredient documentation to support trial execution.
Maintain accurate records, trackers, and documentation related to sample requests and trial support activities.
Identify opportunities to improve processes, visibility, and communication across the sample coordination workflow.
Provide ad hoc support for sourcing, procurement, product development, and commercialization initiatives as needed.