Product Sourcing & Development Coordinator (Puppy Starter Kit) - Only Japan

We are looking for a resourceful and execution-focused Product Sourcing & Development Coordinator to help us create a complete Puppy Starter Kit for customers purchasing a puppy from our stores. The selected person will be responsible for taking this project from concept to a finished, ready-to-distribute product. This includes identifying the right items for the kit, finding and evaluating suppliers, requesting samples, negotiating pricing, developing the packaging, coordinating production, and helping organize delivery to our locations. This is an ideal opportunity for someone with experience in product sourcing, procurement, private-label products, packaging development, supplier coordination, or importing products from international manufacturers. About the Project We want to develop a professionally packaged Puppy Starter Kit that provides new puppy owners with useful products for their first days at home. The kit may include items such as: Puppy food or feeding accessories Food and water bowls Collar and leash Puppy toys Training pads Grooming items Waste bags Blanket or comfort item Treats Educational materials New puppy care guide Promotional offers or partner products Branded packaging and inserts The final contents will be determined based on quality, cost, customer value, packaging size, supplier availability, and our target retail price. Main Responsibilities The selected candidate will: Research and recommend the best products to include in the Puppy Starter Kit Identify suppliers in the United States, Japan, or other suitable markets Source both branded and private-label product options Contact manufacturers, wholesalers, and packaging suppliers Request product catalogs, quotations, samples, and production timelines Compare supplier pricing, quality, minimum order quantities, and payment terms Negotiate pricing and commercial conditions Calculate estimated unit cost and total landed cost Coordinate product samples and present recommendations for approval Help develop the kit’s packaging, box, inserts, labels, and branding Coordinate with designers, manufacturers, and packaging vendors Create a complete bill of materials for the kit Develop a supplier and product comparison sheet Organize production timelines and follow up with suppliers Support quality-control and product-inspection processes Coordinate shipping, freight, customs, and delivery requirements when applicable Identify potential risks related to product quality, delays, inventory, or supplier reliability Maintain clear documentation throughout the project Key Deliverables We expect the coordinator to provide: A recommended list of products for the Puppy Starter Kit A shortlist of qualified suppliers for each product Product, supplier, pricing, MOQ, and lead-time comparisons Samples or sample recommendations Estimated cost per completed kit Estimated landed cost, including packaging and transportation Packaging and branding recommendations A complete bill of materials A production and delivery timeline A quality-control checklist A final supplier and production recommendation Coordination through the first production order Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate has experience with one or more of the following: Product sourcing Procurement or purchasing Supplier management Private-label product development Packaging development Alibaba, Global Sources, Made-in-China, or similar sourcing platforms Domestic and international suppliers Importing and freight coordination Negotiating MOQs and production pricing Product samples and quality control Consumer packaged goods Pet products or retail products Cost analysis and supplier comparison Launching physical products from concept to production Experience specifically with pet products is helpful but not required. Skills We Value Strong research and organizational skills Clear written communication Ability to communicate professionally with international suppliers Strong negotiation skills Attention to detail Ability to compare multiple products and vendors Understanding of product quality and customer value Ability to manage timelines and follow up consistently Familiarity with spreadsheets and cost-comparison tools Ability to work independently and provide regular progress updates Practical problem-solving and a strong sense of ownership Project Structure This can begin as a freelance or project-based position, with the possibility of additional sourcing and product-development projects in the future. The person selected should be able to manage the project with limited supervision and provide clear updates, recommendations, and documentation at each stage.