Sourcing Expert – AU/NZ Contract Manufacturer for Topical Cream

Overview We are an Australian wellness brand preparing to bring a new topical cream to market. The formulation brief is complete and ready to quote — what we need now is the right manufacturing partner to produce it. We're looking for an experienced sourcing specialist to identify suitable contract manufacturers in Australia or New Zealand, make first contact on our behalf, and shortlist the best-fit options. Once a strong candidate is confirmed and introduced, we take over direct communication from there. The Product (high level) Topical cream (emulgel format) for everyday use Intended to be listed with the TGA as an AUST L Listed Medicine Six actives plus a straightforward excipient base — all ingredients are already specified and TGA-verified Target first production run: 1,000–5,000 units Full formulation detail will be shared with the selected freelancer under NDA. Please don't ask for the ingredient list in your proposal. What We Need You To Do Research and build a shortlist of contract manufacturers in Australia and New Zealand capable of producing a TGA-listed topical cream at our target run size. Manufacturers must be able to source the specified raw materials to the required grades. Reach out and qualify them on our behalf — confirm capability, capacity, willingness to take on a new client, minimum order quantities, indicative lead times, and their process for formulation development and stability work. Gather and organise responses into a clear comparison we can review — who's a fit, who isn't, and why. Introduce us to the preferred manufacturer(s) and hand over communication. Your engagement ends at a warm, qualified introduction. Deliverables A researched shortlist of qualified AU/NZ manufacturers with contact details and notes on suitability A record of outreach and responses received A simple comparison summary (capability, MOQ, lead time, GMP/TGA status, red flags) Warm introduction to the top one to three candidates Ideal Candidate Proven experience sourcing contract manufacturers, ideally in skincare, cosmetics, supplements, or therapeutic goods Strongly preferred: direct familiarity with TGA requirements, AUST L listings, and GMP-licensed Australian manufacturers Existing network or demonstrated ability to reach decision-makers rather than general enquiry inboxes Confident, professional written and verbal communicator — you'll be representing our brand in first contact Organised and self-directed; comfortable working from a brief without heavy supervision What We'll Provide The complete formulation brief Context on our brand, positioning and timelines Fast responses to any questions along the way Budget & Structure We're open on structure — fixed-price with milestones, or hourly. Please propose what you think suits the scope, along with your estimated hours or timeline. We're more interested in the quality of the shortlist than in the lowest bid. To Apply Please include: A brief note on similar sourcing work you've done — particularly in AU/NZ, and particularly anything TGA or GMP related Your familiarity with TGA Listed Medicines and AUST L requirements (be honest if it's limited — it's preferred, not essential) How you'd approach building the shortlist, and roughly how long you'd expect it to take Your proposed rate or fixed price Applications that are clearly copy-paste templates will be passed over. A short, specific response is all we're after.