Upwork Is Hiring A Korean Manufacturer Sourcing

Exciting Opportunity: Researcher & Outreach Specialist for Innovative Korean Protein Shake Startup

Join us in launching MYPROTEENE, a groundbreaking US-based protein shake brand featuring Korean single-serve spout pouches — and be the key to connecting with top Korean manufacturers to bring this innovative product to the US market! 🚀

About the Project

We are introducing MYPROTEENE, a direct-to-consumer protein shake brand built on a Korean innovation: single-serve spout pouches filled with protein powder designed for easy mixing and drinking straight from the pouch. While this format dominates Korea (brands like Flymeal have sold over 15 million units), it is yet to hit the US market — making us first to market! 🇺🇸

To realize this vision, we need a skilled researcher and outreach specialist who can identify and communicate with Korean OEM manufacturers capable of producing this product under our brand and shipping directly to our Chicago warehouse.

What You Will Do

• Research and identify Korean manufacturers specializing in spout pouch protein shakes (we'll provide a list of 7 target companies with some known names)
• Initiate contact through various channels: email, KakaoTalk, LinkedIn, or KOTRA inquiry forms
• Utilize a set of specific questions we provide to gather essential information (MOQ, pricing, certifications, samples, lead time, shipping options)
• Record all outreach attempts and responses meticulously in a structured contact spreadsheet
• Provide a concise written summary with your top 3 manufacturer recommendations, including pros and cons

What We Provide You

• A comprehensive project brief (10 sections) outlining product specs, target manufacturers, research methods, and questions to ask
• A ready-to-use outreach email template — with only 2 personalized fields to fill
• A list of 7 manufacturer targets, including 2 already confirmed companies
• Benchmark cost data: $1.30 per unit (from Living Life Co., listed on KOTRA), providing a clear cost target to beat

Deliverables (All Required)

• Manufacturer contact sheet in Excel or Google Sheets — capturing MOQ, unit costs at various order sizes, packaging costs, sample availability, certifications, lead time, and shipping options
• Response log — documenting each outreach attempt with date, method, and response received
• 1-page written summary — presenting your top 3 manufacturer choices with pros and cons, plus a clear recommendation

Requirements

• Experience sourcing from Korean manufacturers or B2B outreach within Korea
• Proficiency in professional English communication (Korean language skills are a strong plus for follow-up conversations)
• Knowledge of food manufacturing sourcing: MOQ, certifications (HACCP, FDA, ISO), OEM/ODM processes
• Responsive communicator — daily check-ins on progress are expected
• Ability to deliver completed work within 5 business days of project start

Important: Only Korean manufacturers are acceptable; products are not yet available from Chinese factories. Submissions involving Chinese manufacturers will be rejected. ❌

How to Apply

In your proposal, please answer the following three questions — applications without responses will not be considered:

• Have you previously sourced from Korean food manufacturers? Please provide one specific example.
• Do you speak or read Korean? If yes, what is your proficiency level?
• How would you identify the manufacturer behind a Korean brand that does not publicly disclose its factory?