China Construction Materials Sourcing Expert

Freelance China Sourcing Specialist – Construction & Building Materials

We are looking for an experienced independent freelancer, preferably based in China, to help us research, source and compare construction and building materials from Chinese manufacturers and international suppliers.

This is a remote, part-time position with the possibility of a long-term collaboration.

We are looking for an individual freelancer, not a sourcing agency or company.

1. Required experience and skills

* Native or fluent Mandarin Chinese.
* Excellent written and spoken English.
* Preferably based in China.
* Experience sourcing construction materials, architectural products and interior finishing materials.
* Good knowledge of Chinese manufacturers and suppliers.
* Strong negotiation skills and ability to communicate directly with factories.

2. Materials to research and source

We need someone capable of researching materials, even when we do not know the exact product name or technical terminology.

Examples include:

* MDF, HDF, plywood and moisture-resistant boards.
* Flooring, laminates and wall finishes.
* Roofing membranes and waterproofing systems.
* Rock wool and thermal insulation.
* Aluminium profiles, glass and windows.
* Lighting and electrical products.
* Interior and exterior finishing materials.
* Other construction materials and architectural products.

The ability to identify suitable products and propose alternatives is very important.

3. Sourcing platforms

Experience using the following platforms is required:

* Alibaba
* 1688
* Taobao
* Made-in-China
* Other Chinese supplier and manufacturer platforms.

The freelancer must be able to identify reliable manufacturers, compare products, request technical information and negotiate competitive prices.

4. International logistics knowledge

Good knowledge of international shipping and export procedures is essential.

Experience with:

* Sea freight (LCL and FCL).
* Air and road freight.
* Freight forwarders and cargo consolidation.
* Volumetric weight and shipping calculations.
* Shipping costs and estimated delivery times.
* Incoterms (EXW, FOB, CIF, DDP).
* Export documentation and customs procedures.
* Import duties, taxes and customs clearance.

Experience shipping construction materials to Cambodia or Southeast Asia is an advantage.

5. Expected deliverables

For each product researched, we expect a clear report containing:

* Direct product link.
* Supplier or manufacturer name and contact details.
* Product specifications, dimensions, thickness, density and weight where applicable.
* Product photos, videos and catalogues.
* Unit price and currency.
* Minimum order quantity (MOQ).
* Production time.
* Estimated shipping cost and delivery time.
* Available technical datasheets and certificates.
* Possible import costs, where these can be verified.
* Your professional recommendation and comparison with alternative products.

We need reliable research and useful recommendations, not just links copied from websites.

6. Payment and working arrangement

We do not pay by the hour.

We prefer a results-based working arrangement with clearly agreed deliverables.

First stage – Paid trial project:

* We will agree on a specific research assignment and a fixed price before starting.
* Payment will be made if the freelancer delivers satisfactory results that meet the agreed requirements.
* The trial will help us evaluate the quality of research, technical knowledge, communication and sourcing skills.

Second stage – Monthly collaboration:

If the trial is successful, we would like to establish a long-term monthly collaboration.

* A fixed monthly payment will be agreed in advance.
* Monthly minimum objectives and deliverables will be clearly defined.
* Payment will be based on the agreed objectives and quality of work, not the number of hours worked.
* The workload and objectives can increase as the collaboration develops.

Please include your proposed fixed price for the trial project and your expected monthly fee.

7. Important conditions

* We are looking for an independent freelancer, not an agency.
* No hourly billing.
* All supplier contacts and original product links must be disclosed.
* No hidden commissions or payments from suppliers.
* We will communicate with and pay suppliers directly.
* Transparency, reliability and long-term cooperation are essential.

8. To apply, please answer the following questions

1. Where are you currently based?
2. Are you a native Mandarin speaker?
3. What is your English level?
4. How many years of sourcing experience do you have?
5. Have you worked with construction materials or architectural products?
6. Which Chinese sourcing platforms do you use regularly?
7. Do you have experience negotiating directly with manufacturers?
8. Do you have experience arranging international shipments to Cambodia or Southeast Asia?
9. Can you provide examples of previous sourcing projects?
10. What fixed price would you propose for an initial trial assignment?
11. What monthly fixed fee would you expect for an ongoing collaboration based on agreed objectives?

We are looking for someone knowledgeable, proactive, detail-oriented and capable of becoming a reliable long-term sourcing partner.