Quality Assurance Specialist - Supplier

Job Overview:The Quality Assurance Specialist, Supplier Quality is responsible for supporting the development, implementation, and maintenance of supplier quality management programs to ensure compliance with food safety, quality, regulatory, and customer requirements. The successful candidate will manage supplier approvals, ingredient and packaging compliance programs, supplier performance monitoring, audit readiness, and risk assessments to ensure only approved and compliant materials are used in production.
Schedule: Monday to Friday (occasional travel required)
Key Responsibilities:

Responsible for approving new suppliers and ensuring compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
Review and approve ingredient and packaging documentation to ensure compliance with GFSI standards, allergen control programs, GMO requirements, Prop 65, and other applicable regulations.
Manage investigations related to non-conforming ingredients and packaging materials through the Unacceptable Material Report (UMR) process.
Evaluate and approve substitute raw materials and ingredients when required.
Support the management of the Sensitive Ingredient Program, including ingredient screening, risk assessments, and escalation processes.
Monitor supplier performance by collecting, analyzing, and reporting supplier quality data and trends.
Assist in the development and maintenance of supplier scorecards and supplier performance metrics.
Lead and participate in internal and external audits related to supplier quality management programs.
Support supplier risk assessments, allergen reviews, and supplier qualification activities.
Collaborate with Sourcing, Product Development, Supply Chain, Regulatory Affairs, and Plant Quality teams on supplier quality matters.
Communicate directly with suppliers regarding food safety requirements, corrective actions, and quality expectations.
Support continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen supplier quality programs and reduce supplier-related risks.
Perform other duties as assigned. [JD_Quality...rch 7 2024 | Word]

Recipe for Success:

College Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Food Science or a related field.
Minimum 3 years of Quality Assurance experience within the food manufacturing industry.
Strong knowledge of supplier quality management programs and food safety systems.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify risks and implement solutions.
Experience managing supplier corrective actions and non-conformance investigations.
Proven ability to build effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
High level of professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail.

Skills Required:

Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, including Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Teams.
Strong reporting, data analysis, and documentation skills.
Knowledge of CFIA, Health Canada, FDA, USDA, GFSI, HACCP, and food manufacturing quality systems.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional environment.
Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills.
Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
Excellent prioritization and time-management skills in a fast-paced environment.
Understanding of cost of quality principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
Ability and willingness to travel to supplier and plant locations as required.

Working Conditions:

Combination of office and manufacturing environment.
Frequent travel to supplier and manufacturing locations.
Occasional exposure to production environments, machinery traffic, and elevated noise levels.
Light to moderate physical activity, including walking, bending, and climbing.
Occasional lifting of items up to 44 lbs.