Hybrid QA Specialist: Supplier & Product Safety

Topco Associates LLC; Itasca (IL); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Topco Associates in Itasca, IL is seeking a Quality Assurance Specialist - Supplier Management for a hybrid role. The successful candidate will review supplier audits, ensure compliance with product safety standards, and drive continuous improvement across supplier performance and brand protection.

Working under the Senior QA Manager, you will collaborate with suppliers, product management, consumer center and members to resolve issues and develop new suppliers and products while maintaining

Qualifications

• Minimum four-year college degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Microbiology, Engineering, Chemistry or related field.
• Experience with audits, supplier management and product safety.
• Knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, FSMA rules and related regulatory requirements.
• 1-3 years in supermarket or QA/product safety role in supplier/processing industries.

Responsibilities

• Manages Topco supplier facilities approval process and third-party audits/certifications.
• Maintains supplier approvals and ensures RAQs and controls are adequate.
• Develops and reports supplier performance metrics for continuous improvement.
• Reviews manufacturing and QA records at supplier locations during onsite visits.
• Collaborates with recall coordination, suppliers, and members on quality issues.
• Evaluates new suppliers with Category Management, Sourcing and Marketing.
• Supports prompt resolution of consumer services issues with investigations.
• Ensures regulatory compliance for products and packaging when needed.
• Develops technical presentations on product evaluation techniques.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Quality Assurance

Supplier management

Root cause analysis

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Food Technology / Food Science

Tools

GMP knowledge

FSMA knowledge

Job description

Topco Associates in Itasca, IL is seeking a Quality Assurance Specialist - Supplier Management for a hybrid role. The successful candidate will review supplier audits, ensure compliance with product safety standards, and drive continuous improvement across supplier performance and brand protection.

Working under the Senior QA Manager, you will collaborate with suppliers, product management, consumer center and members to resolve issues and develop new suppliers and products while maintaining