Senior Fresh Produce QA Leader | Standards & Innovation

Kroger; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Kroger is seeking a seasoned Quality Standards Lead to own and drive fresh produce specifications across regions. You will liaison with suppliers, monitor grading and labeling, and guide the QA teams to uphold Kroger's fresh quality vision.

The role requires 5+ years in produce quality, USDA knowledge, and strong communication skills; travel up to 75% is expected to engage with suppliers and distribution centers.

Qualifications

• 5+ years delivering and/or setting produce quality standards.
• Comprehensive knowledge of USDA standards/requirements.
• A valid driver's license.
• Ability to determine colors.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Self-starter with urgency.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• General understanding of food safety requirements.
• Higher Degree agriculture related field.
• Any retail produce inspection experience or USDA inspection experience.

Responsibilities

• Own continuous improvement of produce specifications; liaison to suppliers for modifications.
• Build trust with community in market awareness; communicate advances in technology, packaging and innovation; stay on leading edge of fresh.
• Serve as SME in fruit and vegetable grades/specifications.
• Identify produce opportunity buys; coordinate with buyers for proper placement.
• Facilitate procurement of local produce for divisions; collaborate with buyers on crop impacts.
• Collaborate with Sourcing and Merchandising on RFP processes.
• Enhance vendor relationships and research new suppliers.
• Perform quality inspections to ensure USDA and Kroger standards.
• Understand tools for quality inspections (sizers, scales, calipers, measuring devices).
• Report vendor quality, supply volume and weather to stakeholders.
• Investigate solutions for supply chain efficiencies and freshness.
• Engage with industry on gene editing, food safety and sustainability.
• Represent Kroger at industry events and learning opportunities.
• Coordinate and document quality training materials; schedule training with QA teams.
• Travel up to 75% to growing regions and plants.

Skills

Produce quality standards

USDA standards

MS Office

Organizational skills

Written and verbal communication

Travel up to 75%

Education

Higher Degree agriculture related field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Kroger is seeking a seasoned Quality Standards Lead to own and drive fresh produce specifications across regions. You will liaison with suppliers, monitor grading and labeling, and guide the QA teams to uphold Kroger's fresh quality vision.

The role requires 5+ years in produce quality, USDA knowledge, and strong communication skills; travel up to 75% is expected to engage with suppliers and distribution centers.