Sr Supplier Quality Manager Ingredients

Sargento Foods Inc.; Elkhart Lake (WI); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the food industry seeks a Supplier Quality professional to oversee food safety and quality assurance programs. The role involves supplier management, compliance with food safety standards, and leading a small team. Ideal candidates will have a relevant degree and significant experience in quality management, with opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical including Fertility, Adoption benefits, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Flexible Work Week

Onsite Health & Wellness Center

Employer 401K contribution in the top 1% of the nation

Relocation Assistance

Tuition Assistance

Access to Employee Store

Qualifications

• 5 years of relevant experience in food safety and quality management.
• Certifications such as CQA, CHA, CFSQA, or equivalents preferred.
• Expected to obtain Preventive Control Qualified Individual Certification within 1 year.

Responsibilities

• Leads and assesses supplier food safety plans and completes risk assessments.
• Coordinates raw material risk and vulnerability assessments.
• Designs and implements food safety and quality training programs.

Skills

Food Safety Management

Quality Assurance

Auditing

Statistical Analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Quality, Math, or related field

Job description

Ensures and supports the administration of the company’s food safety and quality systems. Assures safe, quality, and legal products from our suppliers by planning, coordinating, and supervising suppliers’ food safety and quality assurance programs to ensure continuous production of raw materials and/or External Warehouses. Meets established standards by performing the following duties personally or through subordinates.

Your Story.

You will ensure and support the administration of the company’s food safety and quality systems. You will assure safe, quality, and legal products from our suppliers by planning, coordinating, and supervising suppliers’ food safety and quality assurance programs designed to ensure continuous production of raw materials and/or External Warehouses. You will meet established standards by performing the following duties personally or through subordinates.

Your Passion. Our Culture.

At Sargento, you work for a company you believe in, with a family of people who believe in you. Our culture stems from a simple premise: hire good people and treat them like family. You can make decisions based on their impact on people and the long-term health of our company. You are encouraged to make a meaningful difference in the community, in the company, and in your career. With diverse experiences and tools to learn and develop, you can transform your aspirations into reality. If you’re ready for the right place to belong and grow your career, you can find it here.

Benefits that set us apart.

• Comprehensive medical including Fertility, Adoption benefits, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Work Week
  • Hybrid work schedule – Onsite Tuesday – Thursday with the option to work remotely Monday and Friday
  • Compressed work week – Option of ½ day Friday
• Onsite Health & Wellness Center
• Employer 401K contribution in the top 1% of the nation
• Relocation Assistance
• Tuition Assistance
• Access to Employee Store

What You Do.

• Assumes a leadership role within Supplier Quality and acts as a technical resource for raw materials and/or External Warehouses.
• Interprets food safety and quality standards to key personnel in the organization and to suppliers.
• Represents Food Safety & Quality on projects. Acts as a SME for product category, in conjunction with R&D, Legal, Strategic Sourcing & Procurement, Food Safety, and other relevant departments.
• Establishes and maintains internal and external relationships within the food safety and quality community.
• Supports the selection, qualification, and approval of Suppliers/Co-Packers/Warehouses by partnering with Strategic Sourcing & Procurement, R&D, Manufacturing, Food Safety & Quality, and Legal.
• Leads and assesses supplier capabilities through visits, technical discussions, capability studies, and audits.
• Leads and assesses supplier food safety plans and completes supplier and material risk assessments to ensure food safety.
• Drives and monitors first production runs at Suppliers for food safety, product appearance, functionality, performance, and adherence to specifications working with R&D.
• Reviews Supplier Quality Evaluations, third-party audits, and conducts Food Safety Audits to determine supplier approval status.
• Reviews supplier supporting documents and records, analyzes data to ensure materials meet or exceed standards throughout shelf-life, and works with suppliers to establish specifications.
• Coordinates raw material risk and vulnerability assessments, including microbiological, chemical, and physical hazard evaluations.
• Develops and implements inspection criteria, procedures, plans, and sampling for raw materials/Co-Pack Finished Goods.
• Supports nonconformance processes, communicates quality and food safety issues, and develops corrective actions.
• Applies quality management tools for continuous improvement, and develops and analyzes statistical data and product specifications.
• Participates in supplier performance reviews and investigates customer complaints related to suppliers.
• Works with customers to establish specifications, review supplier agreements, and resolve quality concerns.
• Monitors and addresses supplier recalls and notices of adulteration.
• Maintains or supports the Supplier Proficiency Testing Program and laboratory data accuracy.
• Identifies areas for improvement to enhance food safety and quality.
• Supports initiatives to reduce costs.
• Designs and implements food safety and quality training programs for key personnel.
• Develops and manages the department’s annual budget.
• Supervises 1-5 employees in the Supplier Quality Department, including hiring, training, and performance management.
• Other duties as assigned. Must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel up to 50%.

Your Education and Experience.

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Quality, Math, or related field, plus 5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in food safety and quality management preferred.
• Auditing experience preferred.
• Expected to obtain Preventive Control Qualified Individual Certification within 1 year.
• Certifications such as CQA, CHA, CFSQA, or equivalents, and HACCP certification are preferred. Maintaining ASQ certifications like CSQP or CMQ/OE is recommended.

Our Story.

With over 2,400 employees and nearly $1.8 billion in sales, Sargento is a family-owned leader in cheese for over 70 years. Based in Plymouth, Wisconsin, we produce shredded, sliced, and snack cheeses, along with ingredients and sauces. Known for product quality and innovation, we continue to transform the industry.

Visit our website at https://careers.sargento.com/us/en to learn more about our culture and values.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer complies with federal employment laws and provides the "Know Your Rights" notice from the Department of Labor.