What You Will Do- Support Freshpet approved supplier and supplier management programs
- Lead supplier qualification activities within quality assessments, review of internal test plans, quality management software and related documentation updates
- Maintain standards of supplier performance and report on performance
- Perform risk assessments based on strong knowledgebase in food safety systems, manufacturing and supply chain
- Analyze supplier data and trends; assessing supplier capabilities
- Review supplier documentation packages in detail, identifying gaps and risks within information presented
- Lead on-site facility audits for suppliers, when required
- Suggest and lead continuous improvement projects with suppliers to drive down supply disruptions, increase supply robustness and promote innovation
- Establish and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with Freshpet suppliers
- Participate proactively with suppliers in improvement projects
- Confidently review quality metrics with suppliers, organized presentation in supplier business reviews
- Manage raw material nonconformance reporting process, for specified supplier categories
- Perform, document and review clear and concise investigations of nonconforming events; directly communicating to suppliers
- Promote corrective action driven responses from suppliers
- Administer corrective action responses and track effectiveness of responses
- Accurately communicate and manage disposition of associated raw material hold and releases
- Proactively communicate to larger team when there are response delays or inventory constraints, due to nonconformances
- Improve and maintain quality systems software and supplier tracking tools
- Exhibits proficiency in quality management software usage, workflow maintenance and supplier interface within system
- Act as primary liaison between Freshpet and supplier for quality management set-up and maintenance
- Suggest and support enhancements within quality management system
- Enforce and improve raw material sampling and testing programs
- Collaborate with suppliers on specification alignment and compliance commitment
- Assist in interpretation of trend data for raw materials and navigate potential supplier responses
- Review new and existing raw material specifications
- Support and aid in training of Supplier Quality team members; establishing project work groups as needed
- Lead training and assist in development of training plans related to supplier or raw material management
- Develop and review SOPs and work instructions for raw material and approved supplier programs
- Assume additional related responsibilities as necessary
How You Will Make an Impact- Strong documentation and technical writing skills
- Very strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Understands directives and can balance work tasks with minimal oversight
- Exceptional critical thinking
- Facilitate strong supplier relationships, maintaining transparency and trust in exchange of information and data
- Autonomous
- Sound ethics, assertive and takes initiative in promoting Quality standards
- Thorough understanding of FSMA, HACCP, GFSI and compliance in food safety programs
- Intermediate skills in computers with quality databases and trend/statistical analyses
What you will Bring - Bachelor's degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Engineering required.
- 3+ years within a Quality Assurance Leadership/Program Management position, proven experience with external relationship management - food manufacturing experience preferred
- Willing to travel up to 30%
What We OfferThe range for this position is: $95,000 - $110,000
At Freshpet, we offer a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance, basic and optional life insurance, short- and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts, and a 401(k) plan with company match, paid parental leave, pet insurance, tuition assistance, a generous PTO plan and so much more!
