The Supplier Quality Specialist works in the Supplier Quality Department at Amy's Kitchen and is responsible for the safety and quality of raw materials within his or her raw material category (such as Dairy, Fruits & Vegetables, Pulses & Grains, Exotic, Packaging etc.). This position will work very closely with Amy's Sourcing Department on supplier selection, qualification, performance management, risk management, supply assurance, corrective action and issue resolution. The Supplier Quality Specialist will also regularly interface with Amy's Manufacturing Department, Legal, Regulatory Affairs, Culinary and Consumer Relations in connection with matters and claims arising out of safety and quality issues from the raw materials, and will have goals around case attainment and claim recovery related to raw materials. This position will represent Amy's in connection with dealings with raw material suppliers and vendors and is therefore expected to be a professional representative for Amy's at all times while on the job. The Supplier Quality Specialist will assist with a range of tasks related to maintaining quality raw materials such as: assisting with specification development and compliance, raw material usage and handling, regulatory and procedural compliance, supplier development and document management. This position is expected to provide technically based information that will help assure the consistent receipt of raw materials which meet Amy's specifications.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but not limited to the following:
- Acts as technical resource for the company by researching raw materials and having a strong understanding of Amy's raw material requirements and the constraints of suppliers by having in-depth technical knowledge of all raw materials within the category (functionality, performance, where used in Amy's recipes, food safety and supply chain risks etc. ) Shall keep current on latest scientific and regulatory news/decisions which effect ingredients within his/her category.
- Plan, prepare and execute supplier audits as directed by management, risk assessment or regulatory requirement in order to assure the maintenance of Amy's quality standards and supplier expectations.
- Responsible for final approval of raw material specifications including all sensory, functionality, food safety, regulatory and quality requirements. Responsible for resolving discrepancies between supply chain capability and Amy's specifications including escalating issues as appropriate to upper management.
- Assist Sourcing in the supplier selection process by providing a quality and food safety perspective during strategic sourcing events for established raw materials and during the product and process design phase of new products.
- Responsible for supplier approval including reviewing and approving supplier documentation, conducting qualification audits, and resolving gaps to bring suppliers in-line with Amy's quality and food safety requirements.
- Responsible for monitoring the safety and quality performance of all suppliers within their category, taking action where needed to raise performance levels and preparing presentations and reports for internal and external customers based on performance data. Responsible for maintaining quality metrics for all suppliers within their category.
- Responsible for the supplier corrective action program within their category including preparing supplier corrective action request documents, contacting suppliers with the request, ensuring timely resolution of the request and ultimately approving the supplier's response to the request. Acts as an intermediate between Amy's manufacturing team and the supplier to resolve non-conformance to the satisfaction of both parties.
- Responsible for continuous improvement of all raw material suppliers within their category including leading teams responsible for analyzing raw material problems, developing plans for resolution and ensuring resolution using continuous improvement techniques (e.g. 8D problem solving).
- Responsible for maintaining professional relationships with all relevant supplier staff (Quality and Manufacturing Staff) within their category to ensure effective communication and resolution of problems.
- Responsible for on-site supplier support ensuring all quality and food safety requirements are met during production runs of Amy's raw materials.
- Responsible for raw material risk assessment, assigning appropriate measures to mitigate risk (testing and receipt inspection) and escalating and resolving high risk raw materials with internal partners (R&D, Manufacturing and Sourcing).
- Maintains a working knowledge of environmental monitoring programs, pathogen control strategies, preventive controls, sanitation systems, and process validation principles applicable to assigned raw materials.
- Actively contribute to team projects by collaborating effectively with colleagues, sharing expertise, and supporting the achievement of collective goals.
- It is the responsibility of all employees to uphold the mission of the Amy's Food Safety and Quality Policy. This includes following all Food Safety and Sustainability programs and participating in all required training.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONSTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Excellent interpersonal skills necessary to maintain effective and cordial working relationships, while at the same time coming to resolution on Amy's requirements.
- Excellent communication skills; ability to relate to and interface with suppliers on a technical level.
- Strong ability to multitask, prioritize projects and maintain focus.
- Must be flexible, resourceful and attentive to detail. Candidates must excel in completing investigations, and drawing conclusions from data.
- Ability to explain technical requirements clearly and concisely.
- Willingness and ability to understand and discern sensory attributes of ingredients.
- Ability to learn and use company ERP system.
- Excellent listening skills
- Professional attitude
- Ability to understand and report on technical documents or issues.
- Ability to conduct meetings and manage projects effectively.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Understands GMP, HACCP, HARPC, FSMA, FSVP, PCQI and relevant food regulatory and processing requirements.
- Computer literate; must have experience using Word and Excel at minimum.
- Reliable/dependable.
- Valid Driver's License and Passport.
- ASQ Certified Quality Auditor certification (preferred)
- HACCP Certification
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE- Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university Preferred (Sciences preferred, Food Science or Food Technology ideal);
- One to five years relevant experience and/or training
LANGUAGE SKILLS- Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, technical bulletins, specifications and legal documents.
- Ability to effectively present information to all levels of management and to suppliers.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS- Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference
- Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
REASONING ABILITY- Ability to clearly define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
- Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions and address abstract and concrete variables.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, cold (coolers and freezers) and hot (processing equipment) conditions, and moving mechanical parts.
- The noise level in the work environment can be loud.
TRAVEL- Estimated travel requirements have the potential to range between 25-50%.
