Engineer - Supplier Quality (Food Safety and Quality Assurance)

Freshpet Talent Acquisition•Ennis, TX

1d•$95,000 - $110,000•Onsite

About The Position

At Freshpet, our goal is to change the way people nourish their pets forever. We strive to strengthen the bond between people and our pets so that we both live longer, healthier, and happier lives while being kind to the planet. We believe that if we can create fresh, real foods that pets love and help them live healthier lives, that their pet parents will also enjoy the many benefits of a rich life shared with a pet. IT’S AMAZING WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN YOU START COMPLETELY FRESH!

Requirements

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
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%

Responsibilities

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