NA Supplier Quality Engineer

Perfetti Van Melle•Erlanger, KY

About The Position

Perfetti Van Melle (makers of Mentos, Airheads, Trident, Dentyne and Bubblicious!) is one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of confectionery and chewing gum with global brands that are being enjoyed in more than 150 countries worldwide. We’re currently seeking a passionate and enthusiastic NA Supplier Quality Engineer to join our growing team.The Quality Engineer North America will be responsible for ensuring compliance with Group level policies, Food and Drug (FDA) regulations, certification body standards, and customer requirements for third-party business partners including suppliers, co-packers, co-manufacturers, and 3PLs. This role will partner with local quality teams to standardize supplier management practices including auditing, supplier documentation management, incoming material receipt related processes across North America sites and ensure systems are optimal at each location.

Requirements

A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree (required, STEM preferred)
3-5 years experience (preferably in a food manufacturing facility)
Food Safety/Food Defense
Knowledge of FDA
Understanding of FSSC22000 requirements
Auditor certification (or ability to obtain certification)
Working knowledge of problem-solving tools such as why/why, fishbone, root cause analysis

Responsibilities

Ownership of the PVM North America third party business partner approval process. Ensure adherence to Group policy and compliance to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, certification body standards, and PVM customer requirements for third party business partner management. Ensures the implementation, awareness and adherence to these policies across North America sites.
Partner with local Quality teams to assess supplier risk and conduct audits at appropriate intervals based on risk assessments.
Partner with local Quality and Procurement teams to report supplier performance metrics for North American sites, ensuring consistent monitoring and reporting. Assist local Quality with resolution of significant supplier and material quality concerns. Utilize process improvement tools to drive continuous improvements with underperforming suppliers and ensure robust corrective actions are implemented.
Ensure audits are conducted as required for all North American sites based on standardized supplier risk assessments and practices. Collaborate with local Quality teams to review yearly audit plans, optimize resource use for shared suppliers, and assist with local supplier audits as needed. Maintain approved supplier lists for North American co-packers, co-manufacturers, and 3PL sites, as agreed with local Quality teams. Oversee the transition from site-specific systems to a centralized hub for North America as the system is developed.
Lead the standardization of incoming material quality processes across North America sites for shared materials, including material testing, CoA verification, and methods for determining test frequency requirements. Ensure compliance with Group policy, FDA regulations, certification body standards, and PVM customer requirements for incoming materials.
Develop a streamlined Quality File for co-packers and co-manufacturers that meets all stakeholder requirements, including versioning and change management. Collaborate with internal and external partners to achieve shared goals and build a relationship system to support successful partnerships. Assist local Quality teams in preparing and sharing PVM technical documents with third party business partners as needed.