Quality Release & Raw Materials Specialist
About The Position
Are you ready to take your skills to the next level and make a real impact? IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences. We deliver sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products. Food Ingredients: Innovating improved nutritional profiles, better taste and texture, and greater cost efficiency to meet the needs of global food and beverage manufacturers. The role is based on Cedar Rapids, IA (On- site role). Be part of a creative, solution-oriented team where together we can achieve greatness and make a real impact. Your potential is our inspiration. Where You’ll Make a Difference Coordinate pre-shipment sampling and in-house testing of critical raw materials to support raw material qualification and release. Manage raw material and finished product release status within QAD and Sample Manager LIMS. Approve product labels and coordinate Certificates of Analysis (COAs) required for product release. Coordinate the shipment of samples to third-party laboratories for external testing of raw materials and finished products. Determine non-routine raw material testing frequency based on risk assessments and supply chain considerations. Implement and maintain raw material risk mitigation programs to ensure food safety and compliance. Manage retention and reference samples for raw materials and finished goods. Communicate raw material issues, delays, or risks to supply chain, operations, management, and RD&I teams to support timely decision-making.
Requirements
- 3+ years of experience in a Quality role within Ready-to-Eat (RTE) food manufacturing or regulated food environments.
- Strong understanding of food safety systems, raw material controls, and inventory management principles.
- Working knowledge of ERP and quality systems (QAD, LIMS preferred).
- High level of attention to detail with strong documentation and data management skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel and Word.
- Ability to work effectively with third-party vendors and external laboratories.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to clearly present findings and recommendations.
- Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally in a hands-on, fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or a related technical field.
- Experience conducting raw material risk assessments and supplier qualification activities.
- Knowledge of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
Responsibilities
- Coordinate pre-shipment sampling and in-house testing of critical raw materials to support raw material qualification and release.
- Manage raw material and finished product release status within QAD and Sample Manager LIMS.
- Approve product labels and coordinate Certificates of Analysis (COAs) required for product release.
- Coordinate the shipment of samples to third-party laboratories for external testing of raw materials and finished products.
- Determine non-routine raw material testing frequency based on risk assessments and supply chain considerations.
- Implement and maintain raw material risk mitigation programs to ensure food safety and compliance.
- Manage retention and reference samples for raw materials and finished goods.
- Communicate raw material issues, delays, or risks to supply chain, operations, management, and RD&I teams to support timely decision-making.
Benefits
- Opportunity to join a growing startup backed by the global strength of IFF.
- Hands-on impact on food safety, quality, and production readiness.
- Collaborative, cross-functional working environment.
- Exposure to end-to-end quality systems and FSMS execution.
- Competitive benefits and development opportunities.
- Strong commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
