SQA Lead - Essentials

Mars • Creve Coeur, MO

5d • Onsite

About The Position

As a Supplier Quality Assurance Lead at Mars, you will assure that raw materials are fit for purpose and meet or exceed the needs of regional manufacturing sites and end-users. The role focuses primarily on the Palatant and Essentials category and includes supplier process improvement, cost improvement initiatives, food, pet, and product safety, continuous quality improvement, supplier site visits, and audits.

The role requires functional experience in auditing, food materials, and food production activities. You will work extensively with Commercial buying and sourcing teams, manufacturing, product, packaging, and commodity development functions, with a focus on commodity categories ranging from high to low risk to ensure quality products for consumers. The position requires at least 50% travel and the ability to work in a manufacturing environment when necessary.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of experience in food manufacturing quality.
• Sound understanding of food safety, HACCP, and auditing.
• Understanding of GFSI auditing schemes.
• Training and experience in continuous improvement and problem solving.
• Competencies in planning and project management, managing and measuring work, and managing data through internal systems.
• Ability to travel a minimum of 50% of the time.
• Strong understanding of supply chain and physical capability to work in a manufacturing environment when necessary.
• Minimum of a BS degree.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

• A BS degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Engineering, or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assure the quality and consistency of raw materials, primarily within the Palatant and Essentials category.
• Provide inputs to material risk assessments and create and drive supplier improvement plans.
• Partner with Commercial Buying and Operations teams and site-based Quality Services to support supplier non-conformance investigations.
• Manage inbound supply risks, including material security, quality, food and product safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Perform supplier site audits and ensure completion of identified corrective actions.
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders in Commercial, R&D, and Supply.
• Perform supplier performance reviews and manage supplier performance metrics.
• Drive continuous improvement principles and problem-solving methodology across the manufacturing network.
• Ensure product conformance to specifications and requirements.
• Identify and execute cost improvement initiatives.
• Assure food, pet, and product safety and promote continuous quality improvement.

Benefits

• Industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
• Learning and development support from day one, including access to Mars University.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level