Supplier Quality & Certification Manager

Once Again Nut Butter•Nunda, NY

About The Position

SUMMARY OF POSITION FUNCTION: The Supplier Quality & Certification Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining supplier quality programs to ensure all incoming ingredients, raw materials, and packaging meet company standards and regulatory requirements. This role oversees supplier qualification, ongoing performance monitoring, and compliance. The role manages the certifications for Once Again sites and co-manufacturing facilities including Organic, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, Kosher, and RSPO with support from site Quality Assurance Managers. The Supplier Quality Manager & Certification Manager collaborates cross-functionally with Procurement, R&D, Operations, and Regulatory teams to uphold product integrity, mitigate risks, and drive continuous improvement across the supplier network. ESSENTIAL/MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: · Adherence to and emulation of Company Core Values: Integrity, Collaboration, Passion, Impact, and Commitment . Function as a high performing team member with the values that support trust, interdependency and teamwork consistent with our Mission, Vision and Core Values. · Promotes organization in industry, manufacturing, or trade associations. Quality Assurance Principal Duties and Responsibilities : Supplier Compliance & Certification Management · This position is directly responsible for food safety and quality. · Lead the qualification, verification, and approval of new suppliers, ensuring alignment with company quality expectations and certification requirements. Maintain and monitor supplier compliance with USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project, Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), Kosher, and RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) standards. Review and validate supplier documentation, including certificates, affidavits, spec sheets, and audit reports. Ensure timely renewal and accuracy of all supplier-related certificates and claims. Once Again Compliance & Certification Management Lead the qualification, verification, and approval of new products and ingredients falling under Once Again certification requirements. Maintain and monitor Once Again facilities with USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project, Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), Kosher, and RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) standards, keeping facilities compliant to standards. Manage certification compliance audits at Once Again facilities as required with support from site Quality Assurance Managers. Supplier Audits & Performance Monitoring Plan, schedule, and conduct remote and on-site supplier audits to assess food safety, quality systems, traceability, and risk management. Evaluate supplier performance using KPIs such as COAs, defect rates, non-conformances, and scorecards. Drive corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes and follow up to ensure effective resolution. Risk Management & Food Safety Assess raw material and ingredient risks, focusing on allergens, contamination, fraud, and claim-sensitive categories. Support compliance with GFSI schemes, specifically SQF for Once Again facilities, FDA FSMA, HACCP, and other regulatory requirements. Manage supplier-related deviations, root cause analyses, recalls, and withdrawals when necessary. Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with Procurement to ensure strategic sourcing and supplier performance alignment. Partner with R&D on ingredient changes, material validations, and new product development. Collaborate with Operations and QA teams to resolve material-related manufacturing issues. Work with site Quality Managers and Food Safety Teams evaluating ingredient hazards and updating Food Safety Plans. Documentation & Record-Keeping Maintain up-to-date supplier files, certifications, audit reports, and quality agreements. Support internal and external audits by providing supplier documentation and traceability information. Oversee supplier quality databases and digital systems for tracking compliance and performance. Continuous Improvement Lead initiatives to enhance supplier quality programs, reduce risks, and strengthen supply chain transparency. Identify opportunities to optimize processes that support sustainability, certifications, and responsible sourcing. Provide training to internal teams on supplier compliance and claims-based ingredient management. · Keeps management team abreast of significant issues or developments identified during quality assurance activities and actions being taken to improve the situation. · Maintains a working knowledge of government and industry quality assurance codes and standards. · Plays an active role on quality management teams within the organization. Computer Skills · To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), QMS (Quality Management Systems) software, Supplier Management software, ERP software experience, Video conferencing software. Other Skills and Abilities Ability to travel domestically and internationally. ESOP Members Responsibilities : Attend meetings and contribute to company agendas; we insist upon quality and customer service to ensure our company's future. Note : This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as needed to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. Additional duties/responsibilities if deemed necessary will be assigned by your direct supervisor or a member of management staff.

Requirements

Strong understanding of food safety regulations (FSMA, HACCP, GFSI).
Experience conducting supplier audits and managing CAPA processes.
Knowledge of ingredient specifications, COAs, and traceability systems.
Proficiency with QA/QC software, ERP systems, and digital audit tools.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
B.S. Degree (preferably microbiology, chemistry, biology) preferred and/or equivalent combination of experience and education.
Certifications/Trainings: PCQI, HACCP, GFSI/SQF Practitioner, Food Defense, FSVP.
5+ years of experience in supplier quality, food safety, or quality assurance in the food or ingredients industry.
Experience with Organic Certification required.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), QMS (Quality Management Systems) software, Supplier Management software, ERP software experience, Video conferencing software.

Nice To Haves

Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, Kosher, and RSPO certification experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the qualification, verification, and approval of new suppliers, ensuring alignment with company quality expectations and certification requirements.
Maintain and monitor supplier compliance with USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project, Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), Kosher, and RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) standards.
Review and validate supplier documentation, including certificates, affidavits, spec sheets, and audit reports.
Ensure timely renewal and accuracy of all supplier-related certificates and claims.
Lead the qualification, verification, and approval of new products and ingredients falling under Once Again certification requirements.
Maintain and monitor Once Again facilities with USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project, Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), Kosher, and RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) standards, keeping facilities compliant to standards.
Manage certification compliance audits at Once Again facilities as required with support from site Quality Assurance Managers.
Plan, schedule, and conduct remote and on-site supplier audits to assess food safety, quality systems, traceability, and risk management.
Evaluate supplier performance using KPIs such as COAs, defect rates, non-conformances, and scorecards.
Drive corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes and follow up to ensure effective resolution.
Assess raw material and ingredient risks, focusing on allergens, contamination, fraud, and claim-sensitive categories.
Support compliance with GFSI schemes, specifically SQF for Once Again facilities, FDA FSMA, HACCP, and other regulatory requirements.
Manage supplier-related deviations, root cause analyses, recalls, and withdrawals when necessary.
Work closely with Procurement to ensure strategic sourcing and supplier performance alignment.
Partner with R&D on ingredient changes, material validations, and new product development.
Collaborate with Operations and QA teams to resolve material-related manufacturing issues.
Work with site Quality Managers and Food Safety Teams evaluating ingredient hazards and updating Food Safety Plans.
Maintain up-to-date supplier files, certifications, audit reports, and quality agreements.
Support internal and external audits by providing supplier documentation and traceability information.
Oversee supplier quality databases and digital systems for tracking compliance and performance.
Lead initiatives to enhance supplier quality programs, reduce risks, and strengthen supply chain transparency.
Identify opportunities to optimize processes that support sustainability, certifications, and responsible sourcing.
Provide training to internal teams on supplier compliance and claims-based ingredient management.
Keeps management team abreast of significant issues or developments identified during quality assurance activities and actions being taken to improve the situation.
Maintains a working knowledge of government and industry quality assurance codes and standards.
Plays an active role on quality management teams within the organization.
Attend meetings and contribute to company agendas; we insist upon quality and customer service to ensure our company's future.