Supplier Quality Engineer

JonnyPops•Plymouth, MN

44d•$135,000 - $150,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for ensuring that all raw materials, ingredients, packaging, and externally manufactured products (co-man partnership) consistently meet company standards for quality, food safety, and regulatory compliance. This position is a strategic partner to the Supply Chain/Procurement, Operations, and R&D teams, collaboratively driving supplier development, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives. The SQE will own the supplier quality management program, including risk assessments, audits, scorecard development, corrective actions, and long-term performance tracking. This role is highly visible and directly impacts product quality, food safety, and operational success.

Requirements

PCQI (preventive controls qualified individual) for Human Foods certification required.
5+ years of quality, supplier quality, or food safety experience in food manufacturing or related industry.
Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong understanding of FDA/USDA regulations, GMP, FSMA, HACCP, and GFSI requirements.
Demonstrated experience conducting supplier audits.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
Ability to travel up to 25–30% for supplier audits and site visits.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Strong planning and organization skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with SQF and additional GFSI schemes highly desired
Training in supplier audit techniques (ASQ, FSPCA, or similar).
Experience implementing supplier scorecards or performance management systems.
Experience with TraceGains a plus.
Naturally curious, with an appreciation for ambiguity and the ability to embrace the “test and learn” mentality in pursuit of continuous improvement.
Alignment to our mission to spread kindness – JonnyPops is a kindness-based company
Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.

Responsibilities

Own and maintain the supplier approval, qualification, and onboarding process for raw material suppliers, packaging suppliers, co-manufacturers, and 3PL/warehousing partners
Partner with Supply Chain/Procurement and R&D to qualify new suppliers, co-manufacturers, and materials prior to first use
Maintain the Approved Supplier List and supplier qualification files, ensuring ongoing compliance with regulatory and certification requirements (FSMA, SQF, Kosher, Organic, etc.)
Develop and maintain a risk-based tiering model for suppliers, co-manufacturers, and 3PL/logistics partners, factoring in food safety history, product risk category, geographic risk, financial stability, and certification status
Use risk tiering to set audit frequency, scorecard scrutiny, and on-site visit cadence, prioritizing travel and hands-on oversight toward the highest-risk suppliers and partners
Maintain the supplier risk register and escalate emerging risks to FSQA and Procurement leadership
Lead and document supplier and co-manufacturer corrective action processes, including root cause analysis and verification of effectiveness (in partnership with Operations and Plant FSQA through Material Defect documentation)
Track corrective actions to closure and escalate repeat or unresolved issues to supplier/co-manufacturer leadership and internal stakeholders
Conduct on-site and remote audits of raw material/packaging suppliers, co-manufacturers, and 3PL/warehousing facilities
Manage audit scheduling, execution, reporting, and follow-up activities
Collaborate with Supply Chain/Procurement to address audit findings and implement supplier improvement plans
Develop and manage performance scorecards for suppliers, co-manufacturers, and 3PL partners, tracking metrics such as quality, food safety, service, and continuous improvement
Provide regular feedback to suppliers and internal stakeholders on performance and progress; lead periodic business reviews with top and highest-risk partners
Work with Supply Chain/Procurement to integrate supplier, co-manufacturer, and 3PL performance into sourcing and contract renewal decisions
Support R&D and Operations in new product development and commercialization
Assist in training needs for internal teams, suppliers, co-manufacturers, and 3PL partners on quality and food safety expectations as needed
Ensure supplier programs align with company food safety and quality policies
Review supplier COAs, allergen documentation, and verification testing
Assist with regulatory, certification, and customer audits related to supplier quality
Act as a technical resource for supplier-related quality investigations