Supplier Quality Specialist

Select Milk•La Crosse, WI

About The Position

The Supplier Quality Specialist assists the Supplier Quality Supervisor with the supplier management program, including supplier documentation analysis and maintenance in TraceGains, risk assessment of new suppliers, ingredients, and packaging, and supplier audits when needed. The position may be based onsite, hybrid, or remotely in the United States, with travel of up to 20–30%. The stated schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. The role supports supplier compliance and food safety by reviewing and maintaining supplier and item-level documentation, conducting risk assessments, managing TraceGains connections and alerts, and following up on supplier feedback and complaints. It also contributes to supplier audits, change control, CAPA maintenance, and continuous improvement of quality and food safety programs. The specialist is expected to understand and follow Good Manufacturing Practices and facility safety requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or another science-related field; an equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.
At least three years of experience in Quality at a food manufacturing business.
Understand and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices.
Follow facility safety rules and procedures and support safety policies and programs.

Nice To Haves

HACCP certification preferred.
SQF Practitioner certification preferred.
PCQI certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Travel to suppliers and co-manufacturers to conduct audits as needed.
Assist the Supplier Quality Supervisor and/or Quality Assurance Manager in maintaining compliance with the supplier management program and serve as the point person for assigned programs.
Help ensure supplier- and item-level documentation is gathered and reviewed in TraceGains, using risk analysis to determine whether approval or denial is appropriate.
Document risk assessments in TraceGains and ensure appropriate controls are implemented.
Build and maintain TraceGains connections and investigate declined connections to improve document gathering.
Monitor supplier email alerts in TraceGains and manage supplier feedback.
Gather and review expired, missing, and awaiting-approval supplier and item-level documents for existing items in TraceGains.
Complete assigned tasks in ConXus in a timely manner.
Assess food fraud risk for assigned items using SmartAlerts in TraceGains.
Help compile information and submit supplier complaints through Corrective Action Requests (CARs) in TraceGains when facility issues result in supplier complaints.
Reduce food safety risk by periodically conducting in-person and virtual supplier audits.
Improve quality and food safety programs through ongoing supplier evaluation.
Enter change control records as needed.
Assist with maintenance of the CAPA program where applicable.
Understand and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices.
Stop observed unsafe acts, follow facility safety rules and procedures, correct or report safety hazards, and support safety policies and programs.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package focused on physical, financial, and emotional health, including standard health, dental, and vision benefits.
Paid Time Off.
Paid holidays off.
Uniform program.
Shoe allowance.
Onsite gym.
Career advancement opportunities.
Leadership development opportunities.
Opportunities to support local communities.
Opportunity to apply best practices in sustainability and environmental initiatives.