Vendor and Ingredient Specialist
About The Position
The Vendor and Ingredient Specialist supports supplier and raw-material approval activities and maintains complete, accurate, and current vendor and ingredient records. The role includes setting up and linking suppliers in TraceGains, closing documentation gaps, maintaining TraceGains and related systems, and preparing supplier and material information for approval, customer requirements, and risk review. The specialist coordinates supplier and material documentation setup, works with Purchasing or Sourcing to resolve issues, and trains suppliers as needed. They review documentation against company, customer, regulatory, SQF/GFSI, organic, and GFCO requirements; monitor documentation aging, approvals, and supplier performance; and ensure records are correctly linked, current, and retained in the designated systems. The role also tracks and follows up on missing or inadequate documentation, escalates unresolved concerns, and maintains custom dashboards and automated workflows for standard documentation reviews.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Supply Chain, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
- Four or more years of experience in supplier quality, technical services, regulatory, food safety, or procurement support.
- Experience with supplier documentation, raw-material specifications, databases, and cross-functional follow-up.
- Strong attention to detail, organization, follow-through, and written communication.
- Ability to collaborate professionally with suppliers and internal stakeholders while escalating issues appropriately.
- Self-directed, detail-oriented, and committed to data integrity.
- Organized and able to manage multiple records, requests, and deadlines.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills appropriate to the role.
- Willingness to address difficult situations with patience and respect.
- Enthusiasm for food and commitment to safe, high-quality products.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate and implement supplier and material documentation setup within TraceGains.
- Collaborate with Purchasing or Sourcing to resolve setup difficulties and train suppliers as needed.
- Review documentation against Kettle Cuisine, customer, regulatory, SQF/GFSI, organic, and GFCO requirements.
- Report on documentation aging, approvals, and supplier performance.
- Ensure supplier and material records are complete, current, correctly linked, and retained in TraceGains or the designated system.
- Track missing, expired, incomplete, inconsistent, conditional, or rejected documentation and follow up with suppliers and cross-functional team members to close gaps.
- Escalate unresolved supplier, material, or risk issues using established protocols.
- Maintain and develop custom dashboards and automated workflows for standard documentation reviews.
- Model and support Kettle Cuisine’s Core Values and safety culture.
- Develop individual team members and their careers.
- Create a culture of accountability and performance.
- Drive a focus on quality assurance and continuous improvement.
- Plan work, track results, and resolve issues.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
