Supplier Quality Assurance Specialist

Our Company/Job SummaryThe Supplier Quality Assurance Specialist partners with Ghirardelli Quality, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Research and Development teams to assess and qualify potential new suppliers and third party packaging partners in support of Ghirardelli initiatives. This individual will be required to develop close working relationships with key Ghirardelli supplier, co-manufacturer, and co-packer technical resources to provide supply chain quality support. This specialist is involved in new product and process start-up activities, and will provide problem solving and troubleshooting support as required for project initiatives. The Supply Quality Specialist is an active member of the product commercialization team and participates in the assessment and approval of outside vendors. This individual performs audits of ingredient and packaging suppliers against Ghirardelli Food Safety and Quality policies, identifying deficiencies and requesting follow-up on corrective actions. They drive resolution of vendor non-conformances and influence supply base quality best practice improvement.

Scope of ResponsibilitiesRecommend approval or rejection of potential new suppliers, ingredients, or packaging based on thorough assessments of quality and food safety systems against Ghirardelli policies. Effectively communicate decisions to internal and external partiesManage corrective and preventative actions for Ghirardelli supplier quality-related issues and non-conformances, or food safety / quality system deficienciesParticipate as a member of innovation business teams and take the lead on initiatives involving Ghirardelli quality policies, procedures, and requirementsComplete requested customer questionnaires communicating food safety and quality complianceDevelop value-added working relationships with key suppliers, co-manufacturers, and co-packersMaintain Kosher requirements for ingredients and finished productsManage Supply Quality system databases as the primary Ghirardelli interface with key co-manufacturers and suppliersAssemble team of internal experts to solve food safety and/or quality problems or deficienciesEffectively interpret and communicate Ghirardelli food safety and quality policies to internal business associates and to external partnersSupport regulatory and 3rd party food safety auditsDevelop and implement best practices while driving continuous improvementTraveling required: at least 25 – 55%

Specific Knowledge & SkillsMust have a thorough understanding of Quality Management Systems, Food Safety, and local, state, and federal regulationsStrong understanding of FSMA, GMP, HACCP, IPM, EMP, analytical testing, and food microbiology, allergen handling, etc.Very strong interpersonal skills based on collaboration, respect, and accountabilityProven problem-solving skill set with the ability to prioritize and apply sound logic in decision makingExperience creating and reviewing high level technical specifications and documents that can withstand scrutiny by regulatory agenciesExcellent written and verbal communication skills.Ability to work with individuals at all levels within the organization.Ability to multi task in a fast-paced environment.Excellent organization and prioritization skillsExcellent computer skills with working knowledge of MS Office

Salary Range: $80,546 - $104,700