Supplier Quality Analyst

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Take charge of supplier qualification, approval, onboarding, and ongoing performance management to ensure adherence to quality and food safety standards.

• Develop and sustain supplier quality processes, policies, metrics, and technical documentation to promote material quality and continuous improvement.

• Conduct Quality and Food Safety (Q&FS) risk assessments for low-, medium-, and high-risk raw materials and packaging, ensuring the identification and translation of microbiological, chemical, and physical risks into material specifications and verification programs.

• Gather and assess supplier documentation, certifications, and technical data to assist in material risk assessments and evaluate supplier controls for managing identified risks.

• Collaborate with Procurement and suppliers to review, align, and uphold material specifications, risk assessments, and quality expectations.

• Work together with Quality and Food Safety teams to establish inbound verification programs and material testing requirements based on risk assessments.

• Partner with Procurement, R&D, and Operations to facilitate ingredient and packaging modifications, innovation projects, and new product launches.

• Oversee and enhance the quality of inbound raw and packaging materials through KPIs, supplier performance metrics, verification activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Carry out supplier audits, initial assessments, and ongoing evaluations of low-, medium-, and high-risk suppliers to confirm the effectiveness of quality systems, food safety controls, and regulatory compliance.

• Represent Kevin’s Natural Foods at supplier facilities and ensure that suppliers maintain approved status and defined verification plans.

• Lead investigations related to raw material quality issues, non-conformances, and deviations by employing root cause analysis to determine disposition and implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).

• Establish and maintain processes for investigating supplier-related non-conformances in conjunction with Quality and Food Safety teams.

• Manage change control activities that impact material quality and food safety while maintaining supplier risk assessments and approved supplier status.

• Propel supplier development initiatives and utilize performance trends and data to enhance supplier capability, support sourcing strategies, and offer recommendations to management.

• Cultivate and maintain robust relationships with suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure consistent product quality and business continuity.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related field is preferred.

• 3–5 years of experience in Quality Assurance, Food Safety, Supplier Quality, or related technical roles within the food industry.

• Experience in managing supplier quality programs, supplier relationships, and material quality systems.

• Strong background in auditing supplier facilities and Quality Management Systems.

• Comprehensive understanding of Quality and Food Safety standards, including HACCP, GMP, FSSC 22000, and ISO 22000.

• Experience in conducting ingredient and material risk assessments and developing verification programs.

• Skilled in investigating material quality issues and implementing corrective actions through root cause analysis.

• Demonstrated problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.

• Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and establish strong supplier relationships.

• Excellent communication, organizational, and collaboration skills.

• HACCP certification is required.

• Lead Auditor certification (FSSC 22000 or equivalent) is preferred.

• GMP and ISO 22000 training is preferred.

• Willingness to travel up to 50%, including occasional short-notice travel.

🏝️ Benefits

• Bonus

• Benefits