Supplier Compliance Specialist

Job Purpose

Support the effective implementation, execution, and management of the Supplier Quality Program by ensuring suppliers and co-manufacturers are in compliance with Rise Baking Company standards. Identify supplier risk by partnering with internal departments to ensure supplier complaints/claims are addressed in a timely manner, audits are completed as required, and supplier documentation is reviewed.

Essential Functions

• Ensure suppliers provide safe and wholesome materials through scheduled audits and/or document evaluation
• Work with internal departments to ensure supplier complaints are addressed in a timely manner and resolved adequately
• Work with internal departments to address claims against suppliers; work with finance department to streamline process for collecting claim money when due
• Perform supplier risk assessments to determine facility risk based on evaluation of performance, documentation, GFSI status, etc.
• Perform for-cause audits to investigate food safety or quality issues
• Schedule and perform routine supplier facility audits to ensure food safety and quality
• Write audit reports; request corrective actions for non-conformance findings as needed and follow up on corrective actions
• Perform new supplier approval assessments; review and recommend actions based on risk
• Perform risk assessments to ensure current suppliers and co-manufacturers meet quality assurance, food safety, and regulatory requirements
• Document and communicate supplier non-compliance activity and escalate appropriately
• Work with supplier management teams and co-manufacturer partners to evaluate programs and support development of food safety and quality programs; assess and mitigate any risks when reviewing supplier and co-manufacturer programs
• Provide timely and accurate supplier reviews; work with suppliers and co-manufacturers on corrective actions and closures
• Maintain Rise’s Supplier Quality Program policies and procedures to reflect current/best practices related to supplier compliance responsibilities
• Develop an annual audit plan for existing suppliers
• Manage audit records for supplier, company, and distributor partner visits; report monthly on progress and deviations
• Support the Regulatory and Supplier Quality team in quality system improvements, plant issues, customer quality, problem solving, and supplier quality
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Qualifications (Education, Experience, Competencies)

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, food science, or related discipline
• 3+ years of experience in food supplier auditing
• Experience in food manufacturing, food manufacturing risks, and processing systems preferred
• PCQI, Internal Auditor, HACCP, GFSI, ASQ certifications preferred
• Good understanding of PC applications such as SAP, TraceGains, and Microsoft Office preferred
• Understanding of Canadian regulations preferred
• Strong technical aptitude
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively with all levels and functions of the company
• Ability to organize, manage multiple priorities, and maintain high attention to detail in a fast-paced environment
• Self-motivated, goal oriented, quality driven, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision