Engineer - Supplier Quality; Food Safety and Quality Assurance

Position: Engineer - Supplier Quality (Food Safety and Quality Assurance)
Who We Are
At Freshpet, our goal is to change the way people nourish their pets forever. We strive to strengthen the bond between people and our pets so that we both live longer, healthier, and happier lives while being kind to the planet. We believe that if we can create fresh, real foods that pets love and help them live healthier lives, that their pet parents will also enjoy the many benefits of a rich life shared with a pet.

IT'S AMAZING WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN YOU START COMPLETELY FRESH!

What You Will Do

Support Freshpet approved supplier and supplier management programs

Lead supplier qualification activities within quality assessments, review of internal test plans, quality management software and related documentation updates

Maintain standards of supplier performance and report on performance

Perform risk assessments based on strong knowledgebase in food safety systems, manufacturing and supply chain

Analyze supplier data and trends; assessing supplier capabilities

Review supplier documentation packages in detail, identifying gaps and risks within information presented

Lead on-site facility audits for suppliers, when required

Suggest and lead continuous improvement projects with suppliers to drive down supply disruptions, increase supply robustness and promote innovation

Establish and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with Freshpet suppliers

Participate proactively with suppliers in improvement projects

Confidently review quality metrics with suppliers, organized presentation in supplier business reviews

Manage raw material nonconformance reporting process, for specified supplier categories

Perform, document and review clear and concise investigations of nonconforming events; directly communicating to suppliers

Promote corrective action driven responses from suppliers

Administer corrective action responses and track effectiveness of responses

Accurately communicate and manage disposition of associated raw material hold and releases

Proactively communicate to larger team when there are response delays or inventory constraints, due to nonconformances

Improve and maintain quality systems software and supplier tracking tools

Exhibits proficiency in quality management software usage, workflow maintenance and supplier interface within system

Act as primary liaison between Freshpet and supplier for quality management set-up and maintenance

Suggest and support enhancements within quality management system

Enforce and improve raw material sampling and testing programs

Collaborate with suppliers on specification alignment and compliance commitment

Assist in interpretation of trend data for raw materials and navigate potential supplier responses

Review new and existing raw material specifications

Support and aid in training of Supplier Quality team members; establishing project work groups as needed

Lead training and assist in development of training plans related to supplier or raw material management

Develop and review SOPs and work instructions for raw material and approved supplier programs

Assume additional related responsibilities as necessary

How You Will Make an Impact

Strong documentation and technical writing skills
Very strong interpersonal and communication skills
Understands directives and can balance work tasks with minimal oversight
Exceptional critical thinking

Facilitate strong supplier relationships, maintaining transparency and trust in exchange of information and data

Autonomous
Sound ethics, assertive and takes initiative in promoting Quality standards
Thorough understanding of FSMA, HACCP, GFSI and compliance in food safety programs

Intermediate skills in computers with quality databases and trend/statistical analyses

What you will Bring

Bachelor's degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Engineering required.
3+ years within a Quality Assurance Leadership/Program Management position, proven experience with external relationship management - food manufacturing experience preferred
Willing to travel up to 30%

What We Offer
The range for this position is: $95,000 - $110,000
At Freshpet, we offer a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance, basic and optional life insurance, short- and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts, and a 401(k) plan with company match, paid parental leave, pet insurance, tuition assistance, a generous PTO plan and so much more!
Our Commitment to a Diverse Workforce:
Freshpet is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are made without regards to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status (although applicants and employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States), uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by…