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!

• 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

• 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

• 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%

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…