Quality Assurance Manager, MT

Job Title: Quality Assurance Manager;
Merchant Trading

Department: Quality Assurance

Location: Springfield, MO, or approved remote location.

Reports To: Director Q&FS

Wage Plan/Exemption: Salaried

This position will directly support the Merchant Trading platform as the QA resource responsible for managing supplier–customer relationships regarding quality, documentation, specification development, product safety, and analytical evaluation for products offered by the platform. This position will also provide support by working cross-functionally with the corporate team, suppliers, and customers to provide guidance in support of Link One requirements and regulatory compliance.

This role will own the Organic certification and Document Control programs for the platform. Experience with document control platforms (Trace Gains, Reposi Trak, etc.) is desirable.

This role will work cross-functionally with the Merchant Trading platform leadership in support of commercial, food safety, and quality initiatives. It will ensure that new suppliers are appropriately onboarded and that they conduct business in a “food safe” manner consistent with USDA, FDA (FSMA), and Link One requirements. This role will assist in the support and implementation of corporate quality processes that effectively drive fundamental QA requirements, including Document Control, Corrective Actions, Customer Feedback, and Continuous Improvement.

This role may also be responsible for supporting continuous improvement of food safety systems and providing training on Corporate, Platform, and Site quality programs. Labor and material resources provided to this position will be managed in an efficient and effective manner. This role will support all safety programs, policies, and procedures, and will demonstrate a personal value system consistent with creating a work environment based on trust, human dignity, and honesty.

Include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Lead the supplier review and approval program for the Merchant Trading platform, including assessment of vendor and co-manufacturer sites for compliance with Link One food safety standards. Must be able to assess risk, propose solutions, and implement initiatives to continuously improve food safety compliance.
• Implement and maintain policies and procedures to help the platform comply with quality and food safety requirements, promote a culture of audit-readiness, and provide support to platform personnel while keeping commercial interests in mind.
• Own the Organic certification program and Document Control system for the Merchant Trading platform.
• Develop and maintain customer-facing quality documentation, including specifications, Certificates of Analysis, Letters of Guarantee, and related materials.
• Manage FSVP compliance files for applicable imported ingredients, serving as or supporting the Qualified Individual role in coordination with corporate FSQR leadership.
• Create and support systems for trending supplier performance and develop criteria for the disapproval of poor-performing suppliers.
• Provide the Director with clear visibility into platform priorities and quality status via scorecards, periodic reports, and ad hoc updates.
• Communicate effectively with internal customers and stakeholders, driving collaborative solutions where resources are constrained or suppliers have limited options.
• Assist in implementation and training on new procedures as needed.
• Support the Quality Team on specific or assigned projects.
• Cross-train on quality programs and initiatives within Link One to serve as an alternate to other platforms or QA managers as needed.
• The ability to work varying hours, including weekends, holidays, and overnight, may be required.
• Other tasks as assigned.

This position has 0 direct reports at hire.

This position may require up to 50% travel to supply, manufacturing, and customer facilities, including domestic and international overnight travel.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements…