Supplier Quality Assurance Specialist

The Supplier Quality Assurance Specialist partners with Ghirardelli Quality, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Research and Development teams to assess and qualify potential new suppliers and third party packaging partners in support of Ghirardelli initiatives. This individual will be required to develop close working relationships with key Ghirardelli supplier, co-manufacturer, and co-packer technical resources to provide supply chain quality support. This specialist is involved in new product and process start-up activities, and will provide problem solving and troubleshooting support as required for project initiatives. The Supply Quality Specialist is an active member of the product commercialization team and participates in the assessment and approval of outside vendors. This individual performs audits of ingredient and packaging suppliers against Ghirardelli Food Safety and Quality policies, identifying deficiencies and requesting follow-up on corrective actions. They drive resolution of vendor non-conformances and influence supply base quality best practice improvement.

• Recommend approval or rejection of potential new suppliers, ingredients, or packaging based on thorough assessments of quality and food safety systems against Ghirardelli policies. Effectively communicate decisions to internal and external parties
• Manage corrective and preventative actions for Ghirardelli supplier quality-related issues and non-conformances, or food safety / quality system deficiencies
• Participate as a member of innovation business teams and take the lead on initiatives involving Ghirardelli quality policies, procedures, and requirements
• Complete requested customer questionnaires communicating food safety and quality compliance
• Develop value-added working relationships with key suppliers, co-manufacturers, and co-packers
• Maintain Kosher requirements for ingredients and finished products
• Manage Supply Quality system databases as the primary Ghirardelli interface with key co-manufacturers and suppliers
• Assemble team of internal experts to solve food safety and/or quality problems or deficiencies

• Effectively interpret and communicate Ghirardelli food safety and quality policies to internal business associates and to external partners
• Support regulatory and 3rd party food safety audits
• Develop and implement best practices while driving continuous improvement
• Traveling required: at least 25 – 55%

• Must have a thorough understanding of Quality Management Systems, Food Safety, and local, state, and federal regulations
• Strong understanding of FSMA, GMP, HACCP, IPM, EMP, analytical testing, and food microbiology, allergen handling, etc.
• Very strong interpersonal skills based on collaboration, respect, and accountability
• Proven problem-solving skill set with the ability to prioritize and apply sound logic in decision making
• Experience creating and reviewing high level technical specifications and documents that can withstand scrutiny by regulatory agencies
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work with individuals at all levels within the organization.
• Ability to multi task in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organization and prioritization skills
• Excellent computer skills with working knowledge of MS Office

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