Supplier Quality Specialist

Description: About Amy's At Amy's Kitchen, we're more than just a food company-we're a family-owned, proudly independent organic, and vegetarian food company on a mission. As a Certified B Corporation, our purpose is clear: to make it simple and enjoyable for everyone to eat well. We're committed to crafting authentic, mouthwatering dishes using only the finest organic ingredients sourced with care. From farm to table, we ensure top-notch quality in every bite, making healthy eating accessible and convenient for all. At Amy's, we're not just serving meals; we're serving up a taste of goodness, one delicious dish at a time. Perks are as delicious as our meals! Comprehensive health plans with Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage, plus Flexible Spending Accounts. Mental health support with Modern Health to nourish your and your family's mental well-being. 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer match and Financial Wellness support at no cost to plan for the future. Referral Rewards and Scholarship Program to celebrate and invest in our teams. Tuition Reimbursement Program to fuel your educational pursuits. Paid parental leave for new parents. Paid Time Off for vacations and sick days, with 9 paid US Holidays annually to savor those special moments. Amy's product discount reimbursement to keep your pantry stocked, plus remote gym discounts to keep you moving and grooving! Join us and indulge in a career where the benefits are as fulfilling as our food! Bay area California Compensation: $75,200-$112,800 Other locations will be subject to a lower range. This position is only open to residents of California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Montana, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming. The Supplier Quality Specialist works in the Supplier Quality Department at Amy's Kitchen and is responsible for the safety and quality of raw materials within his or her raw material category (such as Dairy, Fruits & Vegetables, Pulses & Grains, Exotic, Packaging etc.). This position will work very closely with Amy's Sourcing Department on supplier selection, qualification, performance management, risk management, supply assurance, corrective action and issue resolution. The Supplier Quality Specialist will also regularly interface with Amy's Manufacturing Department, Legal, Regulatory Affairs, Culinary and Consumer Relations in connection with matters and claims arising out of safety and quality issues from the raw materials, and will have goals around case attainment and claim recovery related to raw materials. This position will represent Amy's in connection with dealings with raw material suppliers and vendors and is therefore expected to be a professional representative for Amy's at all times while on the job. The Supplier Quality Specialist will assist with a range of tasks related to maintaining quality raw materials such as: assisting with specification development and compliance, raw material usage and handling, regulatory and procedural compliance, supplier development and document management. This position is expected to provide technically based information that will help assure the consistent receipt of raw materials which meet Amy's specifications. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but not limited to the following: Acts as technical resource for the company by researching raw materials and having a strong understanding of Amy's raw material requirements and the constraints of suppliers by having in-depth technical knowledge of all raw materials within the category (functionality, performance, where used in Amy's recipes, food safety and supply chain risks etc. ) Shall keep current on latest scientific and regulatory news/decisions which effect ingredients within his/her category. Plan, prepare and execute supplier audits as directed by management, risk assessment or regulatory requirement in order to assure the maintenance of Amy's quality standards and supplier expectations. Responsible for final approval of raw material specifications including all sensory, functionality, food safety, regulatory and quality requirements. Responsible for resolving discrepancies between supply chain capability and Amy's specifications including escalating issues as appropriate to upper management. Assist Sourcing in the supplier selection process by providing a quality and food safety perspective during strategic sourcing events for established raw materials and during the product and process design phase of new products. Responsible for supplier approval including reviewing and approving supplier documentation, conducting qualification audits, and resolving gaps to bring suppliers in-line with Amy's quality and food safety requirements. Responsible for monitoring the safety and quality performance of all suppliers within their category, taking action where needed to raise performance levels and preparing presentations and reports for internal and external customers based on performance data. Responsible for maintaining quality metrics for all suppliers within their category. Responsible for the supplier corrective action program within their category including preparing supplier corrective action request documents, contacting suppliers with the request, ensuring timely resolution of the request and ultimately approving the supplier's response to the request. Acts as an intermediate between Amy's manufacturing team and the supplier to resolve non-conformance to the satisfaction of both parties. Responsible for continuous improvement of all raw material suppliers within their category including leading teams responsible for analyzing raw material problems, developing plans for resolution and ensuring resolution using continuous improvement techniques (e.g. 8D problem solving). Responsible for maintaining professional relationships with all relevant supplier staff (Quality and Manufacturing Staff) within their category to ensure effective communication and resolution of problems. Responsible for on-site supplier support ensuring all quality and food safety requirements are met during production runs of Amy's raw materials. Responsible for raw material risk assessment, assigning appropriate measures to mitigate risk (testing and receipt inspection) and escalating and resolving high risk raw materials with internal partners (R&D, Manufacturing and Sourcing). Maintains a working knowledge of environmental monitoring programs, pathogen control strategies, preventive controls, sanitation systems, and process validation principles applicable to assigned raw materials. Actively contribute to team projects by collaborating effectively with colleagues, sharing expertise, and supporting the achievement of collective goals. It is the responsibility of all employees to uphold the mission of the Amy's Food Safety and Quality Policy. This includes following all Food Safety and Sustainability programs and participating in all required training. Other duties as assigned.