Job Description
The Value Creation Team accelerates activities that support our Business Continuity Workstream. The Supplier Quality Assurance - Development Specialist is responsible for the development and optimization of raw material quality and guarantee the quality of the raw materials delivered to our factories in collaboration with the sourcing, Q&FS, formulation & regulatory teams.
The role operates in a pet friendly, open office environment supporting natural pet nutrition and making the world a better place for pets.
What are we looking for?
- Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Chemistry, Food Science, Engineering, or similar technical field
- Need to satisfactorily completed during the first year an accredited Lead Auditor training course (or actively progressing towards this certification if a SQA auditor) to enable IRCA/RABQSA/or equivalent certification
- Knowledge of food safety and raw materials requirements
- Knowledge of methods of analysis for raw materials, familiarity with respective laboratory equipment.
- Experience of monitoring projects at supplier sites
- Well-organized, disciplined, attentive to detail
- Persistent to achieve development goals, problem solving
- Good common sense, decision quality
- Influencing, communication and negotiation skills.
- Free to travel in and outside of North America up to 50% of their time.
- English: read, written, spoken. French is an advantage.
What will be your key responsibilities?
- Managing complex or business critical supplier qualifications
- Discovering opportunities to simplify formulas through ingredient elimination
- Reviewing and optimizing specification parameters where available
- Ensure FSMA Compliance of new sources of supply
- Supports Sourcing in Activity Management with key Supplier Developments
- Supports SQA with dedicated resources to rapidly advance key Supplier Developments
- Evaluate the supplier raw material policy, tool capability and management ability to deliver a consistent materials
- Manage sample analysis testing
- Manage the audits (plant, organization, tools, traceability…) of new suppliers following the Mars standards
- Write audit reports, corrective action plan and follow-up accordingly
- Communication of our Quality and Food Safety, and Sustainability policies to suppliers
- Survey and evaluate sanitary conditions and take preventive & corrective action accordingly
- Implement relevant quality focus at reception and follow up
- Propose and agree with supplier relevant continuous improvement plan and follow the effectiveness of the corrective and preventive actions.
- Guarantee the compliance with RC purchasing roles :
- Material Risk Assessment of raw material with collaboration among the MRA Team
- Manage the creation and update of raw material specifications as required
- Evaluate regulatory climate by monitoring and analyzing regulations (FDA,CFIA,…), guidelines and standards, assistance if required in FDA/USDA inspections
- Assist in all LRQA and internal audits, respecting the MQM and RC Commercial 10 roles
- Guarantee the knowledge management of the raw material quality and share this knowledge with the team
Education & Professional Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Quality Management, or a related field. Master’s degree is preferred.
- FSSC Lead Auditor Certified (required)
Knowledge / Experience
- 2+ years of experience in a quality assurance or food safety role, preferably within the agricultural or grain industry.
- Experience working with suppliers and managing quality documentation.
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong organizational and data management skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
- Basic understanding of quality management systems, such as FSSC 22000 and HACCP, is preferred.
What can you expect from Mars?
Work with over 140,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
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