Quality Assurance Specialist

OverviewTopco Associates is currently seeking a Quality Assurance Specialist - Supplier Management for the Quality Assurance team in Itasca, IL. This position will be a hybrid role, with the successful candidate conducting work in our Itasca office three times per week and virtual twice per week.Topco's mission is to provide solutions for our member owners, regional retailers and wholesalers, and help them achieve a competitive advantage in the markets they serve. We aspire to develop high-performing teams to resemble the diversity of our members' shopper communities to drive greater innovation and creativity that ultimately enhances our business results and the value Topco provides to its membership.Under direct supervision of the Senior QA Manager, the QA Specialist promotes the delivery of optimal Quality Assurance services to members: evaluates supplier manufacturing facility audit/certification documents and product safety practices and performance against established product safety and quality criteria to deliver brand aligned quality products; reviews supplier and product performance, performs trend-line analysis, investigates the root cause of product performance concerns and consumer complaints and in consultation with suppliers, product management team, consumer center and members effectively resolves consumer/member complaints on product performance and drives continuous improvements; engages with members, suppliers and internal stakeholders in enhancing program execution to deliver brand aligned quality products. They also assist in developing new suppliers, products and maintaining supplier information.ResponsibilitiesManages Topco supplier facilities approval process. Reviews/manages suppliers third party audit/certifications, ensures that current audit/certification reports including related corrective actions are acceptable and that reports are properly tracked and housed within Topco QA. As necessary, may be required to conduct plant inspections at supplier locations to evaluate compliance with good manufacturing practices and food/product safety & security protocols; this includes auditing plant quality and manufacturing reports.Ensures ongoing accuracy and timeliness of department documentation by maintaining, and updating supplier approval and ensuring the supplier RAQs and controls are adequate for consumer and brand protection that meet Topco requirements.Establishes & manages supplier performance by developing and reporting product and category appropriate performance metrics based on product safety and brand risk. Prepares and issues timely and accurate reports related to supplier performance and engages the sourcing, category management team and other appropriate stakeholders to drive continuous improvement.In collaboration with the product management team, reviews manufacturing, quality assurance, sanitation, pest management and associated records at supplier locations during onsite visit, for compliance with current Topco or member specifications; also prepares and issues timely and accurate technical reports related to plant and product assessments.Works with Topco Recall Coordinator, suppliers, and members on product quality and safety issues related to Topco products involved in recalls or market withdrawals. Follows up with suppliers to ensure all necessary corrective action steps have been taken as warranted by each specific situation.Works with Category Management, Sourcing and Marketing Business Management to evaluate new suppliers.Assists in the prompt resolution of consumer services issues by investigating consumer and member complaints.Works with Topco Regulatory compliance personnel to ensure that all Topco products and packaging are in compliance with current regulatory and trademark requirements when necessary.Develops and performs technical presentations related to the product evaluation techniques utilized by Topco QA in conjunction with the QA Product Management team.Performs other related duties as assigned.QualificationsEducation:Minimum four-year college degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Microbiology, Engineering, Chemistry or related field preferred.Technical skills:Knowledge and/or experience in production, manufacturing, warehousing and distribution.Knowledge of current safety, quality assessments and audit of documentation to demonstrate regulatory conformance.Knowledge of product/quality measurement skills applicable to assigned product area.Foods: Knowledge/training in HACCP, GMPs, CPSC, FTC, FDA, EPA and other FSMA rules as applicable to assigned product area.Previous experience: 1-3 years of related experience required in the supermarket or in a QA/product safety role in supplier/processing industries.Other qualifications:Ability to work independently without close supervision on a daily basis.Ability to regularly handle large volumes of technical reports and information in an organized manner.Ability to communicate effectively with others orally and in writing.Ability to work effectively and in a professional manner with people at all levels, including supplier personnel.Ability and willingness to travel by air or car as required.Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.Topco strives for an inclusive workplace that reflects our member shopper's communities. If your experience similarly reflects what you see listed in the job description, please consider applying, as individuals come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence; therefore, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.Topco is an equal employment opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis, including age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, political belief, veteran's status, or disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions. Please let us know if you require accommodations during the interview process.