Job Description

OVERVIEW

Perfetti Van Melle (makers of Mentos, Airheads, Trident, Dentyne and Bubblicious!) is one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of confectionery and chewing gum with global brands that are being enjoyed in more than 150 countries worldwide. We’re currently seeking a passionate and enthusiastic NA Supplier Quality Engineer to join our growing team.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Quality Engineer North America will be responsible for ensuring compliance with Group level policies, Food and Drug (FDA) regulations, certification body standards, and customer requirements for third-party business partners including suppliers, co-packers, co-manufacturers, and 3PLs. This role will partner with local quality teams to standardize supplier management practices including auditing, supplier documentation management, incoming material receipt related processes across North America sites and ensure systems are optimal at each location. Additional responsibilities include:

• Ownership of the PVM North America third party business partner approval process. Ensure adherence to Group policy and compliance to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, certification body standards, and PVM customer requirements for third party business partner management. Ensures the implementation, awareness and adherence to these policies across North America sites. Partner with local Quality teams to assess supplier risk and conduct audits at appropriate intervals based on risk assessments.
• Partner with local Quality and Procurement teams to report supplier performance metrics for North American sites, ensuring consistent monitoring and reporting. Assist local Quality with resolution of significant supplier and material quality concerns. Utilize process improvement tools to drive continuous improvements with underperforming suppliers and ensure robust corrective actions are implemented.
• Ensure audits are conducted as required for all North American sites based on standardized supplier risk assessments and practices. Collaborate with local Quality teams to review yearly audit plans, optimize resource use for shared suppliers, and assist with local supplier audits as needed. Maintain approved supplier lists for North American co-packers, co-manufacturers, and 3PL sites, as agreed with local Quality teams. Oversee the transition from site-specific systems to a centralized hub for North America as the system is developed.
• Lead the standardization of incoming material quality processes across North America sites for shared materials, including material testing, CoA verification, and methods for determining test frequency requirements. Ensure compliance with Group policy, FDA regulations, certification body standards, and PVM customer requirements for incoming materials.
• Develop a streamlined Quality File for co-packers and co-manufacturers that meets all stakeholder requirements, including versioning and change management. Collaborate with internal and external partners to achieve shared goals and build a relationship system to support successful partnerships. Assist local Quality teams in preparing and sharing PVM technical documents with third party business partners as needed.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree (required, STEM preferred)
• 3-5 years experience (preferably in a food manufacturing facility)
• Food Safety/Food Defense
• Knowledge of FDA
• Understanding of FSSC22000 requirements
• Auditor certification (or ability to obtain certification)
• Working knowledge of problem-solving tools such as why/why, fishbone, root cause analysis

WHAT WE OFFER

At Perfetti Van Melle, we are committed to fostering a welcoming workplace, where all individuals, regardless of background or identity, are valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives to the sweet success of our candy-loving community. Additionally, we have a core value of Care For Our People and we are proud to offer benefit programs that support our team members' goals and well-being including:
• PTO package including vacation, sick, personal, and pay it forward time off
• 13 paid holidays
• 401k with Company Match up to 8%, ranking in the top 1% of the country
• Annual Bonus potential and merit-based increases
• Comprehensive Health Insurance
• Annual Well-Being subsidy
• Maternity & Paternity leave options
• Sam's Club or Costco annual membership reimbursement
• Tuition-Free College Program
• Modest monthly candy allotment (Airheads, Airheads Xtremes, and Mentos)

Join a 2025 NKY Best Workplace by applying today!

Perfetti Van Melle, USA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other applicable statutorily protected group status under local, state, or federal law.