Job Description

OVERVIEW

Perfetti Van Melle (makers of Mentos, Airheads, Dentyne, Trident 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 Supplier Quality Engineer to join our growing team.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Supplier Quality Engineer will be responsible for the quality monitoring and corrective action feedback for external suppliers and co-packers/manufacturers and will ensure compliance of PVM suppliers and co-packers with PVM quality and food safety requirements, procedures, laws and technical standards applicable to Food Industry as well as PVM Group’s policies. This role will work collaboratively with Manufacturing, P&T (R&D and Packaging Development) to define quality priorities with suppliers, improvements needed, and communication with suppliers as well as Supply Chain to ensure clear communications with suppliers on quality requirements and concerns. This role will conduct quality and food safety audits for current and new (proposed) raw ingredient, packaging material and co-packer/manufacturer to ensure compliance and will maintain all appropriate documentation of auditing activities and follow ups. Additional responsibilities include:

• Implement the supplier and copacker production approval process.
• Work with business partners (Group Quality, P&T, Procurement, Supply Chain, Manufacturing) to determine requirements for suppliers and copackers.
• Share required PVM technical documents, and PVM quality and food safety requirements with suppliers and copackers.
• Ensure timely communication between PVM and suppliers and copackers regarding any changes to current documents or requirements.
• Maintains documentation from suppliers and maintain these documents in the PVM technical documentation system. Ensure documents are accurate and complete in the system. Update documents as required based on changes to suppliers, requirements or the program.
• Maintain the list of approved raw material and packaging suppliers, and the list of approved copackers.
• Perform audits current and proposed new suppliers and copackers using a risk based, quality systems auditing approach. Make business recommendations related to material sourcing and supplier performance.
• Manage raw and packaging material non-compliances with suppliers. Partner with suppliers to develop corrective action plans to address food safety, significant quality, or recurring quality issues. Monitor performance of corrective actions with suppliers and copackers and regularly report and review key quality metrics to PVM stakeholders. Support continuous improvement efforts with suppliers and copackers.
• Build strong relationships with supplier and copacker quality partners to enable the partnership between PVM and its suppliers.
• Support NPD and Regulatory colleagues with supplier’s request of necessary information for new product development and sales, based on Group requirements. Consult with R&D and Regulatory for advice on additives, raw materials, and food law.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree (prefer food science, food safety or a related scientific field) and 1 - 3 years experience (preferable in a food manufacturing facility).
• Auditing Certification (required)
• Previous experience auditing suppliers within the food industry (preferred)
• Yellow and Green Belt Six Sigma Certifications (not required)
• ASQ (American Society for Quality) Certifications (not required)
• Intermediate Microsoft application skills.
• Must have experience performing risk assessments and a strong understanding of risk-based quality systems auditing.
• Knowledge of ISO9001, ISO22000, FSSC22000 and FDA requirements
• Must be detail-oriented, able to organize records and data from numerous sources for easy storage and retrieval, must be able to manage confidential information.
• Ability to work alone or in team environment
• Excellent written, oral, interpersonal, and group communication skills. Must be able to coach internal and external partners, influence behaviors and maintain strong working relationships.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to manage difficult and challenging situations.
• Demonstrated strengths in decision making, analytical and organizational skills. Must be able to multi-task and set priorities.
• Ability to support QA in daily operations as needed.
• Must be able to travel as needed (20-30%).

WHAT WE OFFER

At Perfetti Van Melle, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive 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
• 20 weeks Maternity & 12 weeks Paternity leave options
• Sam's Club or Costco annual membership reimbursement
• Tuition-Free College Program or Free Continued Education (BA, Masters, etc.)
• Modest monthly candy allotment (Airheads, Airheads Xtremes, and Mentos)

Join a 2024 NKY Best Workplace by applying today!

Perfetti Van Melle, USA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.