Quality Assurance Specialist

Quality Assurance SpecialistAt SpartanNash, we deliver the ingredients for a better life through customer-focused innovation. We do this for our supply chain customers and U.S. military commissaries, retail store guests and, most importantly, our Associates. In fact, we see a day when each will say, "I can't live without them."Our SpartanNash family of Associates is 20,000 strong, ranging from bakery managers to order selectors; from IT developers to vice presidents of finance; from HR Business Partners to export specialists. Each of them plays an integral role in SpartanNash's People First culture, Operational Excellence and Insights that Drive Solutions. Ready to contribute to the success of our food solutions company?Location: 850 76th Street S.W. - Byron Center, Michigan 49315Job DescriptionPosition SummaryThis role is responsible to assist in the establishment and maintenance of quality assurance standards, ensuring that the high-quality standards of the company are upheld. Key responsibilities include product audits, management of the Quality Management System, Product Cuttings, and customer inquiries.Here's What You'll Do:This position may do all or some of the below categories/duties:Navigate SpartanNash's Quality Supplier Management System (Repositrak) at an expert level, performing all capabilities within it, including addition/maintenance of quality assurance documentation as well as system design.Create and maintain profiles of Own Brands suppliers.Review and approve supplier 3rd party reports and certifications to ensure they meet our Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) expectations, request and review corrective action reports for audit non-conformities as needed. Reviews supplier audits to ensure they are compliant and meet our Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) expectations.Draft and approve Own Brands product specifications, ensure specifications are approved in a timely manner.Maintain item status/discontinuations.Work with external manufacturers to address serious quality concerns and establish corrective actions when necessary.Assist with onsite audits of manufacturing facilities that include a range of environments.Responsible for being the Subject Matter Expert (SME) of SpartanNash's Quality Supplier Management System (Repositrak), understanding all functionalities, including addition/maintenance of quality assurance documentation as well as system design.Work with the SpartanNash Own Brands Team to orchestrate product cuttings to meet a variety of business objectives, including new product and/or supplier onboarding, supplier transitions, and product reformulations.Prepare, shop, research products for cuttings. Schedule and coordinate cuttings based on Produce Development Manager and Category Managers schedule.Complete cutting's objective by providing a summary (minimally each week) of the cuttings including factors such as products approved, rejected, follow ups, next steps, and learnings. Share summary with the broader Own Brands team.Perform product evaluations for Spartan Nash's Own Brands products and for DECA products (Military). Review and compare products from an organoleptic, physical, and chemical perspective against approved specifications and against national brands. Document results and follow up with manufacturers to resolve issues in a timely manner. Provide a comprehensive report on the product evaluation results to key stakeholders.Document results and follow up with manufactures to resolve deviations from approved product specifications and/or National Brand targets. Request and review corrective action reports when non-conformities are discovered during testing.Document customer interactions in SpartanNash's Quality Supplier Management System (Repositrak), applying high precision in case classification, prioritization, and other essential details.Perform intake of a variety of customer complaints, compliments, and inquiries. Triage reports of alleged compliance violations, issues, or concerns, document clear notes on each case as shared by the consumer.Engage with Own Brands suppliers to resolve product quality issues.Escalate consumer complaints or issues to leadership that could potentially lead to legal action or harm the brand.Request and review corrective action reports in instances of escalated customer complaints. Initiate communication with suppliers regarding case status and updates, request support from Own Brands Product Development Managers as needed if suppliers are unresponsive.Optimize and leverage the data on product satisfaction among our consumers, identify and address aberrations in quality performance.Acting as the key sensory lead. Implement sensory analysis based on our customer, Own Brands, needs. Understanding business and project objectives and developing appropriate sensory test plans/designs. Executing valid and reliable sensory testing and providing actionable recommendations and conclusions to the project teams. Writing concise reports that convey valid results and recommendations to our stakeholders.Perform routine and ad-hoc extraction of data to provide appropriate reporting and analytics.Support in the development of SOP's (Standard Operating Procedures) as required.Assist Retail Food Safety Specialists with certifications and pesticide information as requested.Support Own Brands on Expo planning and set up. Participate in Expo and the showcasing of Own Brands products.Serve as back-up coverage for Recalls, assist in managing the end-to-end process for all industry product recalls and market withdrawals impacting SpartanNash business.Assist as needed with special projects and requests.The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and levels of work being performed as assigned for this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and requirements; additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.Here's What You'll Need:Bachelor's degree in food science, Food Service, Business or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.2-5+ years relevant experience.Experience in a food manufacturing, ready-to-eat (RTE), or USDA cook facility preferred.Knowledge of GMP's, HACCP and FDA manufacturing regulations, as well as basic food microbiological knowledge/experience. Be PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) certified.Understanding of USDA regulations and OSHA requirements preferred.Knowledge of retail and warehouse operations and experience with produce distribution preferred.Strong verbal and written communication skills with ability to communicate, collaborate, and delegate efficiently with associates and suppliers.Must be able to multi-task and have good follow-through to meet deadlines.Must have good adaptability, ability to work under pressure, and attention to detail.Must have good leadership and training skills; ability to work with all levels of management and line associates.Ability to evaluate and develop processes, specifications and preventative controls for ongoing quality assurance.Experience with mainstream food preparation technique.Must be able to comply with company/government rules and regulations.Ability to work flexible hours based on business needs.As part of our People First culture, SpartanNash is proud to offer a robust and competitive Total Rewards benefits package.SpartanNash is an Equal Opportunity Employer that invests in Associate development, recognizes and celebrates success, fosters two-way communication, and promotes a sense of belonging. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, including those with disabilities and Veterans.We are not able to sponsor work visas for this position.