Senior Specialist, Supplier Quality

About the role

Coordinate supplier quality support activities to ensure materials supplied meet quality requirements for a Fortune 500 company with some of the most iconic brands. This Senior Specialist, Supplier Quality role joins the Audit & Supplier Quality team in Richmond, VA. The position has accountability for collaborating with Procurement, Manufacturing, and Quality management to identify quality‑related material risks and appropriate actions needed. Expectations include analyzing supplier quality data against KPIs, assuring appropriate actions are initiated by suppliers, and providing timely reports to stakeholders on supplier remediation plans.

Responsibilities

• Apply established material quality requirements to assess supplier materials against specifications, regulatory expectations, and approved acceptance criteria during sourcing and receipt activities.
• Provide supplier quality support to Altria Operating Companies (PM USA) by identifying and evaluating ongoing quality issues from Defective Material Reports (DMRs) and supplier‑related quality incidents that may require supplier response and/or site assessment activities (Import/Export Suppliers & Domestic Partners).
• Support supplier assessments, approvals, and documentation, while collaborating with stakeholders to maintain accurate supplier qualification databases and audit systems of record in alignment with defined quality and regulatory expectations.
• Support supplier root cause investigations by applying standard problem‑solving tools, reviewing evidence, and documenting findings to address supplier quality issues.
• Monitor closure of supplier audit related action plans (DMR/QMS Audit) and provide input on actions needed with ALCS CAPA and the audit team.
• Produce accurate, timely supplier quality reports using defined metrics and data sources to support routine monitoring of supplier performance and compliance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, supply chain management, or a related field preferred.
• 3+ years of Quality, Manufacturing, or Compliance experience in a regulated industry.
• Certification in one of the following fields preferred: ASQ Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), ISO 9001 Internal Auditor or Lead Auditor, ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT), ASQ Certified Supplier Quality Professional.
• Strong written, verbal, analytical, and presentation skills along with a proven track record to collaborate with others.
• Ability to provide critical and sensitive feedback independently and persuasively.
• Experience with Trackwise, SAP, and other ERP systems preferred.
• Ability to perform assignments in an independent and autonomous manner with minimal direct supervision.
• Proficiency in relevant industry Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), supply chain management, manufacturing operations, and issue resolution.
• Ability to travel periodically to support supplier quality initiatives.

Pay

The starting salary is based on but not limited to experience, knowledge, and qualifications in determining compensation decisions. The salary range for this position is $91,500.00 – $132,750.00.

Schedule

Hybrid work arrangement: in‑person collaboration three days a week (Tuesday – Thursday) with flexibility to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays. Standard workweek is 37.5 hours.

Benefits

• 15 days of paid time off, 13 paid holidays, and 2 floating holiday days.
• Annual merit increases and performance bonus.
• 401(k) matching from day one plus Deferred Profit Sharing (annual company contribution equal to 13%–17% of base salary).
• Student loan repayment assistance, professional development stipends for conferences and certifications.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Paid parental and bonding leave.
• Wellness programs supporting whole well‑being at every life stage.
• Paid volunteer days and a shared commitment to community impact.