SQA Lead - Essentials

About the role

As a Supplier Quality Assurance Lead at Mars, you will assure “fit for purpose” raw materials that meet or exceed the needs of the regional manufacturing sites and end-users. The role focuses on continuous supplier process improvement, cost improvement initiatives, food/pet/product safety, and quality enhancement through supplier site visits and audits.

Responsibilities

• Assures quality and consistency of raw materials, primarily within the Palatant and Essentials category.
• Provides inputs to material risk assessments and creates/drives supplier improvement plans.
• Works in partnership with Commercial Buying/Operations Teams and Site-based Quality Services to support supplier non-conformance investigations.
• Manages all inbound supply risks including material security, quality, food/product safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Performs supplier site audits and ensures completion of identified corrective actions.
• Communicates effectively with multiple internal stakeholders in Commercial, R&D, and Supply.
• Performs supplier performance reviews and manages supplier performance metrics.
• Drives a culture rooted in continuous improvement principles and problem-solving methodology across the manufacturing network.
• Ensures product conformance to specifications and requirements.

Requirements

• 2 or more years of experience working in food manufacturing quality, with a sound understanding of food safety, HACCP, and auditing.
• Training and experience in continuous improvement and problem-solving.
• Competencies in planning/project management, managing and measuring work, and managing data through internal systems.
• Ability to travel a minimum of 50% of the time.
• Strong understanding of supply chain with the physical capability to work in a manufacturing environment when necessary.
• Minimum of a BS degree (preferably in Chemistry, Food Science, Engineering, or a related field).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Skills

• Compliance Management
• Creative Problem Solving
• Data Collection and Analysis
• Data Control
• Planning and Organizing
• Policy and Procedures
• Policy and Regulation
• Review and Reporting
• Supplier Management
• Verbal Communication

Competencies

• Collaborates
• Communicates Effectively
• Financial Acumen
• Instills Trust
• Manages Complexity
• Optimizes Work Processes
• Plans and Aligns

Benefits

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose-driven company striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to Mars University.
• An industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including a company bonus.