Supplier Compliance Specialist

About the role

The Supplier Compliance Specialist is responsible for leading and supporting various aspects of supplier compliance, adherence to AAK’s internal standards, and external regulatory requirements. This role serves as a key control point for supplier data integrity, compliance oversight, and risk mitigation within AAK’s supplier & product portals.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary steward of supplier compliance within the AAK Supplier & Product portal ensuring all supplier records, documentation, and certifications are accurate, complete, and aligned with internal policies and external regulatory requirements.
• Maintain current knowledge of system updates and global requirements to ensure ongoing compliance and audit readiness.
• Lead supplier onboarding and compliance engagement by clearly communicating AAK’s requirements, standards, and expectations.
• Provide training and guidance to suppliers to ensure accurate and timely completion of required documentation, reinforcing accountability for maintaining compliant records within the system.
• Conduct detailed reviews and validation of supplier information, including risk-based assessment of documentation and certifications.
• Proactively request additional evidence or clarification to ensure adherence to the relevant food safety regulations, industry standards, and AAK compliance requirements.
• Own the approval workflow for supplier facilities and raw materials by coordinating compliance verification across internal stakeholders.
• Communicate approvals, conditional approvals, or rejections with clear justification, maintain strict adherence to compliance standards and minimizing operational and reputational risk.
• Enforce supplier responsibility for maintaining up-to-date and accurate documentation within the required systems, ensuring data integrity and reducing exposure to compliance gaps involving sensitive or regulated information.
• Partner with the relevant functions to ensure supplier and product data aligns with supply chain realities while meeting all compliance and regulatory expectations.
• Provide compliance insights, risk identification, and documentation support to proactively mitigate supply chain risks, including sustainability and regulatory considerations.
• Collaborate with procurement to ensure supplier compliance is embedded in procurement decisions and supplier setup.
• Support broader regulatory and compliance initiatives, ensuring supplier alignment with evolving legal and customer requirements.
• Develop, maintain, and report on KPIs related to supplier compliance, data integrity, and overall program effectiveness.
• Analyze trends and performance metrics to identify gaps, drive continuous improvement, and strengthen supplier compliance processes and controls.
• Support audit preparation and documentation efforts by ensuring all supplier compliance data is complete, accurate, and readily accessible.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Administration, Food Science, Chemistry, or Nutrition
• Preferably Working knowledge of food safety and HACCP
• Preferably Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI)
• Experienced with computers and software databases
• Understanding of documentation maintenance best practices
• Effective communication skills; both verbal and writing
• Ability to multitask, attention to detail, strong organizational skills, time management and prioritization, ability to work with tight deadlines
• Ability to build a summary and an overall picture
• Ability to learn a new supplier & product platform (SIM/PIM)
• Self-motivated individual who possesses the ability to work independently
• Experience – Two or more years of relevant work experience, preferably in the food and beverage arena or other FDA regulated industry

Qualifications

• Experience in supplier compliance and regulatory requirements
• Knowledge of global regulatory frameworks and industry standards
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively
• Attention to detail and accuracy in record-keeping
• Experience with computer software and databases

Skills

• Supplier compliance and regulatory requirements
• Knowledge of global regulatory frameworks and industry standards
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively
• Attention to detail and accuracy in record-keeping
• Experience with computer software and databases

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental and vision)
• Health Savings Account with AAK annual contribution of $1,000-$1,500
• We match 100% of the first 3% you contribute to your 401(k), and 50% of the next 3%
• Free Life and Disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Supplemental Pet Insurance, Identity Theft Protection and Legal Insurance Plans
• Discounts on travel, amusement parks, concerts, movies, and more
• Recognition incentives for service and peer to peer recognition

Pay

$78,840 - $96,360

Schedule

TBD