Job Description:

Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) Lead - Vegetables/Oils and Animal Proteins

The SQA Lead in Wet Animal Proteins operates as a key interface between the SQA team, suppliers, and various internal stakeholders, such as Sourcing, Q&FS, Manufacturing, and Regulatory Affairs. The role requires a balance of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and effective communication to manage supplier relationships, drive quality improvements, and mitigate risks. By fostering strong supplier partnerships and working collaboratively across functions, the SQA Lead ensures that the Wet Animal Proteins category maintains high standards of quality and compliance, supporting the business's long-term goals.

What are we looking for?

Minimum

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Quality Management, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field4-5 years of experience in Supplier Quality Assurance, Procurement, or Quality ManagementStrong knowledge of quality systems, standards, and regulatory requirements (e.g., GMP, HACCP, FDA, ISO).Experience with supplier auditing, risk assessment, and CAPA processes.Proven track record of working with cross-functional teams and managing supplier relationships.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and drive data-driven decisions.Excellent communication, negotiation, and project management skills.Ability to travel as needed (up to 50%) for supplier audits and site visits.

Preferred

A Master's degree in Food Science, Quality Management, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related fieldSupplier Quality Assurance experience within the food, pet food, or consumer goods industry.

What will be your key responsibilities?Supplier Management & Evaluation:Lead the qualification, auditing, and performance monitoring of suppliers to ensure they meet company standards and regulatory requirements.Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to drive continuous improvement in quality, delivery, and compliance.Conduct risk assessments and manage corrective and preventive actions (SCAPAs) with suppliers to address quality issues.Quality Assurance & Compliance:Implementation of Supplier Quality Assurance programs, focusing on essential raw materials.Ensure compliance with all relevant industry standards, regulatory requirements (FDA, FSSC, etc.), and global Quality management standards.Lead supplier audits and work with suppliers to develop robust quality control measures.Material Qualification & Issue Resolution:Lead the qualification of new materials and suppliers for the Essentials category, ensuring alignment with product quality requirements.Investigate and resolve quality issues related to supplier-provided materials, implementing root cause analysis and corrective actions.Participate in the review and development of Material Risk Assessments by providing supplier control information and assisting in accurately assessing risks related to materials and their likelihood of occurrence.Collaborate with Q&FS, Formulation,  Procurement, and Manufacturing teams to ensure a timely raw material incident management process, including root cause analysis.Data Analysis & Reporting:Be active member of essentials category team and maintain and share supplier performance, including quality metrics, compliance reports, and non-conformance data.Provide regular updates to senior management on supplier performance, risk assessments, and quality improvement initiatives.Utilize data to identify trends and opportunities for process improvements.Continuous Improvement:Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance supplier quality systems and processes.Provide training and support to suppliers on best practices in quality management and regulatory compliance.

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

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Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.