Specialist SQM

Job Location:

Open to Remote or Hershey, PA

Manages responsibilities of Hershey's Ingredient and Packaging Supplier Quality program for Global and North America suppliers. Executes audit schedule for ongoing verification of approved ingredient and packaging suppliers, bulk tank wash stations, and ingredient warehouses. Conducts assessments of the ingredient and packaging manufacturing sites and ingredient storage facilities to ensure compliance with government regulations, industry standards and company supplier quality management policies.

Writes, reviews and submits reports to suppliers and follows up on documented CAPAs from the assessment. As part of the ingredient and packaging approval process, reviews and approves supplier information forms and audits the ingredient and packaging suppliers. Ensures supplier documentation meets company requirements and manages overall ingredient and packaging approval program. Responsible for ingredient and packaging quality issue follow‑up and incident resolution.

Communicates and consults with suppliers and manufacturing facilities on regulatory changes, food plant innovations, and quality issues.

• Audits ingredient and packaging suppliers, bulk tanker wash stations, and ingredient warehouses by conducting Food Safety, Sanitation and Quality Systems Assessments, reviewing programs and procedures to ensure compliance with government regulations and company quality policies.
• Manage the scheduling and coordination of ingredient and packaging supplier facility assessments to ensure compliance with government regulations, industry standards and Company quality policies.
• Conduct risk assessments on ingredients and packaging supplier facilities based on past audits and supplier documentation; review 3rd‑party audit reports and supplier information as verification of ingredient program in accordance with regulatory and company requirements. Assist team in preparing for Quality Design Reviews (QDRs), write/edit specifications.
• Conduct ingredient and packaging quality issue follow‑up and resolution involving the Supplier, Procurement and manufacturing sites. Ensure corrective and preventive actions from assessments and incidents. Keep abreast of government regulations and enforcement, trends in food safety, pest control regulations and techniques and changes in PEP/HACCP policies and procedures.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively communicate with internal and external partners at all levels.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and relationship‑building capabilities.
• Represent Hershey in communications and interactions with external partners.
• Good understanding of manufacturing operations.
• Ability to organize, schedule, and conduct domestic and international travel.
• Must be able to travel up to 60% of the time with possible weekend travel and stays required.
• Thorough knowledge of FDA regulations, quality design principles, HACCP, and GMPs.
• Ability to troubleshoot using Company‑wide resources and evaluate quality systems.
• Capable of understanding varied manufacturing processes, including dairy, sweeteners, confectionery, cereal, tree nuts, ground nuts, raisins, flour, baking and warehousing.
• Understanding of packaging operations and packaging material applications.
• Self‑motivated and self‑starting.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must have or be able to obtain a passport.
• Must be able to climb ladders and maneuver around equipment.
• Must have strong computer skills and be proficient in desktop software packages.

• BS in Food Science or equivalent;
  Microbiology preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years as a Quality Assurance Specialist, or food industry quality assurance experience, or equivalent. Experience with natural colors is highly desirable. Auditing experience preferred.

Harrisburg