Topco Associates is currently seeking a Quality Assurance Specialist - Product Management for the Quality Assurance team in Itasca, IL. This position will be a hybrid role, with the successful candidate conducting work in our Itasca office and virtually.
Under guidance of QA management, promotes the delivery of optimal QA services and standards by ensuring all department protocols/procedures [including new product/facility approvals, plant inspection management, specification development, first production monitoring, product monitoring evaluations, reformulation activity, brand standard intelligence, information gathering/tracking/updating/storage, regulatory (withdrawals/recalls) compliance, and problem-solving/trouble-shooting/follow-up to closure] within assigned area of responsibility are properly carried out.
Responsibilities
Product Management
Evaluate/approve new products as warranted
Participate in the development of new products and reformulations of existing products
Assure First Production Monitoring protocol is executed
Establish product monitoring programs for assigned categories
Monitor products for assigned categories for compliance with Topco specs and with applicable government regulations
Prepare/participate in competitive product reviews
Information Management
Write/maintain/update product specifications
Capture Brand Standard Intelligence via Product Monitoring protocol and competitive shopping evaluations
Gather/track/update/store information per established guidelines
Manage withdrawal/recall situations to gather information needed by the Regulatory team
Apply superior knowledge during product investigations and problem-solving circumstances, following-up to closure
Provide technical expertise and product knowledge to internal and external customers
Provide back-up to Senior QA Specialists
Vendor Management
Evaluate/approve new supplier facilities as warranted
Manage vendors relative to assigned categories to GFSI certification and/or Third Party Audit compliance and advise QA Management of non-compliant suppliers.
All other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Education:
4 Year College Degree, BS in in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, Foods/Nutrition or related Field preferred
Technical skills:
Good verbal/written communication skills.
Knowledge of consumer product testing, laboratory procedures, product/quality measurement skills.
Ability to create and present QA information to broad audiences.
Knowledge of all Microsoft applications.
High member focus
Previous Experience:
Minimum of two years of related industry experience
Topco strives for a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects our member shopper's communities. If your experience similarly reflects what you see listed in the job description, please consider applying, as individuals come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence; therefore, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.
Topco is an equal employment opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis, including age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, political belief, veteran's status, or disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions. Please let us know if you require accommodations during the interview process.