Compliance Specialist

This position is responsible for the execution, consistency, and continuous improvement of Dairy Farmers of America’s internal social responsibility audit program. The position partners closely with manufacturing sites, audit firms, and internal stakeholders to deliver a consistent, defensible, and scalable social audit program while ensuring that DFA’s facilities remain audit‑ready through standardized processes, corrective action management, and active site engagement.  Additional responsibilities include support to DFA’s enterprise Third‑Party Risk Management (TPRM) program for social responsibility‑related inputs.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Execute and continuously improve DFA’s internal social responsibility audit program aligned to Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) and customer requirements
• Maintain standardized audit tools, site guidance, and preparation materials
• Plan annual audit scope and coordinate scheduling with manufacturing sites and audit firms
• Serve as the primary audit liaison for manufacturing locations
• Provide direct audit preparation and when applicable, onsite coordination support
• Track, analyze, and report audit findings and trends
• Guide sites in developing effective, sustainable corrective action plans (CAPAs)
• Review corrective actions and evidence for quality and audit defensibility and submit CAPA responses to customers and/or third parties
• Work cross-functionally to support customer relationships
• Provide defined execution support to the enterprise TPRM program
• Promote strong and effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the organization
• Influence the work of others outside of direct authority to ensure project milestones and deliverables are met and issues and risks are communicated
• Maintain detailed management reports, analyses, and presentations by using computer programs (Microsoft Office 365 Word, PowerPoint & Excel) to create charts, graphs, and slides
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Qualifications:

Minimum Requirements:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Undergraduate, internship, and/or work-related experiences in areas of auditing, compliance, regulatory, legal, or risk management preferred
• 2–5 years experience in compliance, auditing, certification, manufacturing or related experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Organizational and project management skills
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
• Understands fundamental internal control practices
• Able to present a professional image to obtain the confidence, trust and cooperation of stakeholders involved
• Able to demonstrate integrity and commitment to the highest ethical standards and personal values, including proven ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Able to simultaneously handle multiple assignments and prioritize work assignments to meet customer needs
• Able to multi-task in fast-paced environment and interact effectively to communicate on regulatory related matters or policy changes
• Able to work in a team-oriented collaborative environment, as well as work independently with minimum supervision
• Self-motivated and able to provide quality deliverables on time
• Able to analyze, problem solve, and implement change management
• Able to work with accuracy and attention to detail
• Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office/Office 365 Suite
• Able to learn new technologies and processes in a changing environment
• Able to read, write, and speak English 

Ethics and Compliance Department Value Proposition

• Department will pay for industry certifications related to your job responsibilities
• Opportunities for career advancement within the department
• Collaborative working style within the Department and across the Cooperative
• Encourages creativity and ideas for process improvement
• Quarterly department (in person) team building activities
• Dedicated time for volunteering and community connection
• Work-life balance
• Supportive and compassionate co-workers

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans