What are the responsibilities and job description for the Supplier Quality Manager position at solina?
Primary Location : Bolingbrook, Illinois, United States of America At Solina, our community of close to 5,000 people share a passion for food and live our entrepreneurial culture. We design customised savoury solutions for our clients operating in the food industry, food service, butchery and nutrition markets. With sustainability at the heart of our business model, we aim to produce food that is good in every sense of the word: delicious, nourishing, affordable, sustainable and convenient. Solina is a fast-growing business, with around 50 production sites and R&D laboratories present in more than 19 countries mainly in Europe and North America. By constantly rethinking culinary solutions, we make food matter for people and the planet. If you're ready for a new adventure in a dynamic, expanding, passionate, international company, join us ! SUMMARY OF POSITION The Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) Manager is responsible for driving supplier quality performance across Solina USA’s raw materials, packaging, and co-manufactured products. This role focuses on managing supplier-related quality risks, implementing quality systems, and improving compliance with internal and external standards, helping deliver safe, consistent, and customer-focused products. As a key member of the U.S. Quality Team, the SQA Manager collaborates closely with Procurement, R&D, Operations, and the broader Technical Services group to manage specifications, support product development, and resolve supplier quality issues. This position reports to the Director of Quality Assurance and contributes to the continued growth and performance of Solina’s U.S. supply chain. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS This document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying the position. Lead the implementation and execution of supplier quality programs across Solina USA, including qualification, auditing, monitoring, and corrective action processes. Maintain and improve SQA documentation, specifications, and compliance protocols in partnership with Quality, Procurement, and R&D. Conduct supplier risk assessments and support the onboarding of new suppliers and co-manufacturers. Develop and track supplier performance metrics and report findings to relevant stakeholders. Support resolution of material non-conformances, customer complaints, and supplier-related product quality issues. Assist with crisis management involving supplier-related quality incidents and coordinate internal response. Participate in U.S. QA and cross-functional projects, including ERP enhancements and digital transformation initiatives as they relate to supplier management. REQUIRED SKILLS, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful job performance will be considered. Typical qualifications would be: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Safety, or a related field. Minimum 5 years’ experience in supplier quality assurance or related QA/QC role in the U.S. food industry. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of FDA, USDA, and GFSI (e.g., BRC) regulatory frameworks. Hands-on, results-oriented approach with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently. Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across functions. Experience with specification systems, supplier audits, and root cause analysis. Proficiency with ERP and quality management systems (QMS). Fluent in English Prior experience working with U.S.-based ingredient suppliers, packaging vendors, and/or co-manufacturers. Experience supporting customer or third-party audits and managing documentation accordingly. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY No TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS Approximately 20%, primarily domestic supplier and co-manufacturer visits. WORKING CONDITIONS Working conditions described here are representative of those experienced by an employee daily while performing this job's functions. Typically sits for extended periods at a computer workstation. May access and work in the manufacturing plant. Required to travel. May be required to work weekends to meet department and business demands. Knows that safety shoes are recommended in the plant area. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Employment is contingent upon successfully passing an employee reference check, criminal background check, and drug screening. Solina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status or a person’s relationship or association with a protected veteran, including spouses and other family members, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Equal Employment Opportunity Posters. If you have a disability and you believe you need reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please call toll-free 1-800-461-9330. We are open to talents of all backgrounds. Our recruitment process is based on competences, and we openly welcome all candidates of all types according to our DEI Commitment Introduce yourself to our recruiters and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match. Solina designs tailor-made ingredient solutions for clients in the food industry, foodservice, butchery and nutrition sectors, excelling in perfected taste, enhanced nutrition and optimised functionality. Together, we cook up delicious, nourishing, and more sustainable food concepts. We've got a lot on our plate, but that's exactly how we like it.