Raw Material Quality Systems Specialist

The Raw Material Quality Systems Specialist will provide support in the management of incoming raw material and packaging quality initiatives in order to drive progress towards raw material and supplier excellence. The individual will provide functional quality systems support in raw material and packaging supplier selection, supplier continuous improvement as well as ingredient and packaging design and re-engineering project management. This position is responsible for assisting the development of a strong foundational program in raw material quality and food safety as well as strengthening product/process quality systems throughout our facilities. Individuals should be proficient in providing root cause analysis and problem solving solutions. The position is responsible for providing interface with Packaging and Raw Material Vendors, Customer Service Support, Plant Facility Quality Systems Managers, Front Line Operations, Brand Marketing and Quality, Engineering, New Products Managers and R&D. Assist the Raw Material Manager in the development and execution of the Integrated Quality Vision and Program Initiatives. Individual to provide functional support to the Quality Systems Network on raw material design and application. Conduct routine internal assessments at all facilities to ensure compliance to Dreyer’s and Nestle standards. Leverage Nestle raw material vendor partnerships to ensure consistency and service to Dreyer’s facilities.


This position is responsible for ensuring a strong foundational program in raw material quality and strengthening raw material and packaging product/process quality systems throughout our facilities. The position will help support initiatives in raw material and packaging design, specification and process adherence and as well as equipment relationships.Job Requirements
Responsibilities:

Supplier Continuous Improvement & Plant Support: Conduct supplier site GAP assessments for each critical supplier to determine internal continuous improvements with the objective of ensuring focus on raw material quality and food safety systems. Project is driven by Supplier Quality Rating System results and should focus on specialty suppliers as well as commodities including fruit suppliers. Present, implement and monitor tactical initiatives for continuous improvement,

Productivity and Cost Improvements: Oversee and ensure the implementation of quality stage gates that focus on value added projects with the objective of maintaining quality and cost initiatives. Support SST/HPF/Product-Process Modifications and plant continuous improvement work that impact product and process quality. Support and provide technical guidance and management to projects that have broader operational quality impact. Assist in the development of quality parameters for ingredient application, plant handling capabilities and specifications for alternative ingredient projects including assigned by the High Performing Factory or GAP teams,

New Processes: Provide raw material and packaging new process support and quality assessments. Assist in resolving facility risks and issues as appropriate. Act as a key member to the Quality Systems Network. Act as liaison to Brand Quality, New Products, and Plant Facilities, Engineering and R&D to ensure proper execution of new product start-ups. Provide technical guidance and support to appropriate start-ups for new and raw material and packaging introductions,

Quality Systems Deployment: Provide ingredient specification design and development support by working directly with formulators in Research and Development to ensure quality is designed in the ingredient and application process by overseeing the ingredient specification approval process. Assist in decreasing consumer complaints by conducting monthly trend analysis currently being done as consumer complaints are recorded. Customer relationship management through marketing triggers quality improvement through CRM development with Marketing to establish proactive improvement stage gates.
Position Requirements (knowledge areas):

B.S. in Food Science or related subject,

Quality support experience within the food and or packaging industry, 3 to 5 years overall work experience with demonstrated increase in responsibilities and leadership,

Manufacturing plant and production experience in various disciplines including packaging and raw materials,

Knowledge of food safety systems design and management principles,

Information systems use knowledge. Power Point, Excel, Word, Access and MS Project Manager experience,

Knowledge of quality audit and inspection principles,

Continuous Improvement expertise,

Communication and Influence expertise.
Skills (targeted dimensions):

Effective influence and persuasion skills,

Demonstrated ability to work in and lead a high performance and involvement team system,

Strong problem analysis and diagnostic problem solving skills,

Strong time management and prioritization skills,

Experience launching new products and processes,

Strong oral and written communication skills,

Strong documentation and idea presentation skills,

Team player and cross-functional leader,

Excellent communication skills – ability to interact effectively with Oakland Quality/Management.
Motivations (traits and interests necessary for success):

Initiative: Self starter, leader, gets involved quickly, takes on difficult tasks with enthusiasm. Resolves difficult situations. Multi-tasking,

Documentation: Strives for proactive and prevention standards and execution. Balances analysis and action appropriately,

Energy: Maintains high activity/productivity level. Sustains long work hours when necessary. Operates with vigor, effectiveness and determination over extended periods of time,

Stress Tolerance: Maintains stable performance under pressure or opposition (such as time pressure or job ambiguity). Handles stress in a manner that is acceptable to others and to the organization,

Tenacity: Stays with a position or plan of action until the desired objective is obtained or is no longer reasonably attainable,

Results Oriented: Seeks to resolve open issues. Works within aggressive timelines,

Customer Focus: Makes customers and their needs a primary focus. Develops and sustains productive customer/partnership relationships,

Risk Taking: Initiates action that attempts to achieve a recognized benefit when potential negative consequences are understood. Understands and promotes acceptable risk understanding leading toward execution excellence.
Cultural Fit:

The position involves approximately 25% travel to provide facility/supplier support and guidance and to interact with the Quality Manager in Oakland,

Demonstrated ability to work effectively utilizing the Grooves culture and the “I can Make a Difference” approach which supports participative decision making.



Dreyer’s/Edy’s Grand Ice Cream is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is looking for diversity in candidates in employment. EOE M/F/D/V.


All qualified candidates should express interest to: