Supplier Quality Specialist

Who We Are

Founded in 1929, Heinen’s is a premier grocery store chain noted for its quality products and outstanding customer service. Heinen’s has now welcomed the fourth generation of owners into the company, which operates 23 stores (19 in Cleveland, Ohio and 4 in Chicago, Illinois), two distribution warehouses, one food production plant, and a corporate office (all located in Warrensville Heights, Ohio). Culturally, we are an associate-first company that emphasizes quality of life for every associate within the organization. We offer this through a competitive compensation package, professional development and leadership opportunities, paid time off, and balanced work schedules.

Benefits & Programs

• Benefits Eligible (Medical, Dental, Vision).
• Closed on 7 major holidays (6 paid).
• 401K w/employer match.
• Semi-annual bonus program.
• 20% associate discount on Heinen’s products (excludes alcohol).
• Professional Development Opportunities.

Role Description

The Supplier Quality Specialist is responsible for managing and executing supplier level food safety, traceability, and quality programs, in addition to enforcement of Heinen’s internal quality standards. The specialist would work alongside cross functional partners in every department to assist with onboarding and managing supplier compliance. The associate would also be responsible for regulatory review and accuracy of supplier documentation and ingredient information. They would also function as the subject matter expert for Supplier Management Programs requirements (FSVP, FSMA, HACCP, FSMA, FDA & USDA guidelines) and provide guidance to different sectors of the company. This will include routine reports on quality and complaint trends issues, updates on cross-functional projects, and data entry into our supplier management portal and other related system.

What You Will Do

• Partners with Heinen’s suppliers and vendors to ensure program documentation is accurate and compliant.
• Reviews HACCP, recall, allergen, attribute, and GFSI Third Party Audit documentation.
• Implements internal and external supplier Traceability program with FSMA 204 – Product Traceability.
• Evaluates existing supplier quality and performance against internal standards.
• Provides feedback to category managers on supplier compliance and quality.
• Keeps Heinen’s up to date on regulatory changes and updates for federal and state requirements.
• Provides summaries of FDA, USDA, State, and local guidance or laws as needed.
• Provides technical advice and guidance to cross functional groups.
• Assists Food Safety and Quality Department Projects and initiatives when necessary.
• Reviews and maintains supplier evidence for ingredients and nutritional labeling.
• Partners with data integrity and category managers to manage large-scale changes to labeling requirements.
• Reviews labeling documentation for nutritional, allergen, and regulatory compliance accuracy.
• Develops best practices for labeling and regulatory compliance.

What We Look For

• Bachelor’s Degree is required (Food Science, Public Health, Biology, Chemistry preferred).
• 3-6 years of relevant experience (Food safety, quality, regulatory oversight, or audit compliance)
• HACCP, PCQI certifications preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills that can be used across all levels of the organization.
• Meticulous and able to manage multiple projects at once.
• Comfortable working with large data sets.
• Able to use Microsoft tools including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Teams.
• Able to build strong working relationships and work in a collaborative manner across all levels of the organization.

Heinen’s, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.