Sr Specialist Dist QA

Job Location: Hershey, PA

Summary:

• Responsible for quality interface with Hershey-managed distribution centers and product surge storage locations. Undertakes assignments of high complexity and large volume (>2000 SKUs, >$400M inventory, >$8B shipping).
• Technical quality resource for Logistics, Transportation, Customer Service, and Hershey Export departments. High interaction through writing (email, Teams, QIMS) and by conference with over 130 internal and external partners.
• Provides leadership and guidance in the areas of distribution quality, inventory, holds management, troubleshooting, border retentions, food safety/quality, and other related matters.
• Leads management of all products placed on hold in North America (US, Canada, Mexico). System administrator for Hershey's Quality Incident Management Database (QIMS) platform. Position serves as Hershey's recall coordinator for inventory management and reconciliation. Responsible for coordinating repack projects.
• Leads risk mitigation activities for DC incidents.
• Leads Continuous Improvement projects/programs for distribution, including customer-specific initiatives (Walmart, Costco, McLane).

In addition, the Sr Specialist Distribution QA will be responsible for:

Incident and Holds Management: Leads the management of all non-conforming product placed on hold in North America. System administrator for Hershey's Incident Management Database QIMS. Develops and issues metrics reports on holds management and reliability to Hershey's Supply Chain leadership. Partner with cross functional groups (Marketing, Legal, etc.) and external business partners to ensure communications and holds are executed precisely. Conducts reconciliation of hold product. Conducts meetings with the plant teams for tracking and management of holds and resolve discrepancies. Ensure all DCs have clear direction on disposition of product.

Auditing: Coaches distribution centers on audit needs, leads quality systems audits of Distribution Centers in US, reviews audit reports for 3rd party conducted distribution audits to assure meets Hershey. Provides recommendations and develops corrective and preventative action plans to ensure compliance standards are met working collaboratively with Hershey Logistics and 3rd Party Warehouse Leadership teams.

Compliance: Traceability recall expert for inventory management. Hershey's regulatory interface for FDA detentions at US board crossings. Develops and maintains Hershey's policies and standards for quality assurance, food safety and incubation hold. Manages incubation hold exceptions process. Executes and manages the QA holds (inventory lock down) across Hershey North America. Executes mock recalls for product throught the distribution network.

Subject Matter Expert: SME for QIMS (Quality Incident Management System), Data Analysis, Logistics/Supply Chain, Full understanding of corporate wide quality systems, with ability to implement as required. Expected to provide leadership for specific programs, project management, training, coaching of Plant QA Staff and 3rd Party Distribution Center leaders in the specified area of expertise. Facilitate process/procedure improvement sessions related to: incident management, serious product quality issues, and overall quality system improvements at the DCs.

Project Leadership: Leads Hershey's Superuser User Network for QIMS Quality Incident management System. Leads cross functional teams on short- and long-term assignments with respect to inventory. For example, shelf life management, relabeling projects, customer returns, withdrawal/recall management and reconciliation. Executes sampling plans within distribution to gain timely feedback on incident situations, consumer or customer complaints working collaboratively with Hershey internal and external manufacturing site.

Skills and Experience:

• Knowledge of federal and state food industry regulations for Distribution and border crossings
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends
• Advanced problem solving/trouble shooting skills
• Superior communication skills in verbal and written form
• Ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees (from fork lift operators to VP level).
• Ability to explain complex concepts.
• Ability to make business decisions considering strategic company objectives.
• Ability to represent Hershey and establish relationships with outside agencies (regulatory, co-mfg, co-pack)
• Strong auditing / assessment skills.
• Understanding of warehouse, transportation, manufacturing and packing environments
• Strong data management, organization/retention of email communications, and ability to manage large scale to finite detail
• Advanced proficiency in computer programs / software such as SAP/S4, QIMS, Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Power Point, IS knowledge and capacity to learn configuration/programming
• Detailed knowledge of regulatory and quality system requirements - Food Safety, Hershey's Product Excellence Program, HACCP, Good Manufacturing Process (GMP)
• Knowledge of other languages (French / Spanish) a plus. Cultural business knowledge / acumen required

Minimum Requirements and Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business or Science field. B.S/M.S. in Food Science/Food Engineering a plus.
• Must have applicable work experience in the food industry implementing quality and food safety programs. 8 years preferred. Consideration given to candidates with a minimum of 3 years experiences.
• Work experience dealing with external parties such as Distribution Centers / Suppliers / Comanufacturers / Copackers
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitary design of warehousing facilities and manufacturing/copacking equipment..
• HACCP, SQF and PCQI certification preferred