Customer Support Services Sensory Specialist

As the world leader in nutrition, health and wellness for children from birth to preschool, Gerber Products Company is committed to creating a strong future. We joined the Nestle Nutrition family in 2007, and have been a partner in parenthood ever since. Our Anything for Baby team works closely with experts to create products that enrich and establish healthy habits for children, and are good for the planet as well. A career at Gerber provides meaningful opportunities to develop professionally, and nurture generations to come. Now is the time to define your future, and ours too.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Quality Consumer Services Specialist is vital in prevention of significant negative brand image impact as a potential result of non-conforming goods.  They enable timely and effective analysis of Voice of Consumer, and guardian of plant sensory program.  This person works autonomously and with team to evaluate the voice of the consumer regarding sensory of ingredients/packaging/in-process ingredients and finished products and evaluation of complaint trends, threshold evaluations and alleged complaint investigations for timely and effective communication to ensure consumer preference and trust as well as brand image.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Quality guardianship - Efficient, timely and accurate investigation of consumer complaints and threshold alerts using retain samples, records review, and external resources as needed to allow proactive feedback to consumers through the parent resource center. Management and escalation of complaints and/or related laboratory findings to ensure action is taken when necessary. 

• People and know-how - Development and management of online point of use sensory personnel as well as formal sensory panel for positive lot release.  Prepare and conduct sensory evaluations for new panelists. Conduct and maintain on-going sensory training.  Communication/reporting to factory business units via Key Process Indicators or other established methods.  Work with other Sensory Specialists in the Nestle community. 

• Laboratory methods and practices - Prepare, review, and report results of Consumer Complaint, Sensory and Keeping Quality evaluations. Maintain and document records in accordance with established procedures.  Data entry for positive release in SAP.  Establish and maintain sensory standards.

• Quality Mastership - Evaluation of consumer complaint trending keeping abreast of the voice of the consumer with timely feedback and escalation as necessary to Quality Management.   Facilitate initiatives driving the reduction of consumer complaints, including becoming certified in Go See Think Do methodology, Foreign Objects line mapping and general process knowledge.  

• Quality auditing and verification - Management of routine challenge (spike) sampling program.  Management of Keeping Quality testing including olfactory as well as analytical (i.e.: moisture, headspace) and nutritional compliance analysis with escalation to Quality Management and Applications group as needed.   Ensure compliance with Nestle Instruction.

• Quality by Design - Support industrialization and launch steps of projects for sensory and Keeping Quality Time compliance.

EXPERIENCE:

Academic Experience:

- Bachelor's degree in chemistry, Biology, Food Science, or related technical field is preferred

Operational Experience:

- 3-5 years of experience in food service or food manufacturing required with process knowledge and product quality focus; sensory experience highly preferred.

OTHER SKILLS

• Effective communicator with training and facilitation skills.
• Problem solving skills.
• Must be capable of working with minimal direct supervision and have strong prioritization, interpersonal, and self-initiative skills.
• Computer skills to include proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel, are required.  SAP and Statistical software experience is preferred.
• Ability to work flexible hours.

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.

To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestle. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role.  In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities.  Nestle seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you'll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestle home.

The Nestle Companies are an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer seeking diversity in qualified applicants for employment.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, perceived disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status, as defined by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at accommodations@nestle.com or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.