Manager Supplier Quality

About Harvest Hill:

Harvest Hill Beverage Company is one of the nation’s largest independent branded beverage producers, delivering consistent annual revenue growth, with sales of just under $1 billion. The company was formed in June 2014 with the acquisition of Juicy Juice, and further expanded with 3 subsequent acquisitions which were consolidated into one company in May 2017. Our portfolio of iconic brands includes Juicy Juice®, SunnyD®, Veryfine®, Fruit2O®, Little HUG®, Daily’s Cocktails®, and Nutrament®. We manufacture, market, and distribute across multi-channels including Grocery, Mass Merchandisers, Warehouse Clubs, Convenience, Foodservice, and Liquor Distributors.

Harvest Hill is headquartered in Stamford, CT with a nationwide network of manufacturing and distribution facilities. We employ over 1,000 employees in the United States and are owned by private equity firm, Brynwood Partners. For more information, visit harvesthill.com.

Position Summary:

The Harvest Hill Beverage Company Manager Supplier Quality is responsible for ensuring systems are comprehensively managed, Supplier Quality programs meet HHBC, FDA and local food safety regulations. The candidate shall be well-versed in FSMA compliance management, proven supervisory experience and understanding of supplier performance criteria. The position to reside in Stamford CT and reports to the Sr. Director of QA, Food Safety and Regulatory. The Manager of Supplier Quality successfully integrates quality management system platforms for Harvest Hill Beverage Company and will oversee two CT-based Quality specialists. Up to 30% travel may be required.

Primary Position Responsibilities:

• The Manager Supplier Quality will supervise, coach, train and track performance of the supplier programs and associated work performed by two CT-based Quality Assurance staff members.

• Responsible to maintain and manage the HHBC Master Supplier Program and support resolution of non-compliances for raw materials and ingredients.

• Track and summarize HHBC Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) and site measures for Quality (supplier, customer and consumer) and issue monthly activities to improve.

• Initiate specifications across all HHBC brand platforms and reconcile supplier deviations and Complaint investigations..

• Develop and implement a supplier training strategy for HHBC sites to ensure compliance with SQF Food Safety and FSVP and FSMA certifications.

• Provide technical support to HHBC cross-functional teams across corporate, internal manufacturing plants and co-pack network.

• Author and revise Quality Specifications as necessary and ensure key experts are engaged throughout the process.

• Investigate and respond to corrective action items related to control of quality documentation.

• Assist in validating prospective raw material ingredients, suppliers and audits.

• Ensure compliance of SQLs related to regulatory changes (Food Safety Modernization Act)

• Assist HHBC QA Documentation Coordinator in management of raw material testing program and documentation controls.

Position Qualifications:

• Candidate should possess a BS degree in Food Science, Microbiology or related field.

• Ability to follow, comply with, and lead implementation of HHBC standards and instructions.

• Skilled in quality training, documentation and supervising personnel.

• Supplier Quality experience with minimum of 5 years in a supervisory capacity.

• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skill, and ability to prioritize multiple tasks.

• Autonomous Manager that can excel under pressure of tight deadlines, and effectively delegate.

• Works well laterally with colleagues, participants and external stakeholders.

• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and oral, are required

• Effectively report food safety risks and ensure direct supervisor is apprised of key issues.

• Comfortable working with leadership team and developing quality plans to address issues.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

• Travel up to 30% to support quality initiatives.

• Undertake training and professional development as required.

• Proficient in Microsoft Access, Office, Word, Excel, and SharePoint management.

• Basic knowledge of statistics and ability to apply sampling techniques (Exposure to Lean / Six sigma tools and training).