Quality Assurance Specialist - Product Management (Hybrid)

Topco Associates is currently seeking a Quality Assurance Specialist - Product Management for the Quality Assurance team in Itasca, IL. This position will be a hybrid role, with the successful candidate conducting work in our Itasca office three times per week and virtually twice per week. 

Topco's mission is to provide solutions for our member owners, regional retailers and wholesalers, and help them achieve a competitive advantage in the markets they serve. We aspire to develop high-performing teams to resemble the diversity of our members' shopper communities to drive greater innovation and creativity that ultimately enhances our business results and the value Topco provides to its membership.

Under guidance of QA management, promotes the delivery of optimal QA services and standards by ensuring all department protocols/procedures [including new product/facility approvals, plant inspection management, specification development, first production monitoring, product monitoring evaluations, reformulation activity, brand standard intelligence, information gathering/tracking/updating/storage, regulatory (withdrawals/recalls) compliance, and problem-solving/trouble-shooting/follow-up to closure] within assigned area of responsibility are properly carried out.

Product Management

• Evaluate/approve new products as warranted
• Participate in the development of new products and reformulations of existing products
• Assure First Production Monitoring protocol is executed
• Establish product monitoring programs for assigned categories
• Monitor products for assigned categories for compliance with Topco specs and with applicable government regulations
• Prepare/participate in competitive product reviews

Information Management

• Write/maintain/update product specifications
• Capture Brand Standard Intelligence via Product Monitoring protocol and competitive shopping evaluations
• Gather/track/update/store information per established guidelines
• Manage withdrawal/recall situations to gather information needed by the Regulatory team
• Apply superior knowledge during product investigations and problem-solving circumstances, following-up to closure
• Provide technical expertise and product knowledge to internal and external customers
• Provide back-up to Senior QA Specialists

Vendor Management

• Evaluate/approve new supplier facilities as warranted
• Manage vendors relative to assigned categories to GFSI certification and/or Third Party Audit compliance and advise QA Management of non-compliant suppliers.
• All other duties as assigned

Education:

4 Year College Degree, BS in in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, Foods/Nutrition or related Field preferred

Technical skills:

• Good verbal/written communication skills.
• Knowledge of consumer product testing, laboratory procedures, product/quality measurement skills.
• Ability to create and present QA information to broad audiences.
• Knowledge of all Microsoft applications.
• High member focus

Previous Experience:

One to three years of related industry experience

Topco strives for an inclusive workplace that reflects our member shopper’s communities. If your experience similarly reflects what you see listed in the job description, please consider applying, as individuals come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence; therefore, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.

Topco is an equal employment opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis, including age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, political belief, veteran's status, or disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions. Please let us know if you require accommodations during the interview process.

• Medical coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield (PPO and HDHP offered)
• Health Savings Account
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Annual flexible spending accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Competitive 401(k) match
• Generous PTO offered