Supplier Field Auditor

Job Description:

Champion Petfoods is expanding

Champion Petfoods is an award-winning pet food maker with a reputation of trust spanning 35+ years. Founded in a small town in Alberta, Canada, Champion – with its ORIJEN and ACANA brands – is a key player in the global premium pet food industry across three major geographic regions.

We would love to hear from you if you are passionate about personal and professional growth and see yourself as a key player contributing to our continued success as an award-winning company.

The Supplier Field Auditor is primarily responsible for auditing Champion Petfoods suppliers, co-manufacturers and distributor partners to ensure compliance with Champion's Supplier Approval, Co Manufacturing Approval, and Distributor Compliance Programs. This role also works with our partners to recommend and implement changes or adjustments based on audit findings, discuss audit results with constructive feedback, and ensure our trusted partners understand Champion's business, requirements, and high standards.

This position reports to the Corporate Supplier Quality Assurance Manager and is a hybrid role, requiring three days per week in person at one of our state-of-the-art kitchens. The available kitchen locations are Auburn, KY, United States, or Acheson, AB, Canada.

• Review of partner documentation and records, conducting virtual and / or site audits of partner facilities and reporting on programs, procedures, and progress.

• Perform appropriate risk assessments to ensure suppliers and co-manufacturers can meet quality assurance, food safety and regulatory requirements. 

• Complete verification audits to ensure compliance with Champion Petfoods' food safety and quality standards.

• Work with the management teams of supplier and co-manufacturer partners to evaluate programs and support development of extensive food safety and quality programs.

• Provide timely and accurate reviews of supplier and with suppliers and co-manufacturers on corrective actions and closures.  

• Assess and mitigate any risks to Champion Petfoods when reviewing supplier and co-manufacturer food safety programs.

• Assist with the development of the annual audit plan for existing supplier partners.

• Work with the Ingredient Management team to coordinate the review and approvals for new supplier and co-manufacturer partners.

• Support with distributor compliance verification audits, as required by the business.

• Manage audit records for supplier, co and distributor partner visits, with monthly reporting on progress and deviations.

• Liaise with other key departments within Champion to continuously improve Supplier Quality Assurance programs.

• Support efforts of Corporate and Kitchen QA crisis management teams as required.

• Perform other duties as required.

• 3+ years of experience working in a food manufacturing facility, in a production and/or quality assurance role. Must possess experience conducting and/or assisting with food safety related audits.

• Possess a bachelor's degree in food science or related field, working knowledge of GFSI certification schemes (SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000 etc.) and experience in internal auditing and / or as a 3rd party auditor.

• Preventative Control Qualified Individual (PCQI) Certified.

• Travel within the United States as occasional travel to other countries will be required (will be required to travel a minimum of 50% of the time).

• Lead Auditor training relevant to the Food Industry is considered an asset.

• Proficient use of Microsoft Suite including good working knowledge of excel.

• Must be highly organized and detail oriented.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Working hours may include extended days and weekends as necessary.    

• Ability to visit manufacturing facilities and conduct presentations & audits as well as work with suppliers to discuss audit findings and suggested actions.

• HACCP Certification with a thorough and practical knowledge of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points and food manufacturing operations in varied industries.

• Knowledge of regulatory requirements including FDA, CFIA & EU regulations.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing to audiences of varying size, seniority and technical competency with the ability to provide concise and relevant feedback.

• Ability to assist in the development of new procedures and processes.

• Safety: a strong commitment to ensure all people are provided with a safe, healthy and respectful environment.

• Earnings: Competitive Wages that give financial peace of mind, 401K or RRSP with company matching.

• Industry Competitive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision and Employee Assistance Programs to meet your individual or family needs.

• Continuing Education: In House & Online Learning & Development, as well as an Education Assistance Program.

• Quality: A dedication to uphold the highest standards of authenticity, nutritional integrity, and food safety, to earn the trust of Pet Lovers everywhere.

• Other Perks: Free Bag of Premium Pet Food each month, Free Parking and more

What are you waiting for? Join the pack

Come as you are.

We value diversity in all forms and know the power it can bring. Workplace equality allows for creative ideas to bloom, diverse points of views to be heard, and increases overall happiness. That sounds pretty good to us.

Champion is an equal opportunity employer. Regardless of your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, or any other creed, you are wanted here.

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