Quality Specialist

Quality Assurance | Naperville | Full Time | Permanent

Wilton is a global heritage brand with a 95-year history in baking and decorating. As part of the Dr. Oetker family, Wilton aspires to be the most influential and successful cake decorating brand, sparking more ways to create sweeter moments both in the kitchen and the workplace. Learn more about Wilton at www.wilton.com.
 

Description 

Do you have a passion for strengthening food safety culture and delivering excellence in product quality? The Quality Assurance Specialist is responsible for overseeing product quality and food safety across food and non-food co-manufacturers, ensuring compliance with internal and external standards. Reporting to the Quality Assurance Manager, this role supports our US Distribution Center and cross functional teams with inventory release, issue resolution, new products, and process improvements. Responsibilities include supplier management, risk assessments, supplier corrective actions, KPI reporting, continuous improvement, and audit coordination. The position also supports regulatory and customer audits. Strong collaboration and analytical skills are essential.

Ingredients 

•    Manage and monitor all co-manufacturers responsible for food and non-food items ensuring compliance with quality standards and specifications.
•    Provide quality support to the US Distribution Center, including inventory release, quality inspections, and issue resolution.
•    Conduct thorough risk assessments related to product quality issues, identifying potential hazards and implementing mitigation strategies.
•    Work closely with suppliers to investigate root causes of quality issues and implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
•    Compile and analyze monthly KPIs and delivery tracking reports to monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement.
•    Address and support customer quality requirements, ensuring timely and effective resolution of complaints and inquiries.
•    Coordinate and support supplier audits, warehouse audits, and internal quality assessments to ensure compliance with company and regulatory standards.
•    Assist in preparing for and supporting regulatory inspections and external customer audits, ensuring all documentation and processes are audit-ready.
•    Identify and communicate improvements within our Quality and Food Safety Programs.

Equipment  

•    Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Quality Assurance, Microbiology or a related science field.
•    3+ years’ experience in a quality assurance role, preferably in food or consumer goods industry.
•    Strong knowledge of GMP, HACCP, FSMA and quality management systems.
•    Experience with supplier quality management and audit processes.

Instructions  

•    High proficiency in MS office, specifically excel, along with strong analytical capabilities.
•    Skills in evaluating, onboarding, and managing supplier performance and quality agreements.
•    Experience with tools like 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams, and FMEA to identify and resolve quality issues.
•    Skills in developing a stronger food safety culture.
•    Exceptional interpersonal skills, including strong written and verbal communication.
•    Ability to develop & maintain relationships while collaborating cross-functionally within areas of the business, from external & internal departments up to senior level.
•    Demonstration of growth mindset by embracing the qualities of agility, curiosity, accountability, and innovation consistent with Wilton’s Culture Recipe.
•    Ability to work independently, precisely and with initiative in a team environment.
•    Effective time management skills and ability to meet strict deadlines and make informed decisions within a fast-paced environment.

Baking Conditions 

• Professional office environment, sedentary in nature.\
• Routinely use standard office equipment such as (laptop computers, monitors/keyboards, printers, and telephones).
• Processes information and communicates effectively with others.
• Ability to travel domestically or internationally as needed.

Rewards 

Pay Transparency Wage Tier*: II

#LI-DNI

#LI-Hybrid