The Quality Supplier Specialist maintains the supplier qualification testing program and all technical documents and Quality System SOPs for Private Brand products. The Quality Supplier Specialist will work closely with dozens of vendors and multiple departments in our company to ensure the vendors are operating within the terms of our agreement. This role is also responsible for the safety of all Private Brand products through execution of established Private Brand processes and strategic projects. The right candidates will be flexible, action and results oriented, self-starting, have strong analytical skills, and be comfortable with computer databases and tools. The ideal candidate must have a proven track record in taking ownership, driving results, and moving with speed to create, maintain, and report vendor compliance in a fast-paced environment. You will be working under the Product Quality Manager with years of experience across multiple industries, this is a great opportunity to learn from them. You will need to become an expert of all the ins and outs for each vendor and product. This role can be remote.

Our team is filled with passionate people who strive to make a genuine difference for our clients. If you are a driven person who exceeds expectations, please apply.

• Write Quality Management System Documentation and Records, which includes but is not limited to SOPs, forms, policies, etc.
• Create and maintain trackers for QMS review and revision.
• Regulatory updates: work closely with Quality Director to maintain current regulatory knowledge.
• Manage the Supplier Qualification of Vendor Manufactured Products (Due Diligence) Testing Program:
  • The Vitamin Shoppe utilizes a Supplied Products Testing Program to align with the Quality Promise made for all Private Brand products.  The Quality Supplier Management Specialist will:
    • Follow the program written in the standard operating procedure.
    • Conducting research on available test methods
    • Write and communicate test order information, accurately.
    • Familiarity with legal and contract review
    • Testing reports will need to be analyzed to determine if the results obtained are within the specification limits for each line item.
    • Make outbound phone calls to follow up on testing
    • Monitor and respond to incoming emails
    • Investigate OOS findings, as needed.
    • Work with Private Brand team members and vendors to modify formulations, if needed.
    • Provide precise feedback to Quality Director and Product Quality Manager on the program including but not limited to number of products analyzed, non-conformities, overall findings, etc. about the effectiveness of vendors
    • Maintains organized and accurate records of all supplier-related testing and CAPAs.
    • Create and maintain trackers for Quality Issues, SCAR, and CAPA process with vendors.
    • Obtain monthly test results for all high and medium risk vendors in order to track their performance.
    • Develop a strong working relationship with the key partners in the contract manufacturing process (Legal, Commercialization, Brand Ownership, Finance, etc.)
    • Builds and maintains good relationships with suppliers.
    • Prepare and maintain Vendor Scorecards and create extensive reports showing vendor performance.
    • Prepare and maintain Vendor Compliance Rate: The percentage of vendors that comply with company specifications and label claim requirements.
    • Prepare and maintain an annual report on supplier performance.
    • Arrange with vendors to present testing results on a monthly basis to ensure the Vitamin Shoppe’s pillar of tested and trusted needs are met
    • Work with accounting to ensure third party laboratories are invoiced correctly and paid appropriately
    • Work with accounting to ensure that suppliers are chargeback/credited for third party testing according to the terms of the agreement
    • Proactively seek out additional information (set up meetings, calls, cross-team discussions) to determine testing needs
    • Management of delays/escalations of third party testing
    • Evaluating current vendor management programs and identifying ways to improve them

Other Functions:

• Performs other duties as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Education/Certification:        

• Bachelors degree in a science related field

Required Knowledge:                           

• Microbiological and / or Analytical chemistry, knowledge of regulatory aspects & GMP for dietary supplements, food, and other relevant product areas according to industry and regulations
• Knowledge and understanding of the FDA regulatory industry or other applicable guidance’s for dietary supplements (21 CFR 111,  FSMA,21 CFR 101, proposition 65 and others)

Experience Required:

• 2-3 years of vendor management experience
• 2 plus years in Quality Management Systems
• 2 plus years in dietary supplements or food industry
• 2 plus years of experience communicating professionally with vendors
• Proven experience in vendor management, procurement, or a related field.
• Knowledge of contract management principles and practices.
• Experience in microbiological and /or analytical methods of vitamins, minerals, botanicals, and other supplements or dietary ingredients

Skill and Ability:

• Communication Skills: the individual edits work for spelling and grammar, presents numerical data effectively and is able to read and interpret written information.
• Analytical Skills: Analysis of data and information to gain strategic advantage wherever possible in the vendor management process.
• Relationship Management: Building and maintaining relationships with vendors to ensure effective and efficient collaboration and communication.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to solve vendor-related issues by identifying problems and their solutions while possessing great follow-up skills. The individual identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner, gathers and analyzes information skillfully, and maintains confidentiality.
• Planning/organizing—the individual prioritizes and plans work activities and uses time efficiently
• Interpersonal skills—the individual maintains confidentiality, remains open to others' ideas, and exhibits willingness to try new things.
• Oral communication—the individual speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations and demonstrates group presentation skills.
• Quality control—the individual demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Adaptability—the individual adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands and is able to deal with frequent changes, delays, multiple projects, interruptions, or unexpected events.
• Works well in a team environment
• Proficient in computer programs such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and other MS Office Programs
• You must be a self-starter to work here!

Equal Opportunity Policy

The Vitamin Shoppe is an equal opportunity employer. We respect diversity and accordingly are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex, gender, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.  Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, separation, recruitment, pay and other forms of compensation, access to facilities and programs, training and general treatment during employment.

We firmly believe that every Health Enthusiast has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Our goal is to maintain a satisfied and productive team of Health Enthusiasts. The keys to reaching that goal are effective leadership, equal application of fair human resources policies, competitive wages and benefits, and close attention to all health enthusiast matters. The Vitamin Shoppe is committed to the principle of fair and impartial treatment of our Health Enthusiasts.

Health Enthusiasts with questions or concerns about equal employment opportunities in the workplace are encouraged to bring these issues to the attention of their Human Resources representative.  We will not allow any form of retaliation against Health Enthusiasts who raise issues of perceived discrimination in good faith.  To ensure our workplace is free of artificial barriers, violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.