Vendor QA Senior Technologist

VENDOR QA SENIOR TECHNOLOGIST COMPANY SUMMARY (“Who are we?”) At The Honest Kitchen, we believe pets deserve the same quality of food as the humans who love them. As pioneers of human grade pet food, we use thoughtfully sourced ingredients and gentle preparation methods to create foods that are as wholesome as they are nutritious. We’re a purpose-driven, growth-minded, proud B Corp, (which is a legal corporate structure that allows us to operate and make decisions based upon a triple bottom line, factoring in social and environmental impacts right alongside our prioritization of long-term financial sustainability!) company made up of people who care deeply about pets, their parents, and each other. If you’re looking to do meaningful work in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where your ideas can make a real impact, you’ll feel right at home here. We strive for an inclusive work culture that supports a diverse array of skills, experiences, and perspectives our employees bring to the table. For us, differences are a source of strength. We celebrate strong performance and ethical processes, and we work hard every day to nurture an inclusive culture where all employees can innovate and thrive. Here, you will not only build your career, but you will also uncover new experiences and collaborate with passionate colleagues. The Honest Kitchen values a diverse workforce. Everyone, including women, people of color, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community are strongly encouraged to apply. The Honest Kitchen believes that an equitable and inclusive work environment and a diverse, empowered team are key to achieving our mission. We’re looking for candidates who can expand our business culture by bringing their whole, authentic selves to work. We strive to provide all qualified candidates with an equitable and accessible recruitment process. POSITION SUMMARY (“What are we looking for?”) The Vendor QA Sr Technologist is responsible for The Honest Kitchen’s Vendor Quality Program and runs the program day to day. The role manages specifications, reviews COAs, monitors material control, approves and maintains vendors, tracks vendor compliance, and manages SCARs and NCRs for materials. This is an on-site position based in Topeka, KS. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Vendor Quality Program Development Develop, train and implement elements of the Vendor Quality Program, including procedures, forms and work instructions for specifications, COA review, vendor approval, material performance and SCAR/NCR. Train THM Quality, Receiving, Procurement and R&D partners on vendor quality procedures and requirements. Review program effectiveness and recommend improvements to the Director of Quality. Specification Management Strengthen internal THK material specifications so they reflect THK quality, food safety and regulatory needs and what suppliers can consistently deliver. Create and maintain material specifications in THK format. Facilitate cross-functional alignment on specifications with Quality, R&D, Procurement and Operations partners, support approval and sign-off, and keep versions controlled with Quality Systems. COA Review Identify COA requirements for each ingredient category (e.g., required tests, methods, limits and frequency), aligned to material risk and THK specifications. Communicate COA requirements to suppliers and build them into specifications and supplier agreements. Review supplier COAs against specifications before material use or release, and flag deviations. Use AI-assisted COA review tools as they are implemented. Material Control Monitoring Monitor compliance of COAs and material performance to THK specifications, and trend results by ingredient and supplier. Monitor incoming material status, holds, non-conforming material and shelf life across THM and co-manufacturers. Verify APHIS and export-related ingredient documentation with Regulat…

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