Principle Technologist Quality Systems and Sensory

Job Description:

The Principal Technologist, Quality Systems & Sensory, oversees critical elements of the site’s Quality Management System (QMS), including non-conforming product management, traceability, and document control. This role also ensures compliance of the site’s sensory program by leading associate training, conducting sensory evaluations of finished products and ingredients, addressing quality issues, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The position requires strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, along with effective cross-functional collaboration, to maintain product quality and ensure compliance with company and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage non-conforming product inventory and traceability for products manufactured and co-packed on site
• Ensure timely disposition of hold product (sampling, destruction, release, donation)
• Conduct semi-annual site trace and support retrieval exercise
• Assure non-conforming product inventory management through monitoring of SAP transactions
• A key user of Atlas/SAP system
• Reporting and trending of PRIMPs and non-conforming product   
• Effectively maintains QMS/FSSC document control and record retention and ensures that the documentation and records are readily retrievable
• Delivery of training on Hold Management / traceability programs and best practices
• Delivery of training on Sensory programs for Associates and Sensory Conformance Panelists
• Collect, analyze, and interpret sensory data of all raw materials, in-process, and finished products to make quality evaluations and recommend action plans. Identify and resolve sensory-related issues
• Manage site-based conformance and Online Sensory Programs – recruit, train, and calibrate associates. Implement and execute Conformance Program’s Best Practices and Minimum requirements
• Responsible for escalations of non-conforming raw materials, in-process, and finished products, recommend approval or rejection of ingredients and finished products, and follow-up on questionable results promptly
• Active participation with the Sensory Quality Community of Practice (COP) to contribute to ways of working to build synergies across manufacturing sites as well as continuous improvement.
• Support Co-Manufacturing Sensory Quality assessments and training, as needed
• Conduct Internal audits and support site QMS compliance
• Record keeping of sensory performance
• Responsible for the appearance and sanitation of the lab work areas

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Degree
• 2-3 years of technical work experience
• Strong computer skills
• Must be able to lift 50lb (22.7kg)
• Must be able to walk and stand for extended times during an 8-hour shift Travel to other sites and vendors required 5-20%
• Basic mathematical skills required
• Flexibility to work overtime as needed

Preferred Qualifications:

• BS degree in Food Science, Food Safety, Engineering, Chemistry, or related technical field.
• Internship in quality and food safety in a manufacturing environment or 1-year technical work experience
• Experience working within SAP or similar computer system

What you can expect from Mars:

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.