Director, Supplier Quality
Milwaukee, WI - USA
Job Summary
At Saputo we bring good to the table by making high-quality products investing in our people and supporting communities around the world . As a top 10 global dairy processor we value contributions that matter and strive to foster an inclusive growth-driven work environment. Ready to bring your best
Saputo USA is seeking a Director of Supplier Quality to lead the strategic direction and execution of Supplier Quality programs for SUSA.
This role is responsible for ensuring that all suppliers of ingredients packaging materials and purchased finished goods meet Saputos high standards for quality food safety regulatory compliance and customer expectations. The Position will initially lead efforts to drive a risk-based supplier quality framework strengthen audit and approval programs for Saputo USA and will then enable digital transformation to modernize supplier quality management for Saputo USA and Canada.
How You Will Make Contributions That Matter
Develop and execute the North American Supplier Quality vision strategy and multi-year roadmap ensuring alignment with Saputos corporate objectives growth priorities and food safety commitments.
Provide executive leadership for supplier quality programs across the United States and Canada establishing consistent standards governance policies and performance expectations throughout the supply network.
Drive a risk-based supplier quality management framework that proactively identifies assesses mitigates and monitors supplier-related quality food safety regulatory business continuity and reputational risks.
Partner with senior leaders across Procurement Supply Chain Operations Research & Development Commercialization Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance to ensure supplier quality requirements are fully integrated across the product life cycle.
Lead the transformation and modernization of supplier quality capabilities through the implementation of digital solutions automation advanced analytics and integrated quality management technologies.
Establish and oversee enterprise-wide supplier qualification approval monitoring and performance management programs for ingredients packaging materials co-manufactured products and purchased finished goods.
Provide strategic oversight of supplier audits assessments certifications and surveillance activities to ensure compliance with internal standards customer requirements and applicable regulatory expectations.
Drive accountability for corrective and preventive action programs ensuring timely resolution of supplier non-conformances and sustainable improvements in supplier performance.
Build strategic partnerships with key suppliers to strengthen quality performance support innovation initiatives improve operational reliability and create long-term value for Saputo.
Define and monitor key supplier quality metrics dashboards and performance indicators leveraging data-driven insights to influence business decisions and drive continuous improvement.
Ensure audit readiness and regulatory compliance across the supplier network including adherence to applicable FDA USDA CFIA GFSI-recognized standards customer requirements and specialty certification programs.
Serve as the executive sponsor for supplier quality management systems ensuring effective governance of supplier documentation specifications certificates compliance records and digital quality workflows.
Lead cross-functional efforts to support new product launches acquisitions network optimization initiatives and business growth strategies by ensuring supplier capability and readiness.
Establish best-in-class supplier quality processes standards and operating procedures that promote consistency scalability and operational excellence across North America.
Represent supplier quality within executive leadership forums providing strategic insights on emerging risks industry trends regulatory developments and opportunities for competitive advantage.
Influence customer confidence and business growth by ensuring supplier quality programs meet or exceed customer expectations and support Saputos reputation for quality and food safety.
Develop organizational capability by building coaching and leading high-performing supplier quality teams while fostering a culture of accountability continuous improvement collaboration and innovation.
Lead organizational change initiatives that advance supplier quality maturity strengthen stakeholder engagement and support Saputos broader transformation agenda.
Manage supplier quality investments priorities and resources to maximize business value while balancing risk management operational effectiveness and long-term strategic objectives.
You Are Best Suited For The Role If You Have The Following Experience Skills and Qualifications:
Bachelors degree in food science Microbiology Engineering Quality Management or a related discipline; advanced degree preferred.
Minimum 15 years of progressive leadership experience in Supplier Quality Food Safety Quality Systems Procurement Quality or related disciplines within a complex multi-site food manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated success leading enterprise supplier quality transformations and implementing risk-based supplier management programs.
Extensive knowledge of FDA USDA CFIA FSMA GFSI-recognized standards labeling requirements and specialty certification programs.
Proven experience leading digital quality system implementations and leveraging technology to improve quality compliance visibility and decision-making.
Strong executive presence with the ability to influence senior leadership customers suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to lead geographically dispersed teams and drive results through collaboration accountability and strategic alignment.
Exceptional communication change leadership and stakeholder management skills with experience operating in highly regulated environments.
We Support and Care For Our Employees By Providing Them With
Development opportunities that enhance their career fulfillment
Meaningful compensation & benefits that help them care for their families
Opportunities to contribute to your community and enhance the lives of others through Saputo products
Work in a smoke free environment that promotes a healthy and wellness focused lifestyle
Salary range: $ 148875 - $223315
Salary offers will vary commensurate with experience educations skills and training.
In the USA Saputo ranks among the top three cheese producers and is one of the top producers of extended shelf-life and cultured dairy products with a portfolio of well-loved brands such as Stella Frigo Cheese Montchevre Stella and Treasure Cave. We also boast a strong foodservice presence partnering with reputable chain restaurants and broadline distributors.
Whether your expertise lies in manufacturing operations supply chain sales quality assurance or in any other function your role is integral to our success. You will make contributions that matter all while working alongside colleagues who genuinely care about your success and who will roll up their sleeves to help.
Accessibility
Saputo Cheese USA Inc. endeavors to make accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process please contact Human Resources at or email This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
EEO
Saputo Cheese USA Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability or protected veteran status. If youd like more information on your EEO rights under law please visit .
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Required Experience:
Director