Quality & Food Safety Auditor

Company Description

Simple Mills is on a mission to transform the way food is madecreating nourishing products with astounding ingredients and amazing taste. Founded in 2012 by Katlin Smith our brand has redefined center-aisle grocery by delivering better-for-you products made with unique nutrient-dense ingredients. Today were a category leader and the #1 natural brand in multiple segments with distribution in over 30000 stores nationwide.

Now as part of Flowers Foods were entering an exciting new phase of growthexpanding our reach accelerating innovation and amplifying brand awareness all while preserving the integrity of what makes Simple Mills special. Our commitment to using simple high-quality ingredients ensures that every bite is both delicious and nutritious. Whether its watermelon seed flour in our cookies or butternut squash in our crackers we craft our products with innovative wholesome ingredients that deliver extraordinary taste.

Our work has been recognized by Fast Company as a Brand That Matters and a Most Innovative Company and has been featured in Vogue Forbes Womens Health and NPRs How I Built This. In 2024 Inc. named us one of its Best Workplaces reflecting our dedication to fostering an inspiring and inclusive environment where passionate individuals can make a difference.

Join us as we shape the future of food. Learn more at .

Role Description

TheQuality & Food Safety Auditorwillbea critical roleon the Supplier Quality team responsible forsupportingthe Simple MillsQuality & Food Safety risk mitigation strategy by leading and executing audits at Simple Mills partners (Raw Material Suppliers Contract Manufacturers Warehouses etc.)and supporting the Quality department with the day-to-day requirements. The position willreporttotheDirector Supplier Qualityandresponsibilities will include:

• Develop and execute a risk-based supplier and external-partner audit program covering current and prospective ingredient suppliers packaging suppliers contract manufacturers co-packers warehouses and other designated service providers.

• Travel to Simple Mills partners and prospective partners to conduct on-site food safety and quality audits targeted risk assessments CAPA verification visits incident investigations supplier-development activities and other special projects.

• Plan lead and document announced and unannounced audits against Simple Mills requirements applicable regulatory requirements customer requirements and relevant food safety and quality standards.

• Perform audit preparation and due diligence including review of previous audit results GFSI certification and reports regulatory history food safety plans specifications testing programs supplier performance complaints nonconformances and open corrective actions.

• Collect and evaluate objective evidence through facility observation employee interviews document and record review traceability exercises and evaluation of the effective implementation of food safety and quality programs.

• Prepare timely accurate and fact-based audit reports that clearly describe findings objective evidence risk required corrective actions accountable owners and agreed completion dates.

• Lead audit opening and closing meetings clearly communicating audit scope findings risk level expectations and required next steps to partner management and Simple Millsstakeholders..

• Evaluate corrective and preventive action responses including root-cause analysis containment corrective action preventive action and supporting evidence; verify implementation and effectiveness before closure.

• Develop and maintain the annual audit schedule using ingredient risk intended use supplier performance regulatory or certification history audit findings complaint trends change activity and other risk factors; monitor completion against the approved schedule.

• Assess the design and effective implementation ofQualityprograms including food safety plans preventive controls/HACCP allergen management sanitation environmental monitoring foreign material control food defense food fraudtraceability and recall laboratory controls incoming-material verification specifications change control hold and release and regulatory notification.

• Establish constructive professional relationships with external teams and use audit findings performance data technical guidance and follow-up activities to drive sustainable continuous improvement.

• Performs other projectsas assigned

• Bachelors degree in Food Science Microbiology Chemistry Biology Engineering or a related technical discipline or an equivalent combination of education and relevant food-industry experience.
• 4 years of comprehensive food safety and quality related experience
• The position requires on average75% travel with the potential to travel up to90% for critical business needs
• Valid drivers license required.
• Ability to walk manufacturing facilities for extended periods of time.
• Ability to climb stairs access elevated platforms and navigate production and warehouse environments safely.
• Ability to regularly lift and move materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with all facility safety requirements.
• Ability to travel frequently by air and automobile.
• Valid passport required or the ability to obtain one.
• Experience conducting food safety quality supplier GMP or manufacturing-facility audits including audit planning objective-evidence collection interviewing report writing classification of findings and corrective-action verification.
• Experience with at least one GFSI-recognized food safety certification program
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and must also effectively manage and execute changes
• Position requires ability to act as a member of a highly functioning team
• Excellent communication writing analytical and critical thinking skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Certified Quality Auditor (ASQ) is a plus
• Intermediate PowerPoint and strong Excel skills (ability to structure and analyze data manipulate pivot tables create trackers and utilize basic functions)
• Ability to complete other projects as assigned and needed
• Proficiency inTraceGainsis preferred but not required
• A personal connection to the Simple Mills mission and a fervent desire to improve the food system to help people and the planet thrive.

Nice-to-Have Requirements

• PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) certification.
• HACCP certification.
• Experience auditing ingredient suppliers and co-manufacturers.
• Experience in bakery snack grain-based or shelf-stable food manufacturing.
• Experience with FDA regulations and FSMA requirements.

Working at Simple Mills

At Simple Mills were not just building a brand were leading a movement thats transforming how food is made and enjoyed. If youre passionate about purpose-driven work and crave a role where you can have a meaningful impact this is your chance to be part of something bigger.

Why Join Us

• Be a Change-Maker
  Play a key role in redefining the food industry crafting products that nourish people and contribute to a healthier planet.
• Thrive in a Mission-Driven Community
  Work alongside a dynamic team of innovators and food lovers who are committed to positive change and bold ideas.
• A Workplace Where You Belong
  We foster an environment where every voice is heard valued and empowered. Inclusion and belonging are at the heart of our culture ensuring that everyone can thrive.
• A Culture of Integrity and Impact
  We dont just talk about doing good we live it. Our team is committed to ethical practices responsible sourcing and making decisions that drive real positive change.
• Grow with People-First Leadership
  Our supportive leadership team is dedicated to mentorship collaboration and your long-term success.
• Continuous Learning & Development
  Whether through hands-on training innovative learning platforms or career growth opportunities we invest in your professional development.

At Simple Mills youll have the chance to make an impact while working in a collaborative and inspiring environment. If youre ready to shape the future of food lets talk.

Benefits

We recognize that our people are our greatest asset. Thats why we offer a highly competitive total rewards package designed to support your financial well-being health and overall quality of life.

• Competitive Compensation: This role offers a salary range of $115000 to $135000
• Annual Bonus Opportunity: Eligible for an annual bonus as part of our commitment to recognizing team contributions and company success.
• Holistic Benefits: A variety of health financial and wellness programs to help you feel your best and plan for the future.
• Time to Recharge: We believe your best work comes when you have space to rest refocus and show up fullyour time off approach is built with that in mind.
• Everyday Well-Being: From lifestyle perks to innovation shipments we find meaningful ways to support you in living simply and feeling well.

Were committed to taking care of our peopleso you can focus on making an impact.

Work Model at Simple Mills

Our work model is role-dependent and team focused. With remote hybrid or in-office positions each role is classified by what best supports the needs of the team.

• Remote working may be considered for qualified candidates from a designated locationin the United States(the new hires permanent residence as documented in our HR System Rippling) if willing and able to travel regularly to the Chicago office. Sufficient internet access to support video conferencingrequired.

At Simple Mills we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and inclusion. Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race color religion national origin gender (including pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions) sexual orientation gender identity gender expression age past or present military service physical or mental disability or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of business need job requirements and individual qualifications. #LI-DNI

Simple Mills is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment Simple Mills will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process to perform essential job functions and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment please contact

Required Experience:

IC