Vendor and Ingredient Specialist

Job Description

The Vendor & Ingredient Specialist supports supplier and raw-material approval activities and maintains complete, accurate, and current vendor and ingredient records. This includes setting up and linking suppliers with the TraceGains system, closing documentation gaps, maintaining TraceGains and related systems, and preparing supplier and material information for approval, customer requirements, and risk review.

Responsibilities

Onboarding and documentation

• Coordinate and implement supplier and material documentation set-up within TraceGains; collaborate with Purchasing or Sourcing to resolve difficulties and train suppliers as needed
• Review documentation against Kettle Cuisine, customer, regulatory, SQF/GFSI, organic, and GFCO requirements. Report on documentation aging, approvals, and supplier performance
• Ensure supplier and material records are complete, current, correctly linked, and retained in TraceGains or the designated system. Track missing, expired, incomplete, inconsistent, conditional, or rejected documentation and follow up with suppliers and cross-functional team members to close documentation gaps.
• Escalate unresolved supplier, material, or risk issues using established protocols.
• Maintain and develop custom dashboards and automated workflows for standard documentation reviews.

Qualifications (Education / Experience / Skills)

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Supply Chain, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• Four or more years of experience in supplier quality, technical services, regulatory, food safety, or procurement support.
• Experience with supplier documentation, raw-material specifications, databases, and cross-functional follow-up.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, follow-through, and written communication.
• Ability to collaborate professionally with suppliers and internal stakeholders while escalating issues appropriately.

Success Measures

• Supplier and material records are complete, correctly linked, current, and audit ready.
• Documentation gaps are actively managed to closure, with aging and escalation visible.
• New suppliers and materials move through approval with clear status and no avoidable delays.

As a Leader Within the Kettle Cuisine Team, You Are Expected To

• Model and support Kettle Cuisine’s Core Values and safety culture.
• Develop individual team members and their careers.
• Create a culture of accountability and performance.
• Drive a focus on quality assurance and continuous improvement.
• Plan work, track results, and resolve issues.

Required Attributes

• Self-directed, detail-oriented, and committed to data integrity.
• Positive, collaborative, and able to build productive supplier relationships.
• Organized and able to manage multiple records, requests, and deadlines.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills appropriate to the role.
• Willing to address difficult situations with patience and respect.
• Enthusiastic about food and committed to safe, high-quality products.