Raw Material Specialist

Position Summary:

Responsible for providing support to the NA R&D teams with respect to raw material documentation for new and replacement raw materials (RM) through the Griffith Performance Excellence (GPE) process, as well as connecting the R&D teams with Griffith Foods (GF) Purchasing projects and supplying partner initiatives. The incumbent must maintain a high level of proficiency in the organization of daily operational functions and computer systems to create and maintain effective internal and external communication and support.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Interface between R&D team and Supplier in sourcing new or replacement raw materials and documentation; researches new raw materials at the request of the development team.
• Acts as Project Leader for New Raw Materials (R&D Development) - including but not limited to requesting, receiving samples, documentation and RM Setup in Griffith systems.
• Coordinates samples and documents for new RM requests and maintains electronic and physical libraries as required.
• Participation in GPE activities, following up with raw material requirements (documentation, samples, assisting in testing as required).
• Assessing and assigning internal health and nutrition descriptors to new raw materials.
• Reconciles incoming documentation / information upon receipt and confirms compliance with project requirements.
• Advises team on estimated timing, status updates and delivery delays for samples and/or documentation.
• Works with internal and external customers in the resolution of questions, issues, or actions relating to documents.
• Assist project team members with questions or issues related to documents, provide reports as needed to support project activities.
• Aligns with the Purchasing Category leader to be familiar with current approved and potential suppliers.
• Take a proactive approach for results-driven supplier interactions.
• Identifying issues, assessing and resolving independently; suggesting improvements to processes and implementing.
• Creating and/or updating desktop work instructions and procedures.
• Acts as an R&D representative and main contact for suppliers, organizes and hosts meetings / supplier visits, trade shows, demonstrations and trainings from suppliers for the local R&D team.
• Ensure suppliers are informed of Griffith's Purpose (Nutrition/Alternative Protein/Aspirations) to present appropriate raw materials/portfolio.
• Performs special projects as assigned.
• Train technicians and/or interns as required.

• 3 - 5 years of experience in the food and beverage industry.
• Post-secondary education in a specialized field. A Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Chemistry or related technical education is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Working knowledge of current Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines on a multitude of concurrent tasks.
• Proficiency in MS Office tools including MS Excel, PowerPoint and MS Word.
• Strong organizational and analytical abilities.
• Must have attention to detail.
• Strong customer service skills with an ability to handle issues/inquiries in a professional manner.