Position Summary:

The Senior Quality Specialist serves as a hands‑on subject matter expert responsible for safeguarding product safety, regulatory compliance, and quality performance across our U.S. manufacturing network. This role is deeply embedded within factory operations, partnering closely with site teams as a trusted technical advisor to drive consistent execution of quality and food safety standards.

In this highly hands‑on, multi‑site role, you will actively support manufacturing locations by managing product briefs, leading complex issue resolution, and guiding robust complaint and deviation investigations between producing and receiving markets. You will work side‑by‑side with plant teams to translate regulatory and technical requirements into practical, executable solutions that strengthen day‑to‑day operations.

As a key driver of continuous improvement, you will support defect elimination initiatives, reinforce quality systems, and elevate overall factory performance. Your manufacturing expertise and on‑the‑floor presence will be critical in identifying risks early, closing gaps, and building sustainable capability across sites.

This opportunity is ideal for an experienced quality professional who thrives in fast‑paced manufacturing environments, enjoys being close to the work, and is energized by influencing across multiple plants. If you are passionate about food safety, take ownership of complex challenges, and want to make a visible impact on operations and consumer trust, this role offers a compelling next step in your career.

Please Note: This position is a hybrid role and will require regular engagement with manufacturing sites.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and participate in cross‑functional quality and manufacturing initiatives to improve Incident Management, FTR, defect elimination (Consumer and Customer Complaints), and the use of digital manufacturing tools—all with a strong focus on consumer experience and food safety.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional partners and factory teams to identify opportunities for process improvement and defect elimination using continuous‑improvement methodologies such as TPM, and Goal Alignment.
• Partner with factory teams to develop and execute implementation plans that support business and company objectives.
• Support factories in managing and maintaining quality assurance systems in full compliance with Nestlé policies, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations.
• Build capability by strengthening leadership and technical competencies within factory Quality Assurance Managers and their teams, fostering greater autonomy and expertise.
• Serve as the Intermarket Supply complaint coordinator by supporting factories with complaint investigations and facilitating timely resolution of claims within the Complaint Handling tool.
• Manage producing‑market inputs for Product Compliance within the Intermarket Supply Product Brief Tool.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience & Education Requirements: 

• BS/BA degree preferred in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field, or significant relevant work experience in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in a quality role within a manufacturing operations environment.
• Knowledge of FDA regulations required.
• Proven ability to translate technical, quality, and compliance concepts into practical application.
• Strong knowledge of Food Safety/HACCP, GMPs, Allergen Controls, sanitary design/controls, pest control, and food and/or dietary supplement regulations preferred.
• Proven project‑management experience.
• Strong problem‑solving capabilities.
• Statistical analysis experience preferred.
• Proficiency in Windows‑based applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with SAP, Viva, PLM, or QMS software preferred
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment with minimal supervision, showing strong leadership, interpersonal skills, and self‑initiative.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• ISO 9001 Internal Auditor certification a plus.
• FSSC Lead Auditor training from an approved external provider a plus.
• PCQI (FSMA) certification a plus.
• Travel required: approximately 10–15%.

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The approximate pay range for this position is $95,000.00 to $125,000.00. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills and abilities as well as geographic location.

Nestlé offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits.  Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more at About Us | Nestlé Careers (nestlejobs.com)