Foods you love. Brands you trust. And a career that empowers you to grow. 
 
At Nestlé USA, we’re all working towards the same goal – to delight and deliver for our consumers. With a rich portfolio of beloved brands, including DiGiorno, Toll House, and Coffee mate, in 97% of U.S. households, we have a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to be there for every moment in our consumers’ lives.

Joining Nestlé means becoming part of an inclusive workplace that inspires innovation, encourages strategic thinking and creativity, and celebrates your achievements. No matter where you work within the organization, you are empowered to challenge the status quo, embrace risk-taking, and pioneer new ideas. Our supportive and collaborative environment encourages bold ambitions and continuous learning so that everyone can grow and thrive.
 
This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

Position Summary

The Quality Specialist plays a critical role in safeguarding product integrity by ensuring that only high-quality products reach consumers and customers. This position directly influences product quality outcomes and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives. The role actively supports innovation and renovation programs and is responsible for executing assigned projects that align with and advance key business objectives.  The Quality Specialist is responsible for conducting a range of quality control tests and inspections—including microbiological, chemical, physical, and sensory evaluations—on products, materials, and components throughout various stages of the production process. These activities ensure strict adherence to quality and food safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

This role manages finished product release criteria, including net contents, sensory program compliance, and monitoring of critical control points (CCPs). Key responsibilities include performing internal audits, recording and analyzing statistical production data, and identifying deviations from established standards.

The Quality Specialist collaborates closely with the Quality Team to proactively identify, resolve, and prevent issues that may impact on product quality or food safety.

Key Outputs & Deliverables

Assure Food Safety and Compliance

• Adhere to and uphold the company’s Quality Policy, including all applicable Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), quality protocols, and food safety requirements.
• Promptly escalate any quality or food safety concerns or incidents to management.
• Ensure compliance with relevant standards and certifications, including ISO/FSSC 22000, Nestlé Management System (NMS), and ISO 9001, while driving continuous improvement initiatives aligned with Quality Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Review and update factory policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure alignment with Nestlé quality and compliance standards.
• May serve as the Document Control Coordinator for Quality, supporting compliance through effective management of the factory’s document control system.
• May be responsible for Net Contents Control system support and reporting:
  • Ensuring the effective operation of the net contents control program on the factory floor.
  • Preparing lot summary reports to verify compliance with the Quality Monitoring Scheme (QMS).
• Verify production documentation for accuracy and compliance.
• Provide product release support to external warehouse operations.
• Support factory programs related to food allergen management, GMP, and product coding maintenance.
• Audit GMPs, procedures, and documentation on the production floor:
  • Identify and resolve procedural or process gaps.
  • Deliver coaching and training to employees.
• Serve as a contributing member of the factory Internal Audit Team.
• Perform daily reviews of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) documentation.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and Nestlé safety, health, and environmental guidelines.

Strive for Zero Waste and Defects

• Maintain and continuously improve product quality, service standards, housekeeping, and hygiene within designated operational areas.
• Support factory-level improvement initiatives, such as reducing consumer complaints and product defects.
• Lead or participate in problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Review consumer alerts and coordinate follow-up actions.
• Maintain awareness of consumer complaints across production lines.
• Manage the consumer complaint team and associated follow-up activities.
• Support the Foreign Bodies/Material Reduction team.
• Execute special projects assigned.

Ensure Consistency

• Implement, coach, and develop processes within the SAP Quality Management Module, including data reporting.
• Conduct sensory panels for raw materials, packaging, and finished products.
• Advise production teams on quality and food safety-related decisions.
• Conduct Behavior-Based Quality (BBQ) observations.
• Participate in operational management routines, including pillar committees and local platforms.
• Support key Nestlé Continuous Excellence (NCE) initiatives within the factory.

Ensure Development of Competencies in Quality and Food Safety

• Provide guidance, support, and training to Production Operators to help them meet Nestlé’s quality standards.
• Promote a culture where safety and quality are core values, driving behavioral improvements across the facility.

Additional Contributions and Deliverables

Laboratory Support

• Perform routine sample analyses using laboratory techniques and instrumentation in accordance with Nestlé Good Laboratory Practices (NGLP).

• Interpret and report data trends to relevant stakeholders.

• Monitor the laboratory Internal Control Plan (ICP) at required intervals.

• Organize laboratory records, summarize data, and prepare reports for management use.

• Ensure high standards of product quality, service, housekeeping, and hygiene in laboratory and analytical areas.

• Manage daily equipment maintenance, inventory control, and reporting.

• Administer, train, and execute test methods.

• Maintain laboratory and quality records in compliance with the factory’s Quality Monitoring Scheme (QMS), including proper storage and retrieval.

• Assist, advise, and train colleagues to meet Nestlé Quality Assurance Center (NQAC) standards.

Product

• Manage the tracking, release, and hold status of finished products intended for retail and institutional sale.

• Provide detailed documentation and communication regarding held and released products.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field, or equivalent experience.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in manufacturing and/or laboratory settings within the food industry.
• Minimum 3 years applying quality leadership competencies in a manufacturing environment highly preferred
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in mathematical and statistical analysis.

• PCQI, HACCP, GFSI (ISO, etc.) certificates preferred
• Preferred knowledge of Lean Six Sigma or Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
• Detail-oriented and results-driven.

• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, demanding environment.
• Experience with SAP and Nestlé business processes is preferred.
• Proficiency in computer systems, including spreadsheets and Nestlé digital platforms.

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.
 
To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.
 

The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at accommodations@nestle.com or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship. 

Review our applicant privacy notice before applying at https://www.nestlejobs.com/privacy.

Job Requisition: 394017