Position Description

Director of Supplier Quality
Location Portland, OR
Req # 4207
# of Openings 1
Apply Now

Come join the Tillamook Team, one of the fastest-growing dairy brands in the US, where we Play to Win to create over 200 dairy products in 7 different categories: cheese, ice cream, yogurt, sour cream, butter, cream cheese and frozen meals. Our Uncompromising Quality has led us to become the #1 Cheddar, #2 Cream Cheese and #3 Family Size Ice Cream brand, but we’re not stopping there. We’re loading up for our best years to come and want you to join us. 

As a farmer-owned cooperative since 1909, we know that being Good Stewards for our stakeholders and doing a little extra always pays off. We’re looking for team members with a One Team and Genuine Care mindset who are inspired to share the delight of the Tillamook brand with each other and others every day. 

 

What you will do:

The Director of Supplier Quality will be responsible for overseeing the quality of all suppliers and ensuring that materials and products meet the company’s standards and regulatory requirements. This role involves proactively developing and maintaining a supplier quality management system, conducting audits, and leading continuous improvement initiatives.

 

Here’s a day in the life:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive supplier quality management system.
  • Conduct regular supplier audits to ensure compliance with food safety standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Work closely with suppliers to develop and improve quality systems and processes.
  • Lead cross-functional teams to address supplier-related quality issues and drive root cause analysis and corrective actions.
  • Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality materials.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including procurement, manufacturing, and R&D, to align quality standards and expectations.
  • Monitor and report on supplier performance metrics, identifying trends and areas for improvement.
  • Ensure that all supplier quality-related documentation is accurate and up-to-date.
  • Provide leadership and direction to the supplier quality team, including hiring, training, and performance management.

 

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience in quality assurance within a food manufacturing environment.
  • Strong knowledge of food safety regulations (e.g., FDA, USDA, HACCP, SQF, BRC).
  • Proven experience in conducting supplier audits and managing supplier quality programs.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with all levels of the organization.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on continuous improvement.
  • Ability to travel as needed to conduct supplier audits and assessments.
  • Certification in Quality Auditing (e.g., CQA) or Quality Engineering (e.g., CQE).
  • Demonstrated experience with Lean Six Sigma or other continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Strong project management skills and experience leading cross-functional teams.

 

Industry leading benefit and reward programs:

We offer outstanding benefits to our employees. For more information, please visit the careers page: www.tillamook.com/careers.

 

We are committed to creating a diverse culture and inclusive conditions where all employees are heard, valued and feel a sense of belonging. We rely on different perspectives, thoughts, backgrounds and cultures to inform our work, to help us be better as a brand and as an employer and to fuel our success.  We are seeking talent from a wide range of diversity, perspectives, and backgrounds to join our exceptional organization and help us build our future.   

Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) is a Drug-Free Workplace.   EEO

TCCA prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability status (including those related to pregnancy and childbirth), protected veteran status, membership/non-membership in a labor organization, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Back Apply Now