SunOpta

About the Company

SunOpta Inc. is an operator of high-growth ethical businesses, focusing on integrated business models in the natural and organic food and natural health markets.         

We firmly believe that our employees drive the success of the company. With success in mind as the ultimate goal, we strive to create and provide an environment that offers challenging, stimulating and financially rewarding opportunities.

Join us and discover a work experience where diverse ideas are met with enthusiasm, and where you can learn and grow to your full potential. We're looking for individuals who enjoy the entrepreneurial thrill of invention and who enjoy working as a team to create a satisfying outcome for our customers.

About the Division

Kettle Valley manufactures 100% natural and organic fruit snacks in the United States and Canada. 

Kettle Valley brand products and private label fruit snacks are distributed in North America and all over the world including Australia, Asia and Europe.

About the Job

This position will be responsible formanaging overall vendor and material compliance as it relates to  raw materials and packaging; the position will also lead and provide assistance to various internal departments and customers to support development, delivery and quality of all packaging both new and recurring with the goal of ensuring that all materials meet our requirements, ensuring they provide adequate protection and preservation of our  product quality resulting in customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for maintaining data in ICIXS system regarding vendor compliance.
• Maintain vendor compliance tracking system for all packaging & raw materials.
• Works with Procurement, Production and Quality departments in following up with vendors on packaging/raw material defects and tracks  resolutions to root causes using SCAR and Vendor Scorecard process – also responsible for ensuring all vendor credits are processed properly.
• Work at ground level with Production, Procurement, Warehousing, and QA to ensure quality of packaging and raw materials from receiving through finished goods.
• Develop packaging and raw material performance standards in line with vendor capabilities.
• Works with Procurement, R&D, Finance, and Vendors to help determine and report, packaging and raw material costs for new projects.
• Works with requisite groups both internal and external in developing artwork for all packaging.
• Responsible for developing/determining functional die-lines for all packaging both new projects and re-designs.
• Coordinates timelines for receipt of packaging and raw materials for new projects – works with Purchasing Agents to ensure all necessary paperwork and requisitions are in place as needed to meet project timelines.
• Perform shelf-life analysis on packaging/raw materials and develop metrics for measuring progressive improvements in consumption and waste stream reduction.
• Identifies opportunities for improving existing systems as well as developing new systems to support and improve the performance of our material supply chain.
• Serves as safety model; promote a high level of safety awareness and support the continuous improvement practices.
• Follow company GMP’s (good manufacturingpractices) and all other quality programs.
• Wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when required.
• Responsible for ensuring work area is clean and organized.
• Committed to ensuring that the materials meet all regulatory, food safety and quality requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Travel

• Frequent travel to U.S. locations and occasional travel abroad (passport will be required)

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with minimum five years of experience in related field, and minimum of two years of experience in packaging environment.
• Working knowledge of MS Word and MS PowerPoint software, and proficiency with MS Excel software.
• Proven communication skills – both verbal and written.
• Bilingual (Spanish) skills preferred.
•  Experience with LEAN Manufacturing/CI strongly preferred.