ILLES Foods Job Description 

Job Title: FSQR Supplier Quality Associate l 

Reports To: FSQR Compliance and Systems Manager 

FLSA: Permanent, Full Time, Non-Exempt, On-Site 

Hours: 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday

About Us:   
Specializing in custom-crafted culinary solutions—from beverage bases and sauces to marinades and seasonings—ILLES Foods has partnered with food service chains, manufacturers, and retailers across the U.S. since 1927. Our Food Innovation expertise, creativity, and speed to market, combined with a laser focus on customer experience, make us a key partner in product development.  As a family-owned, woman-run business, our growth is fueled by deeply held values: operating with integrity, maintaining intentional curiosity, and strong relationship building through the power of partnership. At ILLES Foods, we strive to be the ingredient that elevates food and enriches the lives of our partners, internal and external. 

Job Summary: 
The Successful candidate is responsible for inspecting incoming raw materials and packaging materials at receipt. The primary role of the FSQA Supplier Associate I is ensuring food safety, legality, and quality standards are always maintained for the raw materials and packaging materials at receipt through Trace Gains Supplier Database and Ross ERP software systems before release for use in production. The role is required to maintain a flexible schedule as this position will provide vacation and call-in relief to 1st and 2nd shift FSQR Lab Technicians at both liquid and dry production facilities. All ILLES Foods partners conduct themselves in a manner that is aligned with our Core Values: We Operate with Integrity, Stay Intentionally Curious, and Believe in the Power of the Partnership 

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Manages receiving activities pertinent to Food Safety and Quality.  

• Incoming ingredient and packaging inspection against strong quality and food safety standards.  

• Verification of approved vendors through TraceGains Supplier Database. o Reviews certification of analysis (COA) for acceptance and completeness. 

• Review any out of specification COA and investigate the issue. Report true out of spec deficiencies to management.  

• Communicate with vendors for missing COAs. o Pulls samples in accordance with the receiving program; and conducts appropriate analysis to ensure compliance to established specifications.  

• Release incoming ingredients and packaging material after approval.  

• Manages set-up and ongoing maintenance of Trace gains for ingredients, packaging and vendors that includes, but not limited to, COA mapping and setting up ingredient attributes.  

• Daily completion of warehouse inspection and bug counts.  

• Initiates supplier non-Conformances and freight alerts.  

• Timely communication with other departments may be needed related to receiving activities.  

• Assists in collecting item level and supplier level documents in collaboration with other team members of the Supplier Quality team and suppliers, if needed.  

• Assists in the aged inventory management process in collaboration with other team members of the Supplier Quality team, if needed.  

• Write and assist in writing procedures for Supplier Quality Team.  

• Laboratory technician duties when on vacation relief for 1st and 2nd shift 

• Conducts all analytical and organoleptic tests applicable to each product. o Performs data entry of all results and creates COAs as required.  

• Conducts calibration on all equipment as required.  

• Carries out all environmental sampling.  

• Collects all finished product samples for internal and third-party testing. 

• Perform pre-operational inspections as needed.  

• Perform line checks during production.  

• Perform other tasks and projects assigned by FSQR Management.  

• Maintain appropriate and professional written and verbal communication.  

• Regular attendance for scheduled shifts is a requirement of this position.  

• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities such as professional publications, seminars/webinars or professional organizations.  

• Ensure that food safety, legality, integrity, and quality standards are always maintained. 

Required Key Skills and Qualifications: 

• Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.  

• Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.  

• Computer experience- including advanced Microsoft Office skills, SharePoint, etc.  

• Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.  

• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.  

• Teamwork -work closely with all departments in a professional, cooperative manner.  

• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.  

• Adherence to policy, procedure and attendance requirements  

• Must be in possession of a valid driver’s license.  

• Read, speak, and write fluent English  

• Able to achieve certifications as needed in BRC, Food Safety, HACCP, etc. 

Experience & Education: 
Associate degree with relevant Quality experience, Food Science or other related degree preferred. Minimum 1 years’ experience in food manufacturing is preferred. 

Working Conditions & Physical Demands: 
Taste, smell and see well enough to discriminate quality and quantity aspects of individual flavor and seasoning components of food products and ingredients. Physically able to lift 35 lbs. See well enough to read pertinent documents (hard copy as well as computer screen data and reports). Ability to hear directions in a noisy environment. Be able to effectively communicate with all contacts both orally and in writing. Ability to legally and safely drive a vehicle in performance of the position requirements. 

What We Offer: 
We are a core-value driven, inclusive team that values innovation, growth, and impact. We offer career development, mentorship, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits—including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with immediate match, HSA, EAP, life, disability, and more!  

Disclaimer: 
The job description provides a general overview of the work, not a detailed list of all tasks and skills. Reasonable accommodation is available for individuals with disabilities as required by law. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a health or safety risk. Employees must follow job-related instructions and perform additional duties as per federal and state laws. The listed requirements are the minimum needed to perform the job effectively. Employment is "at-will," meaning it can be terminated at any time. ILLES Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (M/F/D/V)