Supplier Development and Quality Specialist

Novolex is a leader in packaging innovation, choice and sustainability. We manufacture products in paper, plastic and sustainable materials for the food, retail, health and industrial markets.

This is a hybrid position with preference in the Florence/Northern Kentucky area.

The Novolex sustainability vision is built upon three pillars: our products, our operations and our people. Each is critically important to our growth and future as a business. These pillars form the foundation of our company-wide commitment to sustainability, helping us achieve our ambitious goals through our wide-ranging initiatives.

This position is responsible for supporting technical and quality initiatives that drive raw material performance, lower material costs, process and service improvements, and productivity improvements throughout the supply chain. This role will be heavily involved with technical and analytical reviews of materials, material testing and cataloging, and competitive portfolio assessments. The Supplier Development and Quality Specialist will also work closely with teammates to support all aspects of the supply management and manufacturing process, including supplier quality program maintenance, specifications management, and regulatory and compliance documentation control. The candidate should have proven analytical, project management, personnel management and interpersonal skills.

• Provide Technical and Quality support for raw materials converted in all Novolex manufacturing facilities.
  
  
  
  • Experience in Paper and/or fiber-based material categories a plus.
  
  
  
  
• Conduct material performance testing and document results. Prepare reports and conduct analyses as required. Develop internal and competitive material portfolio database.
• Support material scouting and supplier research/development activities.
• Supplier Quality Program Maintenance:
  
  
  
  • Ensure timely resolution of Supplier Quality claims via communication with plant stakeholders and Suppliers.
  • Maintain records within Supplier Quality ticket system.
  • Provide technical support and guidance related to quality issues.
  
  
  
  
• Interact with internal customers such as Corporate Managers, Sales, Customer Service, Product Development, and Operations, as well as external Suppliers.

• Education/ Experience
  
  
  
  • Bachelor's Degree preferred or equivalent work experience.
  • 1-3+ years of relevant experience in business or industry.
  
  
  
  
• Skills
  
  
  
  • Ability to successfully work to reach company goals in an environment in which a wide degree of creativity and latitude is required.
  • Results driven, analytical, self-motivated and detail oriented with the ability to logically identify alternative solutions or approaches to complex problems.
  • Excellent communication, leadership, project management and relationship building skills.
  • Process oriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks, priorities and deadlines, and monitor progress through to completion successfully and efficiently.
  
  
  
  
• Behavioral Expectations
  
  
  
  • Ownership Mentality: Assumes responsibility and makes decisions within own level of authority.
  • Good Judgement: Knows when to stand tough and when to be flexible. Sees the "big picture" and the ramifications of one's actions.
  • Self-Motivated: Initiates and takes action before being required to do so. Collaborates with others to address issues that arise.
  • Resourceful: Deals skillfully and promptly with new situations. Willing to learn and try new things.
  • Versatility: Is open to change and adjusts positively to changing work priorities and business conditions.
  
  
  
  
• Knowledge
  
  
  
  • Strong paper and flexible packaging technical and analytical knowledge preferred
  • Lab equipment experience: TAPPI protocols and other relevant test methods preferred
  • Proficiency in analytical tools and databases, including MS Excel, PowerPoint, Project, and PowerBI (or similar tools)
  • Trial/Project Management experience
  • Converting/Manufacturing experience
  • Experience with Intelex a plus
  • Experience with Smartsheet a plus
  
  
  
  

Benefits

With safety as our top priority and a commitment to employee well-being an important focus, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits that include medical, dental and vision insurance (including Telehealth options) as well as a variety of other well-being resources focused on mental, physical and financial health. Specific benefits and well-being programs may vary depending on where you work.

Community Engagement

At Novolex, giving back to the local communities that support us is important. Our Focused Giving Program prioritizes support for organizations whose missions promote sustainability initiatives or address food and hunger needs. We also encourage facility level support of activities in the communities where our employees live and work.

Training and Development

We offer constant opportunities for advancement. From skills development to advanced education programs, training and development programs and courses are available through Novolex University. Programs include company and industry training curricula, support for formal education through the Tuition Reimbursement Program, and a Learning Management System that supports and enhances employee skills at all levels of the organization.

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