Export Product Specialist

Your Opportunity

This position is responsible for overseeing the production processes and quality of export products produced at our facilities. Responsibilities include working with plant QA, operations, transportation, inventory management, distribution centers, business management and international sales to ensure the product is produced to the specification. This position monitors the quality systems and programs in place specifically for export products. Other responsibilities include hosting export customer visitors to the plant and working with customers and product managers to develop and refine product specifications. The incumbent must have good communication skills both written and verbal and capable of representing the company well with customers.

Salary Range

$50,000 - $72,600

Core Responsibilities

• Conduct verification of key operational parameters identified as critical to export product quality (FM control programs, enhance sanitation procedures, product handling requirements, cold chain management, or other special customer requirements). Ensure customer commitments remain in place.
• Perform routine audit correlations and product reviews with plant management, QA, and business management. Provide photos and narrative feedback regarding export product performance to international sales and plant operations.
• Audit export product in shipping, distribution, and cold storage facilities to include label verification, box performance, pallet condition, box integrity and export document accuracy.
• Conduct verification audits of cold chain management, labeling, rework control and other programs identified as critical to export product quality.
• Coordinate with business management and/or international sales to address conflicts identified between product expectations and the documented product specification, addresses and updates the spec and/or audit criteria.
• Work with customers, sales and business management to set up new products or make improvements to current products including packaging, meat quality, trim levels, yield improvements, efficiency improvements, cost reductions, etc. based on customer expectations or opportunity for improved profitability. Correlate products and process between multiple facilities to ensure product consistency and identification of best practices.
• Assist and/or lead export customer visits.
• Determine disposition of export product associated with deviations to the cold chain.
• Participate in shelf life troubleshooting projects as necessary.
• Conduct reviews of the specialty hog program from hog receiving to shipping, verifying all controls are in place to ensure integrity of the specialty product identity and traceability of the products.
• Verify critical parameters for China meat and bone meal production are followed to ensure quality meat and bone meal is made. Investigate meat and bone meal complaints.
• Investigate and troubleshoot all export related quality and food safety complaints and assist in drafting investigation responses. Monitor corrective actions to ensure changes made are executed and product meets customer expectations.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

• Bachlor's Degree from an accredited four year college or university and 2+ years relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Basic knowledge of USDA regulations and programs.
• Experience in the food industry, required.
• Knowledge and experience with the Microsoft Suite: including, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Able to take sales quality photos when required.
• Ability to understand specifications and audits as they relate to the customer expectations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal, technical and presentation skills required.
• Strong decision making and problem solving skills.
• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics & physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Office and plant setting. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area.
• Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.