Supplier Quality Assurance Specialist - Contract Manufacturing

ABOUT HINT

Back when we started Hint in 2005, our motto was Drink Water, Not Sugar. Our mission to this day is to help people fall in love with water — delicious, fruit-infused water — so they can live healthier lives.

Twenty years on, we’ve attracted our share of imitators, but no one has been able to match that touch of true fruit flavor in every bottle of Hint. The craftsmanship we put into creating flavors that fully reflect their fruit origin is unparalleled. With no sweeteners, no preservatives, and zero calories, is it any wonder our fans have turned Hint into an obsession. 

Today, Hint is sold in over 30,000 stores all over the United States. We feature dozens of amazing flavors — including perennial favorites Blackberry, Watermelon, and Cherry — as well as limited edition smash-ups, exclusive bundles, and 1-liter bottles, all available at drinkhint.com, Amazon, e-Retail account, and major retailers. 

THE OPPORTUNITY:

Hint is a dynamic and innovative water brand that is committed to delivering top-quality fruit-infused water to our customers. We are currently seeking an experienced Supplier Quality Assurance Specialist to join our team. In this role, you will work closely with the Senior Manager of Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance to ensure that all internal and external quality and regulatory requirements are met. If you are a detail-oriented professional with a passion for quality control and regulatory compliance, we want to hear from you.

The Supplier Quality Assurance Specialist will be responsible for supporting the ongoing maintenance of quality assurance protocols and regulatory compliance measures across our extensive network of contract manufacturers. Reporting directly to the Senior Manager of Quality and Regulatory Compliance, you will hold a pivotal role in ensuring product quality and regulatory requirements are met.

While this role may be based remotely, please note that frequent travel (up to 50%) will be necessary to collaborate closely with our Co-Manufacturers and suppliers. Therefore, residing in proximity to a major airport is required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Quality Systems:

• Maintain and help improve SOPs, quality policies, and training materials.
• Conduct onsite audits of suppliers and co-manufacturers, documenting risks and identifying continuous improvement opportunities.
• Support CAPA investigations and follow-up actions to drive quality improvement.
• Assist with maintaining accurate product specifications and ensuring documentation is current.
• Manage supplier quality scorecards and conduct data analysis for performance trends.

Quality Control:

• Review production and quality records from co-manufacturers to ensure adherence to food safety and product quality standards.
• Coordinate internal and third-party inspections, including review of raw materials and finished goods.

Continuous Improvement:

• Participate in internal QMS audits and drive corrective actions.
• Analyze data and KPIs to support strategic improvements in QA processes.
• Stay current with FDA and industry regulations and support regulatory interactions as needed.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Stay informed about relevant regulations, corporate policies, and industry trends to ensure compliance with applicable standards and requirements.
• Support interactions with government agencies, including liaising with the FDA when required.

Qualifications/Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, food science, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in QA or regulatory compliance, ideally within the beverage or CPG industry.
• Experience auditing or managing co-manufacturing or supplier relationships.
• Strong verbal/written communication and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and QA-related software tools.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 50%.
• Knowledge of FDA regulations and food safety systems preferred.

• Base salary of $75,000-85,000 based on experience. The actual salary offer may vary based on location and work experience. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.
• Bonus Eligible
• Unlimited vacation + sick time
• Company paid holidays
• 100% of the employee and dependent healthcare premiums paid for by the company
• Life insurance/AD&D (company-paid and voluntary)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401K (regular and Roth)
• $150/month health and wellness reimbursement
• $100 monthly towards your cell phone and $50 monthly towards Internet (if applicable)
• Employee Discount on Hint Water