Private Brands Quality Control Specialist

Private Brands Quality Control Specialist

At Hy-Vee our people are our strength. We promise "a helpful smile in every aisle" and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is fully engaged and committed to supporting our customers and each other.

The Private Brands Quality Control Specialist ensures that all private brand products meet internal standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations for quality, safety, and value. This role works cross-functionally with suppliers, internal teams, and third-party partners to monitor and maintain compliance, implement quality control protocols, and continuously improve product integrity across the Grocery, HBC, GM & Specialty, and Perishables categories.

Accountable and Reports to: Director, Private Brands Sourcing

Direct Reports: None

Primary Responsibilities:

• Monitors and ensures compliance with applicable food safety, labeling, packaging, and regulatory standards (FDA, USDA, FTC, etc.) for all Private Brands items.
• Works directly with suppliers to confirm all required quality documentation (e.g., COAs, specs, certifications) is in place before doing business.
• Tracks and communicates changes to regulatory guidelines and ensures suppliers are updated and compliant.
• Coordinates product testing and audits (internal or through third-party partners) to verify quality and consistency across categories.
• Reviews and approves product formulations, labeling, and packaging for compliance and consumer clarity.
• Supports cost and quality balancing by identifying opportunities to improve product specifications while maintaining competitive pricing.
• Collaborates with procurement, category management, and product development teams to align on expectations for quality during product launches or supplier transitions.
• Maintains a database of supplier compliance documentation, product specifications, and quality metrics.
• Investigate product complaints or quality issues and facilitates root cause analysis and corrective action with suppliers.
• Supports private label recalls and incident responses in coordination with legal and food safety teams when necessary.
• Participates in continuous improvement efforts to elevate the overall private brand experience for customers.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, or a related field required.
• 2-4 years of experience in a quality, regulatory, or compliance role.
• Experience with private label brands and supplier quality programs strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements:

Must be physically able to perform sedentary office work, including occasional travel to supplier or retail locations.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Worker Characteristics:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Commitment to the Hy-Vee Mission and a willingness to promote the values of the company.
• Strong interpersonal skills. An ability to relate to and interact with other people in a friendly, professional manner.
• Ability to identify problems, develop and execute solutions.

Working Conditions:

• Fast-paced, deadline-driven office environment with occasional travel.
• Regular cross-functional collaboration with senior leadership, vendors, and field teams.

Financial Responsibility: None.

Confidentiality: Maintains confidentiality of product innovation plans, vendor agreements, and strategic roadmaps.

Are you ready to smile, apply today.