The Quality Assurance specialist will be responsible for the food safety and quality assurance, warehouse site assessment, and analysis, reporting and process improvement of the third party logistics (3PL) partner for Brown Forman owned products and other partner company(s).

This role is responsible for ensuring the quality of the inspection of our products by implementing and assuring the logistics partner is executing the quality control procedures, driving continuous improvement initiatives through clear communications to the producing factory, analyzing the defects found in a timely manner, and managing quality communications with defined internal and external key stakeholders. .

This role will work to achieve operational targets set by the manager and will also provide status updates and reports to manager, quality and other partner departments, regularly on the operational targets.

This role requires a broad knowledge of theory and principles within quality and packaging, high attention to detail, knowledge of processes, high prioritization and organization skills and execution to timelines. Must be able to reach agreements through flexibility and compromise when working with quality, packaging, and warehouse team members. This role will create streamline processes enhancing efficiency, and assure adherence to processes.

Utilizes tools such as auditing, process mapping, process evaluation, complaint analysis, trend analysis, and advanced quality skills, technology, and knowledge to achieve objectives and goals.

What You Can Expect
Quality Assurance

• Follow the verification process of new products to launch in the Japan market.
• Directs and optimizes Brown-Forman's existing Standard Quality inspection process.
• Train and validate the 3PL in executing the contract defined inspection process.
• Ensure the products meet the company's quality standards.
• Work closely with global production quality and operations teams to address any quality issues noted with product on arrival and in response to local market consumer or customer complaints.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards for spirits quality.

Analysis, Reporting & Process Improvement

• Review and analyze defect rate, inspection processes, identify opportunities for process improvement, and lead communications and partners with factory quality control managers to optimize efficiency and quality.
• Assure accurate maintenance of records and documentation of quality control activities and findings.
• Prepare and submit reports on quality control activities and findings to management
• Prepare the destruction provision including SKU quantity and value report and submit to QA and Finance & Accounting on a monthly basis.
• Confirm and align the amount and settle the credit note with BFC.
• Assure physical destruction and make sure the destruction is properly executed.

Management of Third Party Logistic Provider

• Monitor and provide guidance to 3PL staff on quality control procedures, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance.
• Visit 3PL warehouses on a monthly basis and conduct on-site checks and work out solutions to decrease destruction. Provide detailed trip report for all visits.

Management of Quality and Reporting of Distribution of Partner Company(s)

• Work closely with partner company QA and global QA to ensure quality standards are met
• Provide customer facing engagement in required meetings with partner company(s)
• Review and analyze defect rates, provide reports to partner company(s)
• Prepare the destruction list and report and submit it to partner company QA and Finance. Confirm and align the amount and settle the credit note with BFC on a monthly basis.
• Assure physical destruction and make sure destruction is properly executed.

Claim management

• Gather and assess customer complaints related to product quality, working together with their manager to identify the root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
• Local product return coordinator- Receive, analyze and check claims from customers.- Inform timely and in a proper way on the results of investigations.- Analyze claim statistics and propose solutions to prevent claims in future.- Order components for replacement of damaged components (gift packs, stickers etc.)
• Assure proper destruction protocol is executed to protect and defend against counterfeit activity.

Others

• Other tasks related to product data and report.
• Support/lead other potential quality issues and investigations within region as requested by QA manager
• Execute trip reports and monthly reporting to capture formal notes on visits to 3PL.
• Assure closures of gaps from previous visits and drive standardization and gap closure.
• Participate in the Brown-Forman Product recall committee when necessary.
• Act as one point conduit from corporate to designated site.
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Utilize SAP as required by job duties.

What You Bring To The Table

• Education: College/University (Bachelors or Equivalent); Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or other related fields.
• Experience: 6+ years of quality leadership experience in the food, alcohol, packaging, or consumer goods industry.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, and a strong capacity for leadership in driving projects.
• Attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Fluent in English and Japanese speaking and writing
• SAP, Microsoft or Google office tool knowledge.
• Must have strong knowledge and understanding of spirits production processes, quality control
• Must have ability to document, plan, execute and project management skills.

What Makes You Unique

• Preferred experience in ISO9001, ISO 22000 and GFSI standards.

Who We Are
We believe great people build great brands. And we know there is Nothing Better in the Market than a career at Brown-Forman. Being a part of Brown-Forman means you will grow both personally and professionally. You will have the opportunity to solve problems, seize opportunities, and generate bold ideas. You will belong to a place where teamwork matters and where you are encouraged to bring your best self to work.

What We Offer
Total Rewards at Brown-Forman is designed to engage our people to ensure sustainable and profitable growth for generations to come. As a premium spirits company, we offer equitable pay structures for individual and company performance alongside a premium employee experience. We offer a range of premium benefits that reflect our company values and meet the needs of our diverse workforce.

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Brown-Forman Corporation is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. It is the policy of Brown-Forman Corporation to provide full and equal employment opportunities to all employees and potential employees without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability or any other legally protected status.

Business Area: Global Supply Chain

Function: Quality

City
Tokyo

State
Country: JPN

Req ID: JR