Food Safety / Quality Assurance Manager

This position will develop and manage Quality, Food Safety and Sanitation programs and activities that will ensure compliance with company policies, food safety standards, government regulations, and industry best practices including GMP and HACCP. The Food Safety / QA Manager will integrate Quality Assurance into all functions and people. The position will also be responsible for Plant Sanitation. Must have an in-depth working knowledge of GFSI, Non-GMO, Kosher and Organic. Position requires a high energy level and the ability to direct a Team with limited guidance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensures sterilization practices to protect finished product is in place across the supply chain. Reviews, enhances, and leads the HACCP program and Team to protect the business and its’ customers.

• Initiates and implements quality improvement activities as appropriate (e.g., Kaizen, Six Sigma) to raise the performance of the company’s product lines.

• Establishes quality and reliability standards by studying product and consumer requirements with other members of management and with production operators, technicians, and engineers.

• Responsible for internal audits, bi-annual mock-recalls and third-party audits
• Establishes raw material standards by reviewing manufacturing and engineering requirements; conferring and negotiating with suppliers; devising testing methods and procedures.
• Establishes in-process product inspection standards by learning current and future state manufacturing methods, devising testing methods and procedures.
• Establishes standards for the disposition of finished product by devising evaluation tests, methods, and procedures.
• Establishes rework standards by devising inspection and physical testing methods and procedures.
• Establishes product quality documentation system by writing and updating quality assurance procedures. Ensure all practices are in place to perform mock recalls within 2 hours or less.
• Maintains product quality by enforcing quality assurance policies and procedures and government requirements; collaborating with other members of management to develop new product and engineering designs and manufacturing and training methods.
• Prepares product and process quality reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends.
• Completes quality assurance operational requirements by scheduling and assigning employees, following up on work results.
• Ensures a robust crisis management program is in place with all affected well trained on specific roles each play.
• Maintains quality assurance staff by recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training employees.
• Maintains quality assurance staff job results by coaching, counseling, and disciplining employees, planning, monitoring, and appraising job results.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• Achieves financial objectives by preparing the quality assurance budget; scheduling expenditures; analyzing variances; initiating corrective actions.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Fulfills supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field, such as quality management, food science, or engineering.
• Minimum of [5] years of experience in quality management within food manufacturing industry.
• In-depth knowledge of quality control principles, tools, and techniques.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex situations and develop effective solutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships and influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of industry regulations and standards, such as GFSI, FDA and GMP.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality results.
• HACCP and PCQI certification strongly preferred

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)