Job Description:
Purpose:
Responsible for managing and directing all aspects of the Quality Assurance Department at the plant level. This requires investigation and response to quality related customer complaints; ensuring all company Food Safety and Quality Assurance policies and procedures are followed; ensuring finished product conforms to customer and product specifications; monitoring, verification and documentation associated with adherence to regulations. Specific responsibilities include plant HACCP Coordination, inspection programs (including Third Party), supervising Laboratory Technicians, interacting with customers and their agents for product showings, plant tours and audits, visits to customer facilities and initial product runs.
Principal Responsibilities:
Uphold companies Mission Statement, Quality Policy, Values and Beliefs
Food Safety: Manage the plant food safety systems to create an environment where food safety threats are recognized and eliminated/mitigated. Manage compliance with all regulatory and company defined food safety and sanitation standards; examples of these systems include: internal/third Party audits, vendor audits / certification, inbound and outbound inspection, ingredient, intermediate and finished product inspection, microbiological testing, product traceability, HACCP, organic foods, EU, kosher requirements, sanitation, pest control, and lead GMP compliance team.
Quality / Manufacturing: Demonstrates a working knowledge of production equipment (processing and packaging equipment) and its' related impact on overall quality. Assists with all aspects of new product development, production trials, test sampling and production test runs of new materials and finished products as needed. Manages QC Lab, QC Systems and related documentation. Oversees the preparation of various reports monitoring product quality results and customer feedback. Lead continuous improvement projects and share best practices between plants. As back up to Plant Manager and as integral part of plant leadership team must process complete understanding of logistics, scheduling and operations. Must possess a roll up sleeves attitude and have visible presence on manufacturing floor.
Customer Focus: Provide direct on-site assistance to customers regarding product selection, product use, complaint resolution, troubleshooting, etc. Ability to conduct customer site visits with or without sales associates.
Skill Requirements
Bachelors degree in a technical discipline. Advanced degree preferred.
5-10 years experience in food manufacturing management with demonstrated success in Quality Assurance roles.
Strong quantitative skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to think critically.
Self-directed with the ability to manage associates, work independently and contribute to plant management team.
Excellent verbal, written and presentation communication skills.
Ability to effectively plan, organize and prioritize work.
Certification in Lean/Six-Sigma desired
Physical Demands:
Be available on call as required to support plant operations.
Occasional travel to other company facilities, customers and vendors may be required (<25%)