Quality Assurance Manager

The Plant Food Safety Quality and Sanitation (FSQS) Manager is responsible for managing all programs related to food safety, quality, and sanitation for the facility. This position assists Operations in the identification and implementation of quality and food safety improvements. Assures compliance with applicable quality, food safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards. Support, implement, and maintain food safety, quality and sanitation practices as required through GSFI programs. This role is responsible for completing job duties in a manner that supports all plant safety, food safety, quality, sanitation, and environmental practices. Responsible for supervision of technicians, quality testing, and their compliance. Monitors customer and consumer complaints for continuous improvement.  Responsible for managing the internal auditing process including acting as primary Safe Quality Food (SQF) practitioner and third party announced and unannounced audits. 

1. Provides leadership in the development, training, execution, and verification/validation of all site food safety, quality, and sanitation systems.
2. Ensures compliance to all regulatory, customer, and corporate programs. Leads and participates in regulatory, customer, third party and internal audits. Provides leadership in the development, training and maintenance of the plant food safety, quality and sanitation (FSQS) programs.
3. Act as the primary contact for internal and external customers and oversees investigation of consumer and customer complaints and their written communication of findings in a timely manner.
4. Analyze and communicate quality and food safety issues, consumer complaints, and initiate applicable corrective measures.
5. Responsible for developing and monitoring plant sanitation and product safety programs to ensure a safe and wholesome product supply; Define standards and best practices for effectively and efficiently completing sanitation activities.
6. Lead risk assessment analysis throughout the plant. Manage issues with non-conforming product to assure proper control, minimize loses, and provide analysis to drive the elimination of future occurrences.
7. Lead the interpretation of in-process and analytical data to make quality evaluations, recommend actions for improvements, and assure resolution. Challenge results and drive improvements. Coach others in the interpretation of results.
8. Collaborates with cross-functional teams on a proactive and ad hoc basis to identify and provide practical and compliant solutions to quality and food safety issues.
9. Provides leadership to help ensure a safe work environment throughout the plant. Adheres to all safety policies and procedures and drives safe work behaviors in leadership and front-line staff.
10. Develop and present to all employees a complete orientation process which provides training in the Key Concepts of Food Safety and Quality and understands that identification of any failures in these areas is their responsibility. Maintain compliance to annual training requirements.
11. Monitors Environmental Program which includes process water and equipment sanitation.
12. Develops and monitors department budget.
13. Promotes efficient use of available personnel through training, monitoring performance standards, discipline, etc.
14. Manage department and team by establishing goals, objectives, individual development plans and coaching.
15. Oversees and encourages professional development of salaried subordinates
16. Provide forward-thinking insights for future business improvements.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge/Skills: 

• Knowledge of HACCP, GMP's, FSMA, Local and Federal regulations for food products. Have the ability to make well educated decisions in a timely manner.  Travel required as needed to support quality systems.

Education and Experience: 

• S. Degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related field.
• 5 years experience as a quality assurance supervisor or higher.
• Sanitation leadership experience including CIP and wet cleaning procedures.
• GFSI/ Audit experience- SQF, BRC, IFS, FSSC 22000, QAS
• SAP experience preferred.

Physical/Safety Requirements: 

• Tolerate extended periods of sitting at desk.
• Ambient noise is louder than a traditional office setting.
• This role requires regular presence on the plant floor.
• Occasional travel required.