Assistant QA Manager

Location: False Pass

As a Quality Control Assistant at one of our Alaska seafood processing facilities, this role is responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of seafood products. This involves inspecting incoming raw materials, monitoring production processes, and testing finished products to meet regulatory standards and customer specifications. They may also conduct laboratory tests, record quality data, and identify and report quality issues.

Additionally, The Quality Control Assistant often works closely with the facility QA Manager and production teams to implement quality improvement initiatives and maintain a clean and sanitary work environment.

Essential Functions/Qualifications

The responsibilities of the position include the following:

• Seasonally ensure the Alaskan facilities are following state and federal regulations, as well as applicable customer and third-party requirements.
• Supervise and mentor a team of department Quality Control Leads when visiting Alaskan facilities.
• Provide resources, training and workshops to expand knowledge of facility Quality Control Managers.
• Review, develop and implement documents for corporate and facility utilization.
• Annual training of Quality Control staff on company specifications and assess information retention, retraining where necessary.
• Prepare involvement and results of Quality Assurance activities in reports for executive production and operation meetings.
• Audit the facilities & corporate documentation for regulatory non-compliances and reports findings to corporate management.
• Coordinate facility audits and host auditors and customers during their visit.
• Assist in the maintenance & review of Food Safety Programs including but not limited to HACCP, SSOP and GMP; ensuring the programs are effective throughout the facilities.
• Assist facility QA Managers identify the root cause of where their food safety programs are vulnerable and make changes to prevent recurrence.
• Perform mock recalls and mass balances to test the traceability program.
• Supervise and mentor QC staff to uphold company standards and policies as well as collect and document accurate metrics to ensure standards are met.
• Where microbiological lab-work is required, assist with review and implementation of safe-lab functions and protect the integrity of the company products and quality. Help QA teams follow protocol in the event of adverse test results.
• Other duties are to ensure the facility and organization is fully supported and successful.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following functional and interpersonal competencies:

Functional

• Quality Assurance Knowledge: Strong understanding of quality assurance principles and methods.
• Data Entry: Proficiency in data entry and record-keeping.
• Documentation: Ability to create and maintain accurate and organized documentation.
• Certifications: HACCP certification required before the season and forklift certification required as well, which in turn would mean a valid driver's license.
• Inspection Techniques: Familiarity with inspection techniques, such as visual and dimensional inspection.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify and troubleshoot quality issues.
• Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of relevant quality and safety regulations.
• Software Proficiency: Skill in using quality management software and other relevant tools. Microsoft Office proficiency required.

Interpersonal

• Communication: Effective communication skills to interact with colleagues, management, and external stakeholders.
• Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively with team members and cross-functional departments.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy and consistency in quality control activities.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify and resolve quality issues in a timely and effective manner.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and work environments.
• Customer Focus: Commitment to providing excellent customer service and meeting customer expectations.

Education and Experience

• BS in Food Science/Safety or equivalent Gastronomy & Food Studies. (strongly preferred)
• Knowledge and/or NSF certifications in HACCP, Food & Science Microbiology, Food & Safety Quality, GFSI Training are required.
• 3 years' experience in the food industry preferred.
• 2 years' experience with administrative experience preferred.
• Previous experience in Seafood or Manufacturing preferred.
• Intermediate to advance skills in Microsoft Office applications, especially Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency with internal IMS Systems for Production and Operations.

Work Environment and Schedule

In a corporate office, this role typically works in a standard office setting, analyzing data, preparing reports, and collaborating with team members. However, they may also need to travel to Alaska facilities, where they'll encounter cold, wet conditions, and physically demanding tasks. In these facilities, this role inspects products, monitors production processes, and ensures…