Associate Director, Quality - Manufacturing

Associate Director, Quality - Manufacturing

Job Summary
The plant Quality Manager develops and maintains a strong quality culture plant wide. They direct the Plant Quality Strategy for the entire manufacturing and production site, across all product categories manufactured on site. They develop initiatives to improve, track and deliver against Kraft Heinz quality measures (KPI) with a continuous improvement mindset.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Directs and leads both lab operations within the site with their leadership team.
• Leads a large team of Quality professionals capable of delivering the quality and production strategies including Lab, Quality Compliance, Quality Supervisors and Sanitation experts, Quality Engineers or other supporting staff.
• Works with the Corporate Quality Team to build Quality Excellence programs within the manufacturing site driving performance.
• Continuously drives improvement programs using Quality Tools (SPC, Green Belt, etc.) to improve Quality and product superiority.
• Leads and implements best in class KPIs needed for the Site.
• Improves site people engagement with the Plant Leadership team.
• Builds strong relationships with Plant Leadership to ensure Quality Programs and manufacturing.
• Partners with Corporate to drive Automation innovations and digital solutions to drive KHC Lighthouse and Factory/Lab of the Future Initiatives.
• Capable of evaluating performance and competencies of plant QA staff and providing leadership training, coaching, and accountability as needed.
• Drives consistency through development of work instructions and training to set standards.
• Manages the plant's Corrective Action and Preventive Action program to drive continuous improvement.
• Drives excellence in Innovation thru R&D plant trials and activities as a customer.
• Maintains plant FSP, HACCP, pre-requisite programs and act as primary liaison between plant and external regulatory agencies (FDA, USDA, CFIA, etc.) during routine and unannounced visits.
• Provides direction and subject matter expertise on plant Quality-related activities and inquiries.
• Prepares for all KHC (internal and external) Quality Audits and respond appropriately.
• Monitors KHC Quality systems ensuring E2E compliance to food safety and regulatory requirements.
• Oversees record keeping for all mandated quality checks, testing, sampling and sanitation activities.
• Tracks, analyzes, and supports RCFA initiatives for quality-related, factory-controllable consumer complaints.
• Prepares and maintains permitting and licensing for the plant.
• Manages departmental budgeting, purchasing and inventory of plant quality supplies such as filters, chemicals, tools and lab supplies.
• Serves as the plant lead for Company Quality initiatives including the implementation of the Kraft Heinz Quality Management System.
• Develops strong working relationships with key suppliers and vendors.

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree in food science, chemistry, microbiology or related field, Master's preferred.
• Must be a self-directed individual with a high level of integrity and maturity with proven leadership skills related to coaching and developing a team, and can work well under pressure.
• Must be an effective communicator with excellent follow-up skills and comfortable interacting with all levels of the organization.
• Strong knowledge of GFSI (FSSC
  22000) requirements and previous experience as an audit facilitator.
• Demonstrates understanding of Statistical Process Control, HACCP, sanitation, micro mitigation, and hygienic design principles.
• Has project management skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint.
• ERP system and Quality system experience, SAP and Infinity preferred.
• Demonstrates the ability to drive continuous improvement, is results-driven and delivers against set targets.
• Capable of fostering a strong Quality Culture that supports transformational change in line with the Kraft Heinz Company strategy.

Work Environment & Schedule
This position is considered a manufacturing plant environment with heavy machinery and equipment. Additionally, this role requires availability to provide support for a 24‑hour / 7‑day…