Quality Assurance Manager

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES (BUT NOT LIMITED TO):

• Develop and maintain a capable QA/QC department. This involves organization, personnel qualifications, training, direction and motivation.
• Manages, plans, coordinates, and directs quality control program designed to ensure continuous production/service consistent with established standards. Evaluate and improve quality based on trends from customer complaints, internal deviations, and industry trends.
• Maintain food safety programs including, but not limited to: HACCP program, FSMA Food Safety Plans, Allergen program, Food Defense program, and Pest Control program.
• Manage and maintain the various Identity Preserved Product certifications:
  Organic, Kosher, Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Halal, and others as required.
• Develops and implements methods and procedures for identifying and monitoring KPIs, progress reports, etc.
• Manages the development and analysis of statistical data and specifications to determine present standards and to establish proposed quality and reliability expectancy.
• Formulates and maintains quality control objectives and coordinates objectives with production procedures in cooperation with other managers to maximize quality, reliability, and minimize costs.
• SQF Practitioner, maintaining the SQF system and certification.
• Preventive Controls Qualified Individual.
• Promote and maintain a culture of quality within all departments throughout the facility.
• Manages, through intermediate personnel, workers engaged in activities to ensure continuous control over materials, facilities, services, and products.
• Perform necessary testing on incoming raw materials and finished goods.
• Responsible for the Hold and Release policy.
• Plans, promotes, organizes, and conducts training activities related to quality and food safety.
• Work with Sanitation Group to ensure food safety and quality are maintained.
• Investigate QA complaints and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Performs Root Cause Analysis and recommends corrective and preventative actions necessary to ensure conformity with quality specifications and standards.
• Provide technical support on new product rollout, new processes, and equipment implementation.
• Conduct monthly plant GMP/Food Safety and Quality System audits.
• Interact with Customers, State, and FDA Inspectors to ensure all products meet all applicable specifications and regulations.
• Assist Director and/or Vice President of QA on special projects such as specification update, new QA equipment implementation, etc.
• Quickly understand the processes used to make the products we manufacture by spending time learning the equipment and interacting with the operators.
• Prioritize spending time on the production floor working with the quality and operations teams. Provide direction and coaching for employees at their workstations.
• Able to address issues identified in the production and warehouse areas quickly or assist the other teams to address them.
• Any other duties as required by management.

Bachelor’s degree in a Science related field preferred

• Bilingual (English and Spanish)
• Minimum of 5 years DIRECTLY RELATED work experience in a leadership role
• Understanding of HACCP, FSMA, and SSOPs
• Knowledge of FDA regulations and standards and GMP requirements
• Self-motivated and able to work well with others
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Must be able to work varying days (including occasional weekends) and shifts in order to meet objectives
• Leader with high ethical standards
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite of programs
• Knowledge of SPC
• Knowledge and experience working in an Organic Handler operation

• HACCP Plan Development and Implementation required
• Advanced HACCP-Verification, Validation and Auditing a HACCP System preferred
• Certified HACCP Auditor preferred
• FSPCA Preventive Controls Qualified Individual certification