Quality & Sanitation Manager

Responsibilities

• Have a solid understanding of Quality standards such as:
  • Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
  • Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
  • Good Hygiene & Sanitation Practices (GHSP)
  • Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP)
  • Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) Certification
• Practice and ensure adherence to all company GMP’s, Food Safety and Food Quality policies and procedures.
  • Including but not limited to: SQF, HACCP, Preventive Controls, SOP’s, GMP’s, Recall Program, Allergen Program, Food Defense, SSOP’s, and Pest control programs.
  • Update and develop the policies and procedures to ensure that they are compliant with the latest regulations.
  • Ensure all Quality, Sanitation, and Regulatory documentation is completed and maintained.
  • Complete verification and validation activities.
  • Initiate and lead non-conformance & complaint investigations regarding raw material failures, finished goods failures, and customer complaints.
• Perform risk analysis, root cause analysis, develop a corrective/preventive action plan, implement the plan, and submit a summary report for project closure.
• Ensures all products meet regulatory standards of FDA, EPA, and Illinois State.
  • Acts as a liaison between the company and federal, state and / or local regulatory agencies.
• Serve as Recall Coordinator, conduct mock recalls, and forward & backward traceability exercises.
• Communicate with suppliers & corporate office regarding quality, safety, including coordinating holds.
• Supervise daily laboratory operations, sanitation, and Quality staff.
  • Manage the design and implementation of quality related training for Quality and plant personnel.
• Maintains a functional, and operational, laboratory while complying with GLP’s.
  • Update and maintain laboratory instrumentation and procedures manuals.
• Conduct internal audits as well as prepare for customer and 3rd party food safety audits.
  • Including inspections that uphold the Identity Preserved status of applicable raw materials or finished products (for example : Kosher, Halal, Organic, Non-GMO)
• Direct and coordinate the overall quality specifications and standards for raw materials, processes, and finished goods.
  • Ensure the food safety of all materials, processes, and finished goods to meet company and customer specifications and standards.
  • Coordinates and directs inspection and testing procedures for materials, processes, and finished goods.
• Design and oversee sanitation (CIP & COP) protocols and procedures for the facility to ensure a clean and safe production environment.
  • Implement and manage the master sanitation schedule, and training programs for employees to maintain a hygienic workplace.
• Coordinate cleaning, sanitation, and pest control activities to prevent contamination and uphold regulatory standards.
  • Including, but not limited to; managing the Allergen Control Program & Environmental Control Program.
  • Manage and document swabbing.
  • Regularly inspect and assess sanitation processes and equipment to identify areas for improvement.
• Apply statistical process control (SPC) methods for analyzing data related to quality and sanitation performance to evaluate current process and identify potential process changes or areas of improvement.
• Provide ongoing guidance and support to team members, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

• B.S. in Food Science or related field
• Experience in an aseptic high-acid manufacturing environment or related fields
• Understanding of sanitation (including CIP & COP) best practices, chemical handling, and equipment cleaning
• Minimum 5 years managing staff
• High level of proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.)
• HACCP Certification
• PCQI Certification
  
  GFSI Certification (SQF is ideal)
• Experience with Red Zone Compliance is a plus.
• Fluent speaking, writing, and reading in English.
• Technical capacity with the ability to solve practical problems and deal with a multitude of variables.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Proficient Leadership skills
• Solid time management and organizational skills
• Excellent planning and analytical skills