Quality Manager

Overview

Refresco is a global independent beverage solutions provider, distributing a wide range of products worldwide from production sites in Europe, North America and Australia.

Reporting to the Plant Manager, the Manager Quality (6‑month contract) leads the site’s quality department. The role covers product and package quality, food safety, cost management, compliance with GMPs, and execution of quality protocols to ensure plant quality objectives are achieved for the Joplin Quality team.

• Ensure compliance with health and safety policies, GMPs and PPE requirements.
• Maintain food quality and safety according to corporate, customer and regulatory standards (e.g., GFSI).
• Direct the Quality team to achieve KPIs and continuous improvement goals, manage costs, reduce waste, oversee training and maintain morale.
• Manage laboratory, water treatment, syrup blending, sanitation, microbiological equipment and all quality processes.
• Guarantee raw materials and finished products meet specifications and all relevant regulations (FDA, CFIA, GMP, HACCP, etc.).
• Maintain compliance with third‑party food safety certifications and continually improve the facility’s food safety and quality management systems.
• Develop, implement and sustain the SQF System and related food safety plans.
• Conduct daily quality inspections and ensure product compliance.
• Write, update and maintain SOPs for the Quality Program.
• Lead internal audit processes, share best practices and drive continuous improvement.
• Understand plant financials, fixed and variable costs, and their impact on quality outcomes.
• Plan capital requirements and manage capital projects to successful completion.
• Communicate food safety fundamentals and plans to all employees.
• Ensure safe storage and accessibility of all food safety and quality documents.
• Document, track and close all non‑conformances and corrective actions.
• Investigate root causes of non‑compliance and enforce OSHA and environmental regulations.
• Oversee personnel actions, including hiring, performance management and termination.
• Provide training, direction and performance evaluations.
• Guide teams on work standards and expected outcomes.
• Plan and evaluate staff performance, training, recruitment and pay recommendations.
• Promote a safe environment focused on accident reduction, energy and waste minimization.
• Act as an SQF practitioner for the facility.
• Lead site projects such as waste reduction, validation and new product launch.

• Proficiency with Lab Data Collection Program, Excel, Word, SAP and PowerPoint.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities with a results orientation.
• Organized, detail oriented and adaptable to change.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to apply statistical methods to data analysis and trend identification.
• Familiarity with GFSI, FDA and other relevant standards and regulations is preferred.
• Read and understand the metric system.
• Leadership:
  Foster empowerment, build trust‑based relationships, lead courageously and inspire growth.
• Decision‑making:
  Make sound decisions under pressure considering cost, quality and time constraints.
• Strong liaison skills with other departments, suppliers and stakeholders.

• Undergraduate degree in Food Science, Quality or a related discipline.
• Minimum five years of direct management experience in Quality within a manufacturing environment, preferably the food/beverage industry.
• Knowledge of quality management systems, HACCP plans, food safety and security standards and governmental regulations related to the food/beverage industry.
• SQF Practitioner certification is preferred.

• Work schedule includes weekdays, weekends, afternoon, evening and overnight shifts; overtime may be scheduled as needed.
• Fast‑paced production plant environment with numerous moving parts; noise levels require hearing protection and temperatures may be hot or cold (laboratory is temperature controlled).
• Occasional sitting for periods of time.

• Rare travel anticipated.

• Visual/sensory:
  Requires attention to detail with one or two senses at a time.
• Mental stress:
  Pronounced pressure from deadlines, production quotas, accuracy or similar demands.

• This job description is not exhaustive; duties, responsibilities or activities may change or be assigned at any time without notice.

Refresco Beverages US Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, Veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local law.