Quality Manager

Location: Lubbock, TX

Salary: $ USD Annually - $ USD Annually

Our client offers an attractive compensation package and a best-in-class benefits package that includes but is not limited to medical, vision, dental, life insurance, and more that can be tailored for you and your family. Other benefits for eligible employees include 401(k) up to 6% company match, disability insurance, and paid holidays & vacation. Our client is proud to promote an equal employment opportunity workplace.

The FSQA Manager oversees all day-to-day quality assurance and food safety activities within the production facility. This role provides leadership, support, and service to management and staff by developing, implementing, and maintaining quality assurance programs and policies.

The FSQA Manager ensures compliance with company standards, Global Food Safety Initiatives (GFSI), NSF Dietary Supplements certification requirements, and applicable federal and state regulations.

This position manages budgets, establishes internal protocols, and directs the activities of QA personnel. The FSQA Manager will provide oversight of the Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI), the SQF Practitioner, and the SQF Quality Practitioner.

• Monitor plant quality through review of microbiological testing, investigate high counts, and report findings and trends.
• Prepare list of any nonconforming product and distribute it to management.
• Review all product Certificates of Analysis, release inventory, and manage product classification.
• Review labels for regulatory and brand compliance.
• Ensure contractor Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points (HACCP) compliance by managing the interaction between departmental personnel, contractors, and physical plant personnel.
• Conduct and document plant audits of each department daily, including audit of employee GMPs.
• Accompany State, FDA, and USDA Inspector(s) during visits.
• Assist (or designate individual) State Inspector with equipment checks and product sampling.
• Audit all State seals and verify that any broken seals have been reported. Report and maintain records of broken seal reports to USDA and State Regulatory Agency.
• Support, assist, participate, and represent the company during third-party audits such as GFSI audits, customer audits, internal company and plant audits, and governmental agency inspections.
• Audit sanitation through review of CIP records. Investigate and report any cleaning problems. Perform random equipment checks after cleaning.
• Supervise all Quality Assurance personnel.
• Deliver and coordinate GMP, HACCP, food safety, and quality training (initial and annual).
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of the Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP).
• Manage pest control programs with monthly audits and corrective action oversight.
• Investigate and manage customer complaints.
• Lead the Food Safety Team and Food Quality Team; present and review Food Safety and Quality Systems status to the management team.
• Manage and investigate Food Safety & Quality Systems incidents to identify root cause using quality management tools.
• Develop and present weekly and monthly reports as needed.
• Oversee and supervise laboratory equipment calibrations and functionality to ensure precise and accurate analysis. Monitor employee work habits with respect to the Safety & Health Management System.
• Remain accessible through company-issued cell phone and available to provide timely support for the needs of the business and team.
• Serve as a member and designated leader of the Food Safety Team and Food Quality Team.
• Support a company culture of continuous improvement by participating in efficiency and improvement efforts.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

• Direct supervision of QA personnel including hiring, training, coaching, and performance management.
• Conduct job performance reviews and oversee on-the-job training compliance.
• Enforce company policies and elevate personnel matters to HR/Division FSQA Manager as needed.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Dairy Science, Microbiology, Food Science, Chemistry, or related field preferred, or comparable experience in dairy laboratory testing in five (5) of the last ten (10) years.
• Master's degree in food science or related field is desired.

• Strong knowledge of USDA, FDA, and state regulations for dairy and/or dietary supplement…