Plant Quality Systems Manager

Position Description

Reporting to the Manager Quality, the Manager Quality Systems will be responsible for taking a leadership role in implementing, executing, verifying, and validating the local Quality Management System. In addition, they will assume direct responsibility for compliance with the Food Safety and Modernization Act and food production licensing, certifications, and registrations are current.

• Adhere to and ensure compliance with all health and safety policies/procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Adhere to and ensure compliance with food quality and food safety guidelines per Refresco, Customer and/or governing bodies (e.g., SQF) standards.
• Ensure compliance with FDA, state/city regulations, Refresco quality policies, GMP's, HACCP, Allergen, Kosher, and other required regulations.
• Provide guidance and training on work standards and expected outcomes.
• Act as the overall plant owner for quality systems, including document control and quality data collection applications.
• Support and maintain compliance with third‑party food safety and quality certification requirements, implementing continual improvement of the facility’s food safety and quality management systems.
• Develop, implement, maintain, and continuously improve the SQF System and ensure compliance with all relevant food safety and quality requirements.
• Act as the overall plant owner for audit systems, including internal and external audits.
• Audit and verify with the local team to ensure quality systems comply with Refresco corporate guidelines.
• Serve as plant owner for quality projects, ensuring proper documentation such as validation and verification protocols.
• Work with internal teams to support local site applications, including design, development, testing, and implementation for document control and quality data collection systems.
• Work with internal customers to ensure proper new product or revised product implementation into quality data collection systems.
• Identify opportunities and implement solutions for process improvements in local quality systems.
• Drive efforts to improve quality system programs such as pest control, GMP, document control, maintenance, etc., as defined per GFSI and FDA.
• Champion governance, alignment, and communication of best practices for quality systems.
• Provide second‑level support to the Quality Manager for day‑to‑day operations.
• Champion local quality systems programs such as HACCP, CAPA, GFSI, FDA, customer requirements, etc.
• Revise and update local policies as needed, including the development and upkeep of validation protocols.
• Perform additional functions and requirements as assigned by the manager as deemed appropriate.

• Proficient in Excel, Word, SAP, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems, results oriented.
• Organized and detail‑oriented, adaptable to change.
• Able to read and understand the metric system.

• Leadership:
  Foster a culture of empowerment by building relationships based on trust, lead courageously on a day‑to‑day basis, and inspire growth with a clear and ambitious vision that guides the collective effort toward success.
• Problem‑solving:
  Capacity to identify and resolve production issues quickly and effectively to minimize downtime and optimize output.
• Decision‑making:
  Aptitude for making sound decisions under pressure, considering cost, quality, and time constraints.
• Communication:
  Strong communication skills to liaise with other departments, suppliers, and stakeholders, and to provide clear instructions to teams.

• A bachelor’s degree in quality management or a related technical discipline is strongly preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in Quality Assurance or Quality Control within a fast‑paced manufacturing environment, preferably in the food or beverage industry.
• Demonstrated experience in the successful implementation, management, and continuous improvement of Quality System Software.
• In‑depth understanding of Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standards, such as Safe Quality Food (SQF) or FSSC 22000, with hands‑on…