Quality Assurance Manager

Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking a Quality Manager for a direct-hire position at a client in the food manufacturing industry in Portland, OR. If you're passionate about bringing the latest scientific discoveries to life and are ready to take the next step in your career, trust The Experts at Hiring Experts.

Full-Time | Exempt

Our client is an industry-leading food manufacturing company that's leading the way in food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance across multiple production facilities.

In this role, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining the Quality strategy, policies, processes, standards, and systems for the company and its supply chain. You will plan, coordinate, and provide high-level oversight of quality assurance systems to ensure safe and quality production across all plants, consistent with established specifications and standards.

• Oversee the implementation, maintenance, and function of food safety and quality processes including FSMA, HACCP, SQF, GMPs, Non-GMO Project, Organic, Kosher, SOPs
  , prerequisite programs, and all customer requirements
• Ensure facility readiness for internal and external audits including 3rd Party (SQF), GMP, HACCP, FDA/ODA, customer audits, organic audits, Non-GMO Project audits, and Kosher inspections; accompany inspectors, complete necessary reports, perform follow-ups to non-conformances, and provide responses as appropriate
• Oversee Quality/Sanitation Managers to ensure support for project commercialization and ensure appropriate steps, forms, and approvals are completed to assure successful project startup
• Develop and analyze statistical data to monitor quality programs and drive change when necessary
• Manage a Quality budget across the business unit that delivers achievable value back to the business
• Advise Leadership on business transformation topics including organizational effectiveness, performance results, and change management
• Develop and maintain product specifications and establish appropriate variables and limits to ensure food safety and quality
• Formulate and maintain quality control objectives complementary to company policies and goals
• Identify and communicate areas of risk for the company in food safety, quality, or compliance, protecting product safety and consistency at all times
• Work with plant management to achieve plant efficiency and quality objectives
• Assist with customer visits including product cuttings and plant tours
• Develop inspection points for product throughout the production cycle
• Oversee all aspects of the QA Department including employee scheduling, performance management, training and development, and accuracy and precision of testing equipment
• Establish and enforce standards for incoming raw materials
• Effectively lead, manage, develop, coach, and evaluate team members and associates at various levels of experience
• Advise COO & CEO of challenges and progress through regular and routine reports
• Establish proper communication channels to manage and mentor direct reports to higher levels of management capability, providing strategic leadership to further strengthen the platform with a highly functional Quality team

• Bachelor's Degree from a four-year college or university; concentration in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field preferred
• 5+ years of experience as a Quality Assurance Manager in a food or associated business preferred; other leadership positions in the functional area will be considered
• Expertise in HACCP, SQF, Sanitation, Food Safety, and Food Defense
• Proficient in computer applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, and email
• Proven ability to successfully manage aggressive timelines with positive results
• Effective and proven problem-solving skills
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers, employees, and other organizations
• Strong leadership and team-building skills
• Outstanding analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Ability to interpret technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with abstract and concrete variables
• Willingness to travel and work extended hours or multiple shifts on occasion
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) — oral and written preferred, but not required

• Exposure to wet and/or humid conditions
• Exposure to loud working environments; hearing protection is mandatory
• Exposure to workplace hazards including extreme heat, moving parts, and electrical current
• Must be able to work in an environment containing allergens (sulfites, etc.); use of a respirator may occasionally be required
• Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time
• Frequently required to talk, hear, taste, and smell
• Frequently required to lift/push/pull/carry weight up to 50 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, and color vision
• Exposure to fumes or airborne particles