Plant Food Safety & QA Manager

* Verifies that all Food Safety, Quality Assurance and Regulatory programs are functioning as designed, being followed and correctly documented – thus ensuring the facility has the “regulatory evidence” required to prove they have produced safe and wholesome products.
* Ensures USDA regulatory compliance by making scientifically defendable decisions that do not result in unjustified decreases in operational productivity or efficiency.
* Able to quickly and thoroughly investigate a product/process failure, determine the root cause and take prompt corrective actions; while minimizing product exposure and production down time.
* Revise and update food safety and quality programs and procedures as directed.
* Accountable for the preparation and the execution of USDA daily verification tasks, as well as numerous 3rd party audits and USDA food safety system assessments. Takes appropriate corrective action as a result of any findings generated.
* Develops and fosters a strong working relationship with the USDA.
* Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 5+ years’ experience in the food industry; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
* Minimum of 2+ years’ experience in a position of leadership to include team development and management, required.
* Knowledge and understanding of quality assurance principles, food science and meat processing, SPC and statistics; preferred.
* In-depth understanding of microbiological testing and limited chemistry testing.
* Knowledge of various pathogens and microbes associated with food production.
* Hands on experience conducting microbiological testing of meat and poultry products.
* Comprehensive knowledge of USDA, FSIS, HACCP, and SSOP requirements.
* USDA/HACCP Certified, preferred.
* SQF Certified Expert, preferred.
* Ability to uphold regulatory, company and customer standards.
* Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
* Knowledge of Database software;
Inventory software;
Manufacturing software;
Spreadsheet and Word Processing software; QMS system and SAP.
* Excellent oral and written communication skills.
* Strong decision making and problem solving skills.
* Excellent planning and organizational skills with demonstrated multi-tasking and project management skills.
* Must be able to travel up to 10% of the time.
* May be required to work long hours and weekends.
* Must have the ability to complete required applicable forms in English, which requires the ability to read and write in English.
* Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
* Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
* Provides leadership and guidance to employees in the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Department.
* Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
* Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and assisting in providing appropriate resolutions.
* Office and plant setting.  The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals.
* Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
* Specific vision includes close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
* Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.
* Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area.### Team Member Benefits Smithfield is proud to offer robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our team members and their loved ones, and with out-of-pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers.

Beyond our medical plans,…