Quality & Sanitation Manager

Quality Assurance Manager

Have a solid understanding of quality standards such as Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Hygiene & Sanitation Practices (GHSP), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), and Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) Certification.

Practice and ensure adherence to all company GMP's, food safety and food quality policies and procedures. Including but not limited to : SQF, HACCP, Preventive Controls, SOP's, GMP's, Recall Program, Allergen Program, Food Defense, SSOP's, and Pest control programs. Update and develop the policies and procedures to ensure that they are compliant with the latest regulations. Ensure all quality, sanitation, and regulatory documentation is completed and maintained. Complete verification and validation activities. Initiate and lead non-conformance & complaint investigations regarding raw material failures, finished goods failures, and customer complaints.

Perform risk analysis, root cause analysis, develop a corrective / preventive action plan, implement the plan, and submit a summary report for project closure. Ensures all products meet regulatory standards of FDA, EPA, and Illinois State. Acts as a liaison between the company and federal, state and / or local regulatory agencies. Serve as Recall Coordinator, conduct mock recalls, and forward & backward traceability exercises. Communicate with suppliers & corporate office regarding quality, safety, including coordinating holds. Supervise daily laboratory operations, sanitation, and Quality staff. Manage the design and implementation of quality related training for Quality and plant personnel. Maintains a functional, and operational, laboratory while complying with GLP's. Update and maintain laboratory instrumentation and procedures manuals. Conduct internal audits as well as prepare for customer and 3rd party food safety audits. Including inspections that uphold the Identity Preserved status of applicable raw materials or finished products (for example : Kosher, Halal, Organic, Non-GMO).

Direct and coordinate the overall quality specifications and standards for raw materials, processes, and finished goods. Ensure the food safety of all materials, processes, and finished goods to meet company and customer specifications and standards. Coordinates and directs inspection and testing procedures for materials, processes, and finished goods. Design and oversee sanitation (CIP & COP) protocols and procedures for the facility to ensure a clean and safe production environment. Implement and manage the master sanitation schedule, and training programs for employees, to maintain a hygienic workplace. Coordinate cleaning, sanitation, and pest control activities to prevent contamination and uphold regulatory standards. Including, but not limited to; managing the Allergen Control Program & Environmental Control Program. Manage and document swabbing. Regularly inspect and assess sanitation processes and equipment to identify areas for improvement. Apply statistical process control (SPC) methods for analyzing data related to quality and sanitation performance to evaluate current process and identify potential process changes or areas of improvement. Provide ongoing guidance and support to team members, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Education and Skills

B.S. in Food Science or related field

Experience in an aseptic high-acid manufacturing environment or related fields

Understanding of sanitation (including CIP & COP) best practices, chemical handling, and equipment cleaning

Minimum 5 years managing staff

High level of proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.)

HACCP Certification

PCQI Certification

GFSI Certification (SQF is ideal)

Experience with RedZone Compliance is a plus.

Fluent speaking, writing, and reading in English.

Technical capacity with the ability to solve practical problems and deal with a multitude of variables.

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Proficient Leadership skills

Solid time management and organizational skills

Excellent planning and analytical skills