Superintendent, Food Safety and Quality Assurance

Job Description

Job Description

Summary :

The FSQA Superintendent oversees Quality Assurance activities within the facility. This individual ensures that the company meets all regulatory, customer, and company requirements related to food safety, quality, and sanitation.

The FSQA Superintendent will lead and manage the Quality Technicians and Supervisors, ensuring that all standards are maintained and continuously improved upon, with a focus on compliance, food safety, product quality, and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities :

• Leadership & Supervision :
• Direct and oversee FSQA technicians and supervisors to ensure all safety, quality, and compliance standards are met.
• Provide training, coaching, and guidance to FSQA team members to promote a culture of continuous improvement in food safety and quality.
• Regulatory Compliance :
• Ensure compliance with all USDA, HACCP, GMP, SQF, and other regulatory standards.
• Act as a point of contact during internal and external audits and inspections, including those from regulatory bodies and customers.
• Oversee the implementation of corrective actions related to non-compliance or audit findings.
• Quality Assurance Program Management :
• Implement, Maintain, and Improve the company's food safety and quality systems, including SSOPs, GMP's, SOP's
• Review and update the food safety plans and quality management systems as required to ensure they are current and effective.
• Manage product testing programs, including microbiological, chemical.
• Data Collection and Reporting :
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to product quality, food safety, and customer satisfaction.
• Ensure accurate documentation and record-keeping, including reports for audits, product releases, and regulatory submissions.
• Provide regular reports to Management on FSQA issues and improvement efforts.
• Sanitation :
• Partner with operations and sanitation teams to ensure food safety and sanitation programs are properly executed.
• Conduct regular sanitation audits, inspections identify potential issues.
• Customer & Supplier Relations :
• Address and investigate all quality concerns reported from customers.
• Audit raw materials to ensure they meet company and regulatory standards.
• Coordinate with the R&D team to validate new products, ensuring they meet quality standards.
• Continuous Improvement :
• Drive initiatives aimed at improving inspections, product quality, product testing.
• Lead cross-functional teams in conducting root cause analysis, corrective actions, and process improvements using problem-solving methodologies, including 5 Why analysis , Fishbone diagrams , and CAPA to ensure the resolution and prevention of food safety and quality issues.
• Stay informed of industry trends, regulations, and emerging technologies in food safety and quality.

Qualifications :

• Education & Experience :
• A Bachelor's degree in food science, Microbiology, or a related field is preferred, but extensive work history or experience in food safety or quality assurance can suffice in lieu of a degree .
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in food safety, quality assurance, or a related field, with at least 3 years in a supervisory role.
• In-depth knowledge of HACCP, USDA, SQF, and other food safety and quality regulations.
• SQF, HACCP, Alchemy or other food safety certification is highly preferred.
• Skills & Competencies :
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with quality management software.
• Physical & Environmental Requirements :
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, cold environment for extended periods.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.
• Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, or holidays, as required by production needs.

Expectations :

• Compliance & Integrity : Ensure all FSQA practices meet or exceed regulatory and customer requirements. Maintain a high level of integrity in all food safety and quality activities.
• Operational Efficiency : Optimize FSQA processes to ensure high standards without compromising production flow or efficiency.
• Continuous Improvement : Foster a proactive culture of continuous improvement, staying ahead of potential issues and driving FSQA performance.
• Team Development : Build and maintain a motivated FSQA team, providing ongoing training and opportunities for growth.
• Communication & Reporting : Provide timely, clear communication with senior management, regulatory bodies, and customers on all FSQA-related issues.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk.

The employee is occasionally required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision required by this job include close vision and distance vision.

EOE, including Disability / Veteran

Specialty Foods Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and values diversity. Our EOE policy not only prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any protected category under state, local or federal law, but also reflects our commitment to making all employment decisions without regard to an individual's membership in a protected class.

This policy relates to all phases of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, employment, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, termination, rates of pay and other forms of compensation, selection for training, the use of all facilities, and participation in company-sponsored employee activities.

As part of its equal opportunity policy, we also take affirmative action in accordance with applicable laws to ensure that women, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities have opportunities to join and progress within the Company.