Assistant Quality Control Manager

At Diamond, we take pride in our work, our departments and our company as a whole. We share a passion for pets and the unique bond that pet owners have with their dogs and cats.

Diamond Pet Foods, is actively searching for an experienced manufacturing Assistant Quality Control Manager for a long term career at our facility in Gaston, SC.

Our Gaston, South Carolina facility is now accepting applications for a Full-Time Assistant Quality Control Manager.

The Assistant Quality Control Manager (Asst. QC Manager)is to be proficient in every aspect of performing the functions of this position.

The Asst. QC Manager's overall responsibility, and objective, is to ensure that all aspects of the SQF, Quality, and Food Safety Programs are followed by all employees, vendors, visitors, etc.

This position will act in a support role to the onsite QC Manager (substitute SQF practitioner) and be the lead person in conducting and managing the SQF responsibilities (primary SQF practitioner).

FOOD SAFETY COMMITMENT EXPECTATION

Diamond Pet Foods is a leading manufacturer of Premium Pet Foods that markets its products nationally and internationally.

Our success is measured by the satisfaction of our customers, we strive to provide them with safe, quality products and service that continually meets or exceeds their expectations.

All employees will foster a safety conscious environment that encourages involvement and provides the highest level of integrity.

Diamond Pet Foods will always be conscious of business ethics, regulatory requirements, and our environment. They will expect employees to take ownership pride in the products that go out the doors and, in the service, they give their customers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Assist the site QC Manager with all other duties / tasks as needed.

Responsible to coordinate and / or conduct monthly food safety and HACCP meetings.

As the primary SQF practitioner, work directly with various functional groups, to effectively implement and maintain the SQF System.

Collaborate with department managers to ensure verification and validation protocols are being routinely met regarding SQF standards.

This may include developmental work with departments on establishing operating levels and criteria to determine effective systems are in place.

Conduct daily tasks and all other supporting roles as needed :

Supervise the 'On Hold' product program : Dispositioning product (holds or test and release).

Assist in the coordination of testing results involving finished products, raw materials, and packaging components and the appropriate release and hold programs associated with these materials.

Oversee new hire, routine and / or remedial training of Quality Department employees.

Promptly investigate and respond to quality / food safety concerns, following up as needed.

Work closely with other members of the management team promptly investigating, communicating, and correcting concerns.

Make proactive recommendations and solutions to the QC Manager regarding quality improvement and work efficiency.

Train and educate all personnel on quality and food safety practices. Facilitate / administrate the facility's Alchemy LMS.

Assist in the promotion, development, and continuous improvement of all of policies, operating procedures, quality systems and programs which ensure proper testing, evaluation, inspection, and technical support in order to meet product quality standards.

Actively lead / participate in all regulatory, third party, and customer audits, inspections, and corrective action response.

Ensure, and hold accountable, all personnel, visitors, vendors, etc. comply with all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in addition to all SQF, Quality, and Food Safety Programs.

Maintain accurate, complete, and legible paperwork. Facilitate / administrate the system's document control programs (Qualtrax).

Hold Quality Control Technicians and Quality Assurance Technicians accountable.

Supervise and direct the Quality Assurance Technicians / auditors that are responsible for enforcing Good Manufacturing Practices and other quality related policies in order to meet product quality standards.

Supervise Quality Control Technicians ensuring they complete the below :

Routinely check operator paperwork for accuracy and completeness.

Routinely check label, bags, and seals for accuracy.

Assure checks are documented clearly and cross referenced and traceable. Communicate results of routine QA tests to production personnel.

Notify supervisory personnel and Quality Control and Food Safety Manager of product quality or plant conditions which may have a negative impact on product and work together to correct the situation.

In the case of finished product, perform follow-up testing until situation is corrected and product disposition is resolved in a quality conscious manner.

As directed and trained, conduct various tests for incoming ingredients, including sieve, NIR, moisture, and mycotoxin testing.

Maintain and report hold / reject product and assure its proper disposition

Collect routine ingredient and finished product samples, as required (detailed in QA Manual).

Train and educate all personnel on quality and food safety practices.

Promptly respond to calls for assistance clearly communicating and ETA of arrival.

Follow First In First Out (FIFO) training and enforcing other departments to follow the same process.

Continuously work with and / or assist production, maintenance, and sanitation personnel as needed throughout the shift.

As the Asst. QC Manager, endorse Food Safety Plans.

Be out on the plant floor a minimum of 30% of the time (approximately 2.5 hrs per day).

Communicate information routinely to various stakeholders to ensure an effective SQF system is in place and maintained.

Initiate, document, and facilitate any corrective actions necessary to ensure the integrity of the SQF System.

Conduct regular Food Safety, GMP and Production Audits.

Conduct Regulatory Compliance including documentation and inspections (Export : USDA).

Perform all other additional duties and functions as assigned by management.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Working overtime is mandatory and requires full participation.

Accept temporary assignment changes to assist other areas including coverage for other employees' absences whether preplanned or on short notice, maintaining a positive and professional attitude.

Cross-train in other job duties as required.

Participate in all safety programs and meetings.

Understand, follow, comply, and maintain all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's), and HACCP in accordance with company policy.

Complete work in a timely, accurate and thorough manner and be conscientious about assignments.

In accordance with Diamond philosophy, the Assistant QC Manager is expected to champion and direct continuous learning and improvement in all functions.

Must work in a safe, professional manner at all times while performing all functions in accordance with sound safety practices and procedures.

Must promptly report all safety violations, safety hazards, accidents, property damage, or near misses to management immediately.

Adhere to and promote a strong work ethic.

Assist in maintaining a positive team environment and good working relationship by maintaining a positive attitude toward all Diamond team members, vendors, and customers.

Participate effectively in a team atmosphere by modeling and promoting conflict resolution, diversity, ethical practices, and organizational citizenship.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXEMPTION STATUS :

Exempt Status

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

Be FSMA PCQI : Animal Food certified.

Be SQF certified.

Be HACCP certified

Obtain internal auditing certification.

Capable of following, reading, and understanding Good Manufacturing Practices, HACCP, and SOP policies and procedures.

Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to effectively communicate in a professional manner.

Excellent interpersonal skills (communication, listening, team player, cooperative, approachable).

Ability to be organized, flexible, multitask, manage stress, and perform acceptably under pressure.

Ability to maintain a problem-solving mindset able to make accurate critical decisions; to anticipate problems and to develop constructive and balanced solutions.

Ability to work in cold, hot, dusty areas and at various heights.

Must be able to take direction, work efficiently and safely.

Ability to be trained and certified to operate forklifts. Must be proficient in using computer systems (internal Diamond systems and Microsoft Office Applications such as Word, Excel, Power Point and Adobe Acrobat).

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED :

Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug test, physical (physical, lifting, hearing, and vision), and background check.

Thorough knowledge of Quality Control departmental processes.

Minimum of 3-years' experience in Quality Control as an individual contributor. Experience preferred in Food Manufacturing.

Minimum of 2-years' experience in a supervisory / lead role, preferred in a quality position.

Skilled in computer work involving Microsoft Office.