Scope of Position
We are looking to build a complete quality team : we are seeking a Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager with strong RTE experience and the desire to operate in an autonomous and entrepreneurial environment.
This position plans, coordinates, and directs the quality assurance program designed to ensure that the plant and finished products conform to all customer, federal, and state regulatory requirements, as well as implement and maintain Quality Assurance policies and procedures.
The incumbent also facilitates the quality improvement program and is the plant liaison with regulatory agencies and client companies.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct support, leadership, and direction to QA staff. Provides direct supervision, including making hiring / firing decisions, providing training and development
- Maintains and improves product quality by completing product and compliance audits, investigating customer complaints, and collaborating with other members of management to resolve product issues
- Maintains the food safety aspect of the plant by periodically performing internal audits of the facility to verify that procedures mandated by the company, as well as state and federal governmental agencies, are being adhered to.
This includes GMPs, Sanitation, HACCP, and Safety
- Acts as plant liaison with regulatory agencies, client company representatives, and auditors. Reviews and maintains all required processing records, regulatory inspections, and reports
- Maintains all aspects of the Quality Control Laboratory, including microbiological, chemical, physical, and sensory aspects of all food products manufactured at this facility.
This also includes coordination of the sampling and testing with the Production
- Develops quality assurance plans by conducting hazard analysis identifying critical control points and preventative measures, establishing critical limits, monitoring procedures, corrective actions, and verification procedures
- Oversees the Pest Control program in the facility through coordination with a contracted pest control service representative
- Responsible for the Environmental Monitoring Program : ensures any problem areas are investigated, and immediate action is taken to identify the root cause
- Supports the sanitation team through SSOP creation and CIP / COP validation
- Develops, updates, and implements the plant HACCP program and directs the cross-functional Food Safety Committee, including regular plant audits and monthly committee meetings.
Ensures that plant personnel are properly trained regularly and that training is effective
Performs accident investigations, seeks out corrective measures, and manages departmental priorities
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in a quality assurance function, including 3+ years of quality supervision experience and / or relevant training.
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field or equivalent experience
- Strong working knowledge of HACCP, quality systems, and sanitation requirements, as well as experience in a manufacturing facility.
- Strong leadership, team building, and motivation skills