FSMA Digital Quality Manager

Description

Lactalis USA is seeking candidates to join our Corporate quality team in Buffalo, NY.

Lactalis, the world leader in dairy, is a family-owned business with more than 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals worldwide, committed to nurturing the future by providing healthy and delicious dairy products that bring people together every day.

We offer an enviable range of dairy brands including Galbani®, Président®, Kraft® Natural Cheese, Cracker Barrel®, Black Diamond®, Parmalat®, Siggi’s®, and Stonyfield Organic® in addition to several brands imported from our affiliates in Europe.

At Lactalis, our core values of AMBITION , ENGAGEMENT , and SIMPLICITY are at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to building a safe, diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace and we know that our candidates come from many different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.

If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we still encourage you to apply and share with us your STORY , your PASSION , and your EXPERTISE ! You may be just the perfect candidate for this or other roles within our company.

From your PASSION to ours

The FSMA 204 Digital Quality Manager leads the FMSA rule 204 compliance project. In addition, this position directly manages the implementation of the digitalization of the Quality Management System (QMS), actively interacting with all Lactalis USA LUSA business units and externally with suppliers and customers.

This shared position, across all LUSA Business units, is pivotal in leveraging digital technologies to enhance quality management systems and achieve robust regulatory compliance across the entire organization.

From your EXPERTISE to ours

Key responsibilities for this position include :

• Lead the implementation and integration of digital tools and technologies to streamline FSMA Section 204 compliance processes.
• Provide leadership and direction to FSMA 2004 project team, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and regulatory standards.
• Establish and maintain digital quality metrics and KPIs to monitor and evaluate compliance project performance.
• Conduct regular inspections of digital quality systems and processes to ensure adherence to FSMA Section 204 standards and industry best practices.
• Lead the implementation and integration of digital tools in the quality management systems (QMS) including digital PreOps, digital SOPs, Audit protocols, NCR investigation and documentation practices to streamline and improve operational efficiency.
• Monitor and evaluate digital quality metrics and KPIs to measure performance, identify trends, and implement corrective actions as necessary.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., Quality Assurance, IT, Regulatory Affairs, Industrial, Supply Chain) to assess digital quality needs, define project scopes, and establish project plans and timelines.
• Conduct regular assessments of digital quality systems and processes to identify areas for improvement and ensure continuous efficiency of the tools implemented.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations for senior management on digital quality initiatives, project status, and compliance outcomes.
• Demonstrate commitment to a safe working environment that promotes the health and well-being of all employees and that will further contribute to the Company’s overall performance and success.
• Travel and / or extended or off work hours may be required.
• This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
• To fulfill these responsibilities, tools such as a computer, phone, and / or allowance(s) may be provided.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these Essential Duties and Responsibilities.

Requirements

From your STORY to ours

Qualified applicants will contribute the following :

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Quality Management, Food Science, Information Technology, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred);
• Masters degree is preferred; or equivalent experience to include a minimum of eight (8) years job related experience

Experience

• 8+ years of proven experience in digital quality management, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance within the food industry, preferably with knowledge of FSMA regulations.
• Strong understanding of digital quality management systems (QMS), data integrity principles, and regulatory requirements (e.

g., FDA, FSMA Section 204).

Specialized Knowledge

• Strong experience in implementing and optimizing digital tools and technologies for quality assurance and compliance purposes.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills / Abilities

• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and influence decision-making processes.
• Certification in quality management (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean, ASQ) and / or project management (e.g., PMP) is advantageous.
• Experience with SAP, ERP system, MS Office, Power BI analytics
• Deep knowledge on software platforms specializing in quality (EHSQ) management

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to : veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities.

Salary Description $100,000 - $120,000

Employee Benefits.

Lactalis provides robust and competitive benefits for employees. We have developed a total rewards program that focuses on fair pay, pay for performance, benefits, time off, career progression, and development opportunities.

We offer a full suite of benefit options designed to fit your personal needs, from traditional medical and dental plans to ancillary benefits such as accident and critical illness insurance, as well as employee assistance programs.

Choice and flexibility are at the core of our benefits program, assuring you have the choices and coverage levels that meet your personal needs.

We also understand the importance of affordable benefits which is why we contribute up to 85% toward the cost. We place significant importance on your financial well-being by providing company paid short-term disability, life insurance, and a generous 401(k) plan.

When it comes to time off, we understand the importance of work-life balance which is why all employees are granted PTO days upon hire in addition to designated annual holidays.

We continue to evaluate our total rewards program and strive to provide you with valuable benefits for your overall wellness.