Quality Assurance & Food Safety Manager

Purpose Statement

The Quality Assurance & Food Safety Manager will manage all plant units and is responsible for monitoring and ensuring that plant products are safe, while meeting customer specifications and company quality and reliability standards. In addition to developing and implementing short-term and mid-term business plans for department, the Quality Assurance & Food Safety Manager will assist in the development of the strategic plan for the plant.

Key Accountabilities and Outcomes

• Manage and directs staff responsible for microbiological testing and other quality control testing of plant products

• Oversee maintenance of the weight and defect control programs in accordance with plant and company standards

• Develop, implement, and communicates short-term and mid-term (1 - 2 years) business plans for the operations, while ensuring associates understand the link to the plant’s, division’s, and the corporation’s business plans and understand their role in accomplishing these plans

• Assist in establishing the longer-term strategic plans for the plant

• Develop operating policies and procedures as necessary

• Mentor and motivate associates, while providing training and development to optimize their performance and personal growth

• Communicate performance standards to associates, recognize and reward individual and team accomplishments, and counsel performance problems. Ensure all associates have the resources and capabilities to effectively accomplish their responsibilities.

• May serve as a member of the plant’s Steering Team

• Resolve hotline complaints about plant products, while maintaining necessary records regarding the problem’s resolution

• Meet with vendors, customers and quality representatives and other company staff to discuss and resolve quality issues

• Ensure that the company's product "hold" policies and procedures are communicated to plant staff and that the plant adheres to the procedures

• Recommend, as appropriate, the suspension of production or the release of product when quality standards are not achieved

• Leads and/or participates in quality audits of the plant

• Participate in regular meetings with plant management to discuss quality improvements

• Develop, maintain, and report required operational information to management. Ensure all quality-related information required for regulatory reviews and reporting is maintained by the plant.

• Ensure that all GMP and Safety standards are in compliance

• Participate in weekly GMP, sanitation, and safety inspections throughout the production departments, while correcting or issuing work orders to correct any identified deficiencies

• Follow up on work orders with the appropriate Associates to ensure expeditious performance of the requested work

• Keep abreast of latest manufacturing technologies, systems, and quality control practices

• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of all products manufactured by the plant as well as the raw materials, packaging materials, and operations required in the manufacturing process, including quality specifications and standards

• Performs other related responsibilities, as needed, to support Rich Products Corporation's business objectives

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• BA/BS degree in Business, Supply Chain Operations, Food Science, Engineering or related field

• 5 years of supervisory experience in a food-processing, pharmaceutical, or chemical manufacturing organization, preferably using computerized manufacturing equipment

• Demonstrated knowledge and application of statistical process control, quality assurance techniques and tools and quality management principles in a food, chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturing environment

• Working knowledge of  FDA regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP, food allergens and pest control

• Demonstrated knowledge of refrigeration

• Demonstrated knowledge of efficient and safe manufacturing operations to include product and associate safety, OSHA standards, product quality (success rates), and cost control (minimizing downtime and waste, optimizing yield)

• Demonstrated ability to direct, coach, and train associates as well as plan, monitor and schedule work

• Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve problems

• Demonstrated mechanical and spatial aptitude, including the ability to disassemble and reassemble equipment

• Demonstrated ability to formulate and understand complex mathematical equations including basic statistical analysis

• Proficient using Excel or other spreadsheet software

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