Quality Assurance Manager

Job SummaryWe are seeking a dedicated and experienced Quality Control Manager to oversee our quality assurance processes and ensure compliance with industry standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in quality management systems, FDA regulations, and ISO 13485. This role requires a detail-oriented individual with excellent analytical skills and the ability to lead quality audits and manage projects effectively.Position:Direct Hire$100-120K salaryMust be open to all shifts (shift is based on production needs)Relocation Accommodations available up to $5,000ResponsibilitiesServe as a member of the executive leadership team participating in key decisions pertaining to strategic initiatives, operating model, and operational execution.Develop and implement a comprehensive quality assurance vision and strategies aligned with the company's goals and regulatory requirements. Set quality assurance objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) for the organization and monitor progress toward achieving them.Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the manufacturing process to enhance product quality, reduce defects, lower costs, and increase operational efficiency.Utilize data-driven approaches such as six sigma, lean manufacturing, kaizen and other quality management systems to optimize processes and ensure repeatability.Partner with other functional areas (finance, DT, operations, human resources) to enhance overall business success.Foster a strong food safety culture and critical thinking mindset within quality control, food safety, regulatory and compliance functions through leading, mentoring and developing high performance teams.Coordinate plant inspection activities with government and regulatory agencies to ensure complianceServe as Lead SQF Practitioner to develop and implement Food Safety & Quality, SQF fundamentals, and Food Safety.Oversee the maintenance, review, and validation of the SQF System (food safety fundamentals and the food safety plan).Develop and maintain QA procedures and conduct QC testing on a timely basis to ensure that product specifications are met.Oversees the plant sanitation program, including managing plant Master Sanitation and CIP schedules and performing routine follow-up on the application of the schedules. Review micro results daily.Conduct routine sanitation and quality audits of the plant and coordinate required corrective actions.Oversee and direct testing procedures to ensure compliant testing standards and product integrity.Daily review of HARPC Critical Control Point records.Responsible for Product Hold & Releases.Facilitate & manage sample pulls and retention.Communicate with salespeople regarding product quality issues.Conduct investigations and root cause analysis on any customer quality complaints pertaining to potential food safety and/or sanitation issues.Provide leadership and direction to QA and sanitation personnel including training, communicating performance expectations, providing coaching and conducting performance reviews.Interact with Operations Management and collaborate to increase sanitation standards, product quality, and safety.Support Production Management to troubleshoot deficiencies in sanitation and quality execution and ensure plant preparedness for customer and regulatory inspections.Educate and motivate the plant workforce on quality and sanitation initiatives and serve as the Subject Matter Expert in all aspects of the Quality & Sanitation Programs.Oversee and enforce current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP's) and all relevant company policies and food safety regulations.Additional ResponsibilitiesChampion corporate food safety culture and strategies to mitigate food safety riskChampion Quality Assurance programs by developing initiatives and timely follow-up on corrective actions.Responsible for instilling the importance of safety in the workplace through adherence to safety rules, practicing safe work habits, utilizing appropriate safety equipment, and reporting unsafe conditions to the appropriate administratorUtilizing a continuous improvement mindset, assist in identifying opportunities to improve processes.Champion GMP maintains a clean and sanitary work practice.Ability to be flexible to the production's needs and adjustments to work hours.Knowledge and Skills RequirementsComprehensive knowledge and competency of Food Safety including HACCP principals, CGMPs, SOPs and SSOPs, Pest Control, Allergen Control & Recall programsAbility to interact with regulatory personnel, including practical audit experience.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative management style to create an engaged, motivated and high-performing team.Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical information, instructions and details and utilize to guide methods and procedures.Advanced project management, leadership, and delegation skills; able to lead projects, assign tasks and achieve results through othersProficient in Microsoft Office suite, basic experience with laboratory software and manufacturing databases.Certification and License Required 7+ years of dairy food manufacturing industry experience, with at least 5 years at the management level in a quality assurance environment.Certified in Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls (HARPC), with expertise in identifying food safety hazards, implementing risk-based preventive measures, and ensuring compliance with FDA food safety regulations under the FSMA guidelines. Skilled in maintaining food safety plans and adhering to strict quality standards.Certified in Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), with expertise in developing and managing systems to identify, assess, and control food safety hazards. Proficient in implementing preventive measures and ensuring compliance with industry standards to maintain product safety and quality.Trained and certified in Safe Quality Food (SQF) standards, ensuring compliance with food safety and quality regulations. Proficient in implementing and maintaining SQF systems to meet industry requirements and promote safe production practices.Expertise in regulatory compliance, food safety, labeling, and quality standards for dairy production.Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology or related fields.Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI)Industrial Supervisor by CDFAUnderstanding of the SQF Code level 2 and the requirements to implement and maintain SQF systemExperienced in managing external audits with clients, vendors and regulatory agencies.

Created: 2025-01-15