This high visibility Quality Engineer position is responsible for leading, improving, and overseeing the Quality and Food Safety programs at the Dallas, TX complex. This position will have 2 direct reports.  The position also acts as the plant liaison in dealings with regulatory agencies and client companies.This position is required to be certified for SQF or FSSC 22000, experienced in Aseptic/ESL production and reporting, well versed in FDA, CFR, Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), LACF, Grade A and PMO regulations and is responsible for assuring excellent performance within the GFSI compliant program at Dallas.This position will also support compliance to Organic, Non-GMO, Gluten-free, RSPO, UTZ, Validus, and Kosher certifications.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Continuously improves food safety and food quality performance at the plant.Performs internal audits of the facility to verify that procedures mandated by the company and State and Federal government agencies are being adhered to.This includes GMP’s, Sanitation, HACCP, Preventative Maintenance, and Employee Safety.
• Manages all aspects of the Quality Assurance Department, including Compliance, Laboratory, and the Aseptic Program
• Oversee, support and provide leadership for the Toppers Operation including, but not limited to, Quality Assurance, Food Safety, Allergen Compliance, GFSI compliance, R&I project support, kosher compliance, 2nd party audits of suppliers.
• Oversees and supports loss-control/waste reduction programs including the maintenance of the weight control program of all processing lines in the facility.
• Troubleshoots problems associated with production, ensures root cause/corrective actions ware appropriate and are fully implemented.
• Develops, updates, and implement the plant HACCP/Food Safety Plans and GFSI programs.
• Oversees the review and maintenance of required processing and quality records and regulatory inspections and reports. Develops tools to monitor deficiencies and quickly implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Acts as plant liaison in dealings with regulatory agencies and client company representatives and auditors.
• Leads the training of new and existing employees, including the QA Technicians and leadership.
• Coordinates investigation of consumer and customer complaints; provide report to Corporate Quality on findings and corrective and prevention programs.
• Assists with management of the budget for the QA Department.
• Assures the plant is always audit and inspection ready.
• Supports the Process Change Management onsite team involving new product launches, trials, and installations. This may include laboratory testing and/or sample submission on associated projects.
• Stays current with all key regulatory and certifying agency guidelines.Manages regulatory issues within assigned region.
• Responsible for departmental improvement projects related to quality metrics for consumer complaint reduction, analytical compliance to specification, timely release of finished product, internal audits (FSI, API, PrP), and resolution of aseptic deviations.
• Delivers company and facility performance targets in areas of food quality attributes, food safety metrics, and cost.
• Supervisory responsibilities:
  • Supports management of QA Supervisors (3) and Sanitation Supervisor (1).
  • Provides leadership to direct reports, including hiring/firing decisions, training and development opportunities, and conducting performance reviews and coaching sessions.
  • Provides work leadership to develop hourly staff, which may include training, coaching, direct observations, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
• Effectively communicate with all plant departments (e.g., quality, processing, packaging, engineering, maintenance, etc.) to ensure proper adherence to quality standards throughout the process
• Participate in or lead RCA problem-solving initiatives with a cross-functional team, delve into root causes for unanticipated issues, and discuss RCAs with plant leadership team.
• Participate in the plant’s daily management system (e.g., plant and/or department meetings)
• Create, review and modify SOPs as needed

• Computer literacy and software navigation: Microsoft Office, MiniTab, SAP, InfinityQS, Ignition, EtQ
• Must be well versed with analytical and microbiological laboratory testing

• Experience with continuous improvement, TPM, and SPC
• Manage and/or assist with special projects as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of BS in Science / Food Science / Technical Discipline.
• 5-10 years previous Quality Assurance experience in food/beverage manufacturing environments with emphasis on ESL, Aseptic, and/or Dairy equipment (preferred).Candidates with ESL, Aseptic, and Dairy experience are preferred.
• Understanding of plant production systems, FSMA, SQF, FSSC, GMP, HACCP, sanitation, plant safety, quality systems, kosher and organic regulations.
• Must be well-versed in FDA, CFR, FSMA, LACF, Grade A and PMO regulations.
• Minimum level of responsibility as Quality Assurance Manager for a food manufacturing facility.
• FSSC 22000 food safety certification/SQF Certified.
• Knowledge of Project management preferred.
• Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI).