Job Description

Fuji Oil seeks a Quality Assurance Manager.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for Quality and Safety of product refined at the Avondale plant. The QA Manager is responsible for the coordination and monitoring of work activities of associates engaged in performing chemical & physical tests required for quality control of processes and products with an emphasis on safety and proficiency. This person will serve on various cross-functional teams as they will interact with various internal and external groups including customers, suppliers, and auditors. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in a quality control/quality assurance role with some prior knowledge of Food Safety Programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensures that lab procedures conform to AOCS Official methods; trains personnel as required to maintain conformance
• Monitors lab results to ensure that raw products and finished products are within specification or resolves non-compliance issues with production and/or R&D personnel
• Compiles and analyzes test information to determine operating efficiency of processes or equipment and to work with Operations to diagnose malfunctions
• Works closely with scientists and/or engineers to develop and test custom products, and to also develop and analyze nonstandard tests for products
• Determines necessary adjustments to formulas and processes based on test results to ensure quality specifications are met
• Represents the company with on-site customer auditors, third party auditors, food safety inspection/audits and state/federal inspectors.
• Communicates with customers regarding quality requirements and product quality; Manages the Fuji sample request program and ensure requests are completed in a timely manner.
• Manages documentation and compliance for Supplier Approval Program and regulatory requirements; Coordinates supplier approval process for all customers including self-audit documentation.
• Administers the customer complaint and return program and policies for Avondale; Responds to customer requests for documentation
• Leads food Safety Team and works with Operations Manager in management of plant HACCP/ Food Safety Plan, including updates of documentation. Coordinates recall program including annual mock recalls (includes required traceability exercises).
• Conducts annual Food Safety GMP training of company employees and temporary workers.
• Coordinate plant sanitation program, including monthly internal sanitation inspections with Operations Manager. Make recommendations to other managers on sanitation issues.
• Serves as primary QC/R&D contact on all Lab Information Management System (LIMS, SAP, etc.) issues and develop and maintain IT systems and document files that eliminate paper-based systems.
• Oversees wastewater analysis to ensures procedures conform to EPA requirements
• Arranges for the proper disposal of laboratory wastes, with the required documentation
• Develops and monitors departmental budgets; Conducts monthly reviews of budget/expenditures with upper management
• Performs other duties or special projects as required or as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Pro-active leader committed to a management style that is fair, firm, consistent, and respectful
• Directly supervises six employees in the Quality Assurance department
• Conducts timely coaching sessions and performance appraisals with staff
• Rewards and disciplines employees; addresses complaints and resolves issues as needed
• Manages and administers Safety Program to all Lab employees; Ensures compliance with all company policies, rules, and procedures

QUALIFICATIONS

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Two to five years of experience working in a quality inspection, quality assurance, or other related role is required, preferably within a food manufacturing/processing plant
• Minimum of two years prior experience supervising technicians

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in Chemistry or Biochemistry
• Related experience may be considered in lieu of formal education in Chemistry or Biochemistry
• PCQI (Preventative Controls Qualified Individual) certification or Food Safety certification is preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Self-Starter with excellent interpersonal skills
• Exhibited ability to lead Root Cause Failure analysis reviews
• Proven leader with the capability to influence and drive change while fostering accountability
• Skillful in writing reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers and subordinates with a high degree of diplomacy
• Efficient in defining problems, collecting data, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions
• Possesses the ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, proportions, and percentages. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) is required; Experience with Microsoft 365 is preferred
• Demonstrated experience with a QMS system is required
• Prior experience with SAP is highly preferred
• Prior experience with ADP Workforce Now, Time & Attendance Module is also preferred
• Must be able to work occasional nights, weekends, on call time, as needed, in addition to the standard 40-hour work week

Must have the ability to meet the following physical demands:

• Access work areas at elevated heights up to 100 feet above ground (Ascending and descending from ladders, catwalks, product tanks, etc.)
• Occasionally lift and/or move items up to 25 lbs.
• Reach and grip surfaces with arms, hands
• Frequent sitting; moderate amounts of standing and walking; occasional balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling, sometimes in confined spaces
• Must be able to view, hear, read, and respond while using a personal computer, keyboard, computer monitor within close and sometimes distant range, equipment controls, radio, and other media devices as required to complete job duties
• Must be able to wear appropriate PPE as the employee occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals
• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors within an industrial setting at various climates and inclement weather conditions
• Ability to tolerate a moderate level of noise with proper PPE

Company Description

Fuji Oil, Inc. is a leader in the production of ingredients for the food industry. Established in 1987, Fuji Oil has continued to grow as a major supplier of specialty fats and oils. Our fats and oils will be produced at our new state-of-the-art refinery facilities in New Orleans. Our products found in products used in the confectionary and baking industries across North America. You will find our products in a variety of quality foods, from the finest chocolates to gourmet cakes. In addition, we provide a multitude of products to industrial end users. Our raw material comes from sustainable sources and include all the palm and palm kernel fractions along with coconut and liquid oils. The scientists at our research center are constantly working to develop and improve our specialty fats and oils. Our pilot plant also provides our customers with a secure environment to test and sample new products and formulas. Our company is dedicated to delivering only the best quality products and service.