Job Description

The person in this position will be heavily involved in the day-to-day operation. This person will be overseeing the work of the QA Techs I & II to ensure all food safety measures and quality parameters are being met as required. This person will also be asked to assist Operations to ensure we are meeting our customer’s expectations, while adhering to the internal expectations set by Senior Leadership. Directly reports to the Director or R&D/QA, while closely working with the Commercialization Manager, Labs Coordinator, Sanitation Supervisor, and Label Compliance Specialist. QA Techs I & II directly reports to the QAFS Manager.

JOB EXPECTATIONS:

1. Provide guidance on Quality Assurance, Food Safety programs and systems.

2. Continuously improve quality processes by supporting their development, implementation, and enforcement in consistency with company-policies while ensuring strict compliance with Customers’ requirements and Regulatory Agencies.

3. Assist in the implementation of Trace Gains and improvements in the following programs: Environmental Monitoring, Product Micros & Pathogen Testing, Hold & Rework, Receiving Quality Grading, Customer Complaints & Response, Change Over and Product Evaluation.

4. Provide technical support for operational improvement and new product developments, through close working relationship and partnering with R&D and Operations.

5. Enforce robust testing programs on food products to ensure compliance with regulations, and the advancement of product safety for our consumers.

6. Manage the investigation and reporting of quality issues and implementation of internal audit control processes. Recognize trends and opportunities for improvement/corrective action, through proper analysis.

7. Coordinate internal, external and customer audits as directed or required.

8. Partakes in daily facility audits.

9. Oversee day to day activities and tasks in the QA department. Ensuring that all technicians are functioning, and prioritizing tasks as needed with the assistance of the Lab Coordinator.

10. Review documentation and workflows via Trace Gains, Microsoft Teams and SharePoint.

Lead training of all employees in food safety and quality.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. 4-year bachelor’s degree in a food science or science field.

2. Mathematical skills algebra/statistics.

Able to work flexible hours/rotating hours including second shift when needed.

3. 5+ years of experience in the food safety and quality assurance in manufacturing in a supervisory role.

4. 3+ years of experience in an auditing or inspecting against. organizational standards role. Auditor Certification preferred.

5. GFSI Certification (SQF practitioner or similar), HACCP certified.

6. Knowledge of SQF, Food Safety, HACCP, GMPs, FDA/USDA/FSMA/regulations 3rd party certifications.

7. Familiar with the New Era of Smarter Food Safety Initiative.

8. Energetic, creative, self-directed with high level of integrity.

9. Ability to provide leadership, support, communication, and direction to direct reports.

10. Ability to handle multiple tasks, troubleshoot and problem solve beyond routine issues.

11. Able to work in a fast-paced environment.

12. Proven experience on interaction with USDA and / or FDA agencies.

13. Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications.

14. Excellent communication skills with peers and customers.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Frequent sitting, standing, and walking.
• Frequent use of hands to finger, handle, grasp or touch objects and tools.
• Frequently is required to talk or listen.
• Occasional climbing, kneeling, squatting, stooping, crouching, crawling, twisting, bending, reaching.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.