Job Summary
Supervises the plant documentation systems, which includes the control of quality systems documents (policies, procedures, work instructions, recordkeeping) and formulas (TDM and floor formulas). Manages the food safety inspection and corrective/preventive action programs. Supports commercialization activities for new products from special batch phase through initial production. Investigates plant non-conforming product incidents and consumer complaints, conducting root cause analysis and leading corrective action efforts. Coordinates HACCP / Food Safety Plan risk assessments and scheduled reviews. Develops strategic applications for plant data collection systems. Provides quality training and awareness to plant employees.
Provides direct supervision to QA Technician team and QA Coordinator in support of structured product inspection programs, laboratory testing, environmental monitoring, and calibration activities.
Essential Job Duties
- Schedules Quality Technicians and other support for all business units as needed. Verifies performance of quality technicians (conformance to routine, understandings and effectiveness, corrective action communication).
- Assures Quality conformance to specifications and expectations for all products and processes. Follows up with supervision/management on all exceptions and corrective actions. Communicates quality programs and specifications to quality team.
- Supervises all testing procedures, hold resolution, equipment calibration, etc., and coordinates with other departments to ensure all work is done in a timely, accurate, efficient and effective manner.
- Dispositions held goods (raw, finished and in process) including communication and execution of sampling plans.
- Executes Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) programs at the front line/shop floor level.
- Works with sensory teams to assure that program is operating in accordance with expectations.
- Develops/trains quality team members and hourly personnel in quality awareness, food safety and other related areas. Promotes a food safe environment.
- Monitors GFSI program effectiveness and conformance.
- Supervises and/or monitors department and Company employees to ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) by all.
- Performs daily documented GMP, Plant Sanitation, and Food Safety audits according to program, including with visitors from our customer food manufacturing companies, the Food and Drug Administration or the State Dept. of Agriculture.
- Collects Quality scoring (QI) data and constructs regular reporting per program.
- Works with customers on quality initiatives for products, programs and processes as directed.
- Works with R & D team on new product and product improvement initiatives. Coordinates collection and shipment of samples and data as requested.
- Reviews raw material quality information for conformance to standards.
- Monitors pest control documentation and assist with inspections, work order submittal, and program maintenance.
- Manage food safety inspection and corrective / preventive action programs.
- Lead and coordinate other Food Safety / Quality program efforts such as SQF certification audits, facility verification / validation activities, HACCP / Food Safety Program, Raw Material Bulk Handling Systems, Food Security Improvements, etc.
- Support sanitation program initiatives, environmental programs, cleaning verification & validation, allergen changeover, etc.
- Collects Quality scoring (CTQ) data and constructs regular reporting per program
- Serve as the substitute SQF Practioner
- May perform any and all other duties as required.
Knowledge and Skill Requirements
- Ability to communicate effectively and work well with others individually and in team setting.
- Excellent verbal and written skills.
- Ability to work in Microsoft Office and SAP efficiently
- Good problem solving and Continuous Improvement skills
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science (or a related field); a minimum of 2 years’ experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience required. A minimum of 3 years of experience preferred, depending on quality of experience.
Professional Licenses or Certifications
Must have or be able to obtain HACCP, PCQI, and SQF Practioner certification.
Physical Demands
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee can become exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or hot/humid conditions and high, precarious places. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Floors are often slippery with water, oil and dust.
This plant works A, B, C, D shifts.
