Quality Assurance Manager

Job PurposeProvide quality assurance, food safety, employee safety, and regulatory leadership to the facility by ensuring quality systems are communicated, implemented, and sustained. Ensure products, systems, and programs are consistent and meet both internal and external requirements.Essential FunctionsOversee food safety program, quality standards, and legality of products manufactured in the facilityMaintain the facility GFSI audit standardEnsure compliance with quality policies, procedures, cGMPs, and product specificationsPreserve the integrity of the GFSI and facility quality systems through enforcement of the policies and procedures outlined in the quality/food safety manualOversee Food Safety and HACCP teams, ensuring changes are reviewed in the facility as introduced and potential risks identifiedMonitor quality metrics and key performance indicators and recommend changes to meet standardsMaintain and update the recall program, acting as the recall team leaderFacilitate customer complaint process and plant deviation investigations, as well as implement corrective actions for continuous improvement Maintain supplier records ensuring compliance with regulations and guidelinesManage the facility?s internal auditing program and verification and validation activities to ensure finished product meets established company quality and food safety standardsOversee the non-conforming product program for the facility, as well as implement corrective actions for continuous improvementParticipate in new product development and commercialization process, reviewing all quality and food safety changes as they occurOversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of the environmental, health, and safety (EHS) programs in the facility, e.g., safety manual, safety committee, safety auditing, etc.Preserve the integrity of the EHS system through enforcement of the policies and procedures outlined in the safety manual; re-evaluate programs and procedures comprising the safety manual whenever process or facility changes are madeEvaluate and participate in employee accident investigations to ensure thorough root cause analysis is conducted; implement and ensure corrective actions are completedReview facility accident statistics, monitor trends, and provide recommendations on prevention strategiesProvide guidance to the plant team on OSHA regulationsSchedule, conduct, and oversee internal and external audits of the Quality, Food Safety, and EHS systems in the facility including all local, state, and federal regulatory agenciesMaintain kosher program and other certifications (RSPO, Organic, Non-GMO) as requiredEnsure employees are trained adequately on food safety, GFSI, quality assurance concepts, regulatory requirements, and employee safetyPrepare and manage departmental budgetsInterview, select, and train quality and supervisory employeesDirectly manage QA Supervisor, Sanitation/Safety Supervisor, and QA administration (others as necessary)Keep apprised of industry best practices and developments in federal, state, and local regulations that impact facility quality, food safety, and EHS systemsPerform other job-related duties as assignedQualifications (Education/Experience)Bachelor?s degree in Food Science or related degree preferredHACCP, PCQI, and OSHA certification preferredMinimum 5 years of progressive and demonstrated quality assurance and food safety management leadership experience in the food industry or manufacturing industryProficient knowledge in food safety programs and systems: GFSI (BRC or SQF preferred), internal auditing, cGMPs, HACCP, FSMA, SanitationExperience leading regulatory inspectionsProven fiscal responsibility (financial planning, budgeting, financial analysis, variance reporting, etc.)Strong computer skills including experience with ERP systems and Microsoft OfficeExcellent skills in the areas of teamwork, motivation, decision making, relationship building, and coachingStrong verbal and written communication skillsAbility to think critically and solve complex problems Ability to organize, manage multiple priorities, and maintain high attention to detail in a fast-paced environment