Quality Assurance Manager

Job Description

Job Description

At Indianapolis Fruit Company , our distribution network and premium supply chain provide our team the necessary tools to deliver a full-service retail experience for our customers that will differentiate them from competition and provide great opportunities for success. Indy Fruit team members thrive in our dynamic and collaborative environment in this fast-paced and ever-changing industry.

Indy Fruit recognizes the importance of being able to provide our team members and their families with quality benefits as part of their overall compensation package. We provide a comprehensive and competitive package that delivers quality and value while satisfying the diverse needs of our workforce.

Since 1947, Indy Fruit has been delivering fresh fruits and vegetables to our valued retail partners throughout the Midwest. We look forward to adding you to our team and continuing our company growth.

Essential Functions:

• Ensure a clean and sanitary operational room for the processing of fruit and vegetables in accordance with company and government standards
• Ensures a clean and sanitary processing environment for fresh cut fruit and vegetables in accordance with company and government standards (this includes but is not limited to employee practices and sanitation)
• Maintain and improve environmental monitoring program
• Lead and participate in product development, including sensory evaluations, shelf life testing and product formulations
• Ensures that product in the containers match the label on the container, date codes and outgoing packaging/Barcode is correct
• Ensures processing room is ready for production thirty minutes prior to beginning of day
  1. Chemicals were added to the main flume system and Barrels containing chilled water with Peracetic Acid placement, potato line, Apple line and fruit tanks and findings documented
  2. Metal detection machines validated at start of shift and throughout production and findings documented
  3. Hand and knife dip stations filled with sanitizer with verification of chemical strength is documented
• Ensure all Products are to be run through metal detection machines at every product change metal detector validation and verification and must be completed and documented
• Ensure all chemical stations must be checked with every change of product and the check off sheet completed
• Check Random weight checks, bag leak test, and various other H.A.C.C.P documentation and logs
• Overall Product Quality, ensuring shelf life and cold chain compliance
• Purchase supplies as needed such as additives and chemicals used directly in the food processing areas
• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive food safety and quality program in line with industry standards and regulatory requirements
• Ensure that all quality assurance processes and procedures are properly documented, regularly reviewed, and continuously improved
• Participate in internal and external audits to assess the effectiveness of food safety systems and ensure compliance with relevant standards (e.g., SQF, FDA regulations)
• Lead, mentor, and develop the quality assurance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability
• Conduct regular performance reviews, provide coaching and support, and identify training and development opportunities for team members
• Work with QA and Food Safety team members across companies to establish best practices
• Oversee the quality control process for incoming materials, in-process production, and finished products to ensure they meet established quality standards
• Collaborate with production teams to identify and resolve quality issues, implement corrective and preventive actions and improve product quality
• Monitor key quality metrics and trends, and report on quality performance to senior management
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing product quality, reducing waste, and improving operational efficiency
• Facilitate cross-functional teams to drive quality improvement projects
• Investigate customer complaints, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence
• Ensure timely and effective communication regarding quality issues and resolutions if needed
• Stay informed of industry regulations and standards and ensure that the company’s products and processes comply with all relevant laws and regulations
• Prepare required documentation and reports and review completed documentation in required time frame
• Ensure that all employees are trained and aware of the quality standards and regulatory requirements applicable to their roles
• Coordinate and facilitate training for all production staff
• Maintain standard operating procedures and overall program compliance
• Collaborate with production and food safety teams to develop and improve procedures as needed

Competencies, Education, and Experience

• Excellent leadership and team management skills
• Listening skills
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Organized and attention-to-detail approach
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Speak and write English satisfactorily
• At least 2 years of recent and successful experience performing the above functions in a significant food processing environment and food safety knowledge
• Strong knowledge of quality management systems (QMS), regulatory requirements, and industry standards
• Proficient PC skills in Microsoft Office, and common E Mail systems

Work Schedule:

• Tuesday – Saturday
• Start Time: 5:00am – Finish

Physical Demands:

• Stand or walk for long periods of time
• Work in cold and wet cooler conditions for extended periods of time
• Repetitive bending and use of arms, legs etc.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs

Benefits:

• Health & Welfare Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Voluntary Life)
• Paid Time Off
• Holidays
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Weekly Paid
• Career Advancement Opportunities

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.