Quality Assurance Manager

Plant QA ManagerReports To: Vice President of Quality AssuranceIndirectly Reports To: Plant ManagerLocation: Cincinnati, OHJobs Supervised (by title): Plant QA Lab TechTravel: Estimated at 5% or lessJob Purpose Summary: This position is responsible for managing all aspects of quality at the production facility necessary for the successful control of food safety and quality expectations.Essential Responsibilities:Manage the quality and food safety systems for the facility in accordance with corporate directives and requirementsLead the facility HACCP team and Biosecurity programsManage facility regulatory, customer, kosher and third party certification compliance programsOversee quality related documentation and certificationsPerform internal and external audits to support the Quality Management SystemProvide hands on activity and management for the performance of microbiological and chemistry related testing related to product requirements (color, Brix, pH, yeast, mold, APC)Produce reporting for quality results and perform corrective action initiativesLead internal improvement and project management teams as assignedAssist in the training of facility teams for quality related activitiesAssist with mock recalls and other actions to test the systems for complianceManage internal databases for documentation and testing dataDisposition of nonconforming product and raw materialsOrganize customer orders with Production, coordinate carriers, and keep customers updated.In case of vacation or illness, the Plant QA Lab Tech is the backup for this position, and the QA Lab Tech may also serve as the secondary SQF Practitioner.SQF Responsibilities:Serves at the Primary SQF Practitioner at the plant sitePCQI Certification is requiredOversee the development, implementation, review and maintenance of the plant SQF SystemTake appropriate action to ensure the integrity of the SQF SystemCommunicate to relevant personnel all information essential to ensure the effective implementation and maintenance of the SQF System.Recall Team Leader (QC/QA, liaises with regulatory authorities)Member of the Business Continuity Planning TeamResponsible for regulatory matters (quality, food safety)Food Safety Culture Plan LeadershipFood Security Team LeaderApproval of SQF procedures, policies and HACCP/food safety plansValidation of HACCP/Food Safety PlansOversees internal auditsOversees Customer ComplaintsLeads the plant SQF Management Reviews and SQF UpdatesLeads the annual review of the HACCP Plan/Food Safety Plan, cooperates with Food Fraud Vulnerability and Mitigation PlanResponsible for CAPA, Traceability, Product and Equipment Hold ProgramsInvolved in the New Product Development process (customer-specific specification changes)Oversees food safety GMP training of Service Providers and ContractorsMaintain supplier documentation and COAs from all plant suppliersMaintain product specifications of all plant customersRequirementsMinimum Qualifications:Degree: BS in Microbiology, Food Science / Technology or equivalent experiencePrevious quality assurance experience in food manufacturing environments including audit experience.Experience in microbiology, GMP's, chemistry, equipment design, sanitation and quality systemsMust have general knowledge of regulatory and kosher compliance requirements.B. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Must be adaptable and flexibleMust be organized and analyticalExcellent communication / presentation skillsAbility to work independentlyExcellent recordkeeping / documentation skillsBasic understanding of microbiological and chemistry testing proceduresBasic understanding of laboratory testing equipmentUnderstanding of current laws and regulations related to food manufacturingProficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, PowerPoint)Nonessential Qualifications:SQF CertificationSix Sigma certification at the Green Belt levelAbility to speak and / or write Spanish is desiredMaterials and Equipment Directly Used:Office machinery including: computers, printers, fax machines, copiers, etc.Microsoft Office Suite.Working Environment / Physical Demands:The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Physical Demands:Ability to work in dusty, wet, hot or cold environments for extended periods of timeRequires prolonged sitting and standing, bending, stooping and climbingRequires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, photocopier, telephone, calculator, and laboratory equipmentRequires normal range of hearing and vision (including colors) to record, prepare and communicate appropriate reports and laboratory resultsRequires lifting up to 50 pounds. Requires exposure to machines, chemicals and solventsWork Environment:Must understand vague and implicit instructions and react favorably in all work situations.Must be mentally adaptable and flexible in dealing with a variety of people.Emotional stability and personal maturity are important attributes in this position.Must be able to resolve problems, handle conflict and make decisions under pressure.Ability to give, to receive, and analyze information, formulate work plans and prepare written materials and articulate goals and action plans.Must understand people and be able to communicate effectively.Ability to do basic math calculations, input data into a computer and analyze data is required.