Director of Quality Assurance

Director of Quality AssuranceWe are currently seeking a Director of Quality Assurance, based in Reno, NV. Pacific Cheese has been family owned and operated for over 50 years. We offer a generous and affordable benefits package, including health, dental and vision. We also provide AD&D, LTD, STD, Employee Life Insurance at no cost. In addition to paid vacation, sick, and holiday time, as well as a 401(k)-retirement plan with employer match.This Corporate QA position is responsible as the subject matter expert for cheese products with emphasis on primary manufacturing and product conversion and will lead the development and implementation of the Corporate Sustainability Program. This position will provide back-up to support the Corporate QA team during an emergency.Duties and Responsibilities:Provide technical cheese manufacturing and product quality guidance to conversion plant personnel, customers, and sales staff.Champion department initiatives and act as a subject matter expert in applicable technologies, policies, programs, and systems management.Develop, lead and inspire sustainability innovation across the organization ensuring alignment with the Pacific Cheese vision and strategy.Utilize extensive knowledge in Dairy Science and Manufacturing to inform and stay abreast of innovative strategies and processes.Assist the QA department by way of cross-training on tasks related to product quality/safety and audit compliance.Provide cheese evaluation and testing expertise during troubleshooting and continuous improvement projects.Interpret technical product inquiries when requested and provide timely advice as may be appropriate.Research Dairy Industry Regulatory and Key Customer Sustainability initiatives and brief the management team when action is required to maintain compliance.Perform other duties as assigned.What You'll Bring:Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.Ability to adhere to aggressive deadlines and work with minimal direct supervision.Excellent English written communication and organizational skillsA track record of attention to detail, intrinsic motivation and learning ability.Ability to interpret customer requirements and advise Sales, Marketing, Product Development, QA, etc. through clear communication.Education and Experience:MS in Dairy/Food Science, Nutrition, or a closely related field (PhD desirable).10-15+ years' experience in the cheese & dairy industry, primarily in a manufacturing, product quality, product development or regulatory compliance position.Experience working with and current knowledge of USDA/FDA/ORGANIC Regulations as they pertain to labeling, standards of identity, allergens, food safety and sustainability.Working Conditions:Working conditions are a mixture of ambient office and chilled packaging/warehouse environment of <40F for extended periods of time. Must be able to lift 45 lbs.Travel Requirements:Some travel will be required for training, key customer site visits and external auditing activities. This may be a mixture of day trips and overnight trips of several days' duration. Expected front end travel is ~50%. 25%-50% Travel after training is competed.Pacific Cheese is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal or local law.Pacific Cheese is a drug free workplace; pre-employment includes a drug screen.