Quality Assurance Lead

Quality Assurance LeadThe Quality Assurance Lead is responsible for the site's Quality Management System (QMS) and ensures compliance with customer requirements, regulatory standards, and GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) requirements. This position provides daily leadership for the Quality team, drives continuous improvement, oversees food packaging safety and quality systems, and partners with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Supply Chain to ensure products consistently meet Novolex and customer specifications.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Lead and supervise Quality Technicians and Quality Inspectors across all shifts.Maintain compliance with BRCGS Packaging Materials requirements and ensure ongoing audit readiness.Serve as the site BRCGS Coordinator and primary point of contact for third-party, customer, and regulatory audits.Manage the site's Quality Management System, including document control, SOPs, work instructions, and quality records.Conduct internal audits and verify that corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) are implemented effectively.Lead root cause investigations using methodologies such as 5 Whys, Fishbone, Pareto Analysis, and Corrective Action Reports.Review customer complaints, nonconforming products, supplier issues, and internal quality deviations to ensure timely resolution.Monitor key quality performance indicators, including customer complaints.Ensure compliance with:GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative)GMPsHACCP/Quality Risk AssessmentsForeign Material ControlTraceabilityProduct Release ProceduresApprove product disposition decisions, including hold, release, rework, or rejection.Partner with Production Leads to improve process capability and reduce variation.Support new product launches, validation activities, and process qualifications.Lead quality-related training for hourly employees.Analyze quality trends and prepare reports for Plant Leadership.Participate in Management Review meetings and Continuous Improvement initiatives.Promote a strong quality culture in which product safety and customer satisfaction are organizational priorities.Required Knowledge & Skills:GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative)ISO-based Quality SystemsGood Manufacturing Practices (GMP)Root Cause AnalysisStatistical Process Control (SPC)Internal AuditingRisk AssessmentExperience in customer audits and supplier quality management.Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and of continuous improvement methodologies.Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP/QMS software.Demonstrated leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.Leadership Expectations:This leader collaborates with departments to ensure that every product meets customer expectations while upholding regulatory compliance and operational excellence.Qualifications:High School diploma or higher.At least 2 years of quality leadership experience in manufacturing.Experience in packaging, plastics, extrusion, converting, or flexible packaging manufacturing is strongly preferred.Demonstrated experience with a GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) program.