Quality Assurance Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200+ local family farms, is one of America’s largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms®, Bison®, Milk for Life®, and Intense Milk®. Here, you’ll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day.

Manage all Plant Quality Assurance (QA) activities to ensure compliance with Upstate Niagara Cooperative Inc. and regulatory requirements. Primary areas of responsibility include Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Sanitation Practices (GSP), product conformity, and service quality. This position reports directly to the Manager of Corporate Quality Assurance, with functional reporting to the Plant Manager. The Quality Assurance Manager is part of the Plant’s management team, representing Corporate QA at the Plant level and working to continuously improve product and process quality.

Key Responsibilities

Local Responsibilities (Plant-Level)

1. Develop and Implement a Plant Quality Plan
• With the Plant Manager and Plant Management team, define the quality function’s role and communicate it to all facility associates to ensure continuous improvement.
2. Serve as Facility SQF Practitioner
• Maintain SQF Level 3 certification and manage continuous improvement programs.
3. Review and Audit Manufacturing Procedures
• Ensure compliance with established practices and procedures.
• Identify and address nonconformances, ensuring corrective actions are effective.
4. Ensure Regulatory Compliance
• Be knowledgeable of and stay current on Federal and State requirements.
• Represent the facility during inspections and audits by customers and regulatory agencies.
5. Maintain and Enforce GMP Guidelines
• Collaborate with Plant Management and Corporate QA to update and enforce Good Manufacturing Practices.
6. Oversee Sanitation Practices
• Work with Plant Management and Corporate QA to establish and validate sanitation programs.
• Conduct periodic audits for compliance and evaluate new products/techniques.
7. Manage Product Specifications and Documentation
• Establish systems to control and document release, holds, and disposition of products manufactured at the facility.
8. Provide Leadership for the Laboratory
• Work closely with Laboratory Associates and Lab Supervisor to ensure proper training and supervision.
• Perform analyses and participate in routine lab activities as needed.
9. Collaborate on Incoming Goods and Raw Materials Assessments
• Develop quality assessment procedures for raw materials.
• Work with Purchasing to establish and enforce quality standards with vendors.
10. Develop and Monitor Quality Department Budget
• Establish and document the department budget and regularly analyze/report status for Quality Department

1. Establish Training Programs

• Continually monitor the effectiveness of training for Operations and Quality personnel.

In the absence of the QA Manager, the QA Lab Lead will assume these duties.

Additional Key Responsibilities at the Corporate QA-Level

1. Implement Programs Supporting Upstate Niagara’s Commitment to Product Excellence
2. Establish Plant Quality Metrics in cooperation with Corporate QA.
3. Issue Weekly Plant Quality Report
4. Represent the Plant in weekly and quarterly Quality Committee meetings.
5. Maintain Log of Concessions and communicate concessions effectively to Corporate Quality.
6. Design and Implement Quality Programs as required by Corporate QA (e.g., Hold Policy, Recall Policy, Pathogen Testing, Customer Complaint Resolution, HACCP).

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Food, Dairy, or Natural Sciences from a four-year college or university; OR Equivalent combination of education (minimum AAS) and relevant experience.

Experience

• Five to seven years of related experience and/or training in the Food and Beverage industry.
• Active involvement in Quality Programs is required.
• Previous supervisory experience is required.
• Familiarity with ISO Quality Management Systems, HACCP, and statistical process control is preferred

Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and government regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Strong presentation skills and ability to respond to questions from managers, clients, and customers.
• Strong personal computer skills.

Competencies

• Regulatory and Compliance Knowledge: Familiarity with GMP, GSP, SQF (Level 3), HACCP, and related federal/state regulations.
• Quality Systems Management: Ability to design, implement, and maintain quality assurance programs (e.g., Hold Policy, Recall Policy, Pathogen Testing, Customer Complaint Resolution).
• Leadership and Team Management: Proven ability to lead QA teams, train staff, coordinate efforts with Plant Management, and communicate effectively at all levels.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving: Skilled in reviewing/auditing procedures, identifying nonconformances, and implementing corrective actions.

Working Conditions (Physical demands)

• Frequently required to speak and be able to perceive and understand spoken instructions, alarms, and other important sounds in the workplace.
• Occasionally required to stand, reach with hands/arms, and climb or balance.
• Must regularly lift/move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally up to 55 pounds.
• Requires close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Regularly exposed to wet/humid conditions.
• Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and toxic/caustic chemicals.
• Moderate noise level in the work environment.

Pay:

$120,000-$140,000 per year*

* The salary range listed for this position represents the good faith and reasonable minimum and maximum pay for this role at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, training, knowledge, education, and overall qualifications. The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.