Quality Assurance Manager

Quality/Food Safety ManagerThe Quality/Food Safety Manager is responsible for providing leadership in all areas of food safety, quality/quality systems, and regulatory compliance. The Quality/Food Safety Manager is a key liaison for regulatory personnel including onsite USDA/FSIS inspectors. This position serves as a food safety resource for all plant personnel and reports directly to the Director of Food Safety & Quality.At this time, we are NOT considering applicants that require immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States. This includes, but IS NOT LIMITED TO: F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1, etc.Our employees enjoy a generous package of benefits that we are thrilled to provide, and feel is part of what makes us different as an employer. We value our team members, and this is one way we can show it.Benefits include:PTO, holiday pay and holiday of choice401(k) matchLife insuranceShort-term disabilityHealth, dental and vision insuranceMaternity/paternity leaveHealth savings account (HSA)Flex spending accounts (FSA) – health and dependentPosition Responsibilities may include, but not limited to:Oversee all quality and food safety programs, including implementation of food safety and continuous improvement initiatives, leading required verifications, staff training, and documentationLeading the implementation and maintenance of the SQF systemEnsure compliance of food safety programs, including HACCP and Food Safety plansProvide facility food safety and quality leadership to the FS/QA department and develop the skill sets of QA salaried and hourly personnelEnhance QA and sanitation programs throughout the facility by communicating with management, operations, and sanitation teams regarding food safety programs and opportunities to make improvementsMaintain and develop food safety/quality programs and strive for continuous improvement of product qualityDirect interaction with regulatory inspectors (USDA, FDA, State)Lead or assist in leading all regulatory, customer, internal and 3rd party auditsProvide and promote a safe work environment throughout the facilityMaintain consistent communication and foster teamwork between all personnel, departments, and shifts including promoting a food safety cultureDevelop, review and revise SOP's and testing standards as necessaryEnsure company policies and procedures are fairly administered within the departmentAssist with pre-operational inspections, environmental and microbial sampling, various internal audits (GMP's, Pest Control, Food Defense, Allergen control, Label Verification), complaint investigations and performs direct observationsOversee all onsite laboratory activities and quality testing and be the liaison for all outside laboratory testingReview, analyze, interpret, approve, and report laboratory results per SOP's and applicable testing protocolsAbility to accurately complete all required documentationReview all records including CCP's for accuracy and completeness and signs off in a timely mannerHas the authority to stop processing and packaging activities that are potentially causing a food safety concernTrain all departments in Food Safety and Quality Policies and ProceduresOther miscellaneous duties as requested by the Director of Food Safety & Quality or VP of Technical ServicesRequired Skills and ExperienceCollege Degree in Food Science, Microbiology or similarPrior leadership experience in a food manufacturing facility preferredPrefer QC laboratory experience with an understanding of analytical, microbiological, and environmental testing and method executionKnowledge of HACCP & HARPC and experience in implementation of Food Safety PlansCertification by recognized HACCP training providerPCQI certificationMust have the ability to communicate persuasively and passionately about the need for food safety & qualityWorking knowledge of regulations and guidelines imposed upon meat & poultry operations by federal and state agencies and authorities (Title 9 & 21 CFR)Show initiative and ability to work well with and communicate effectively with all levels of company personnel and regulatory officialsDemonstrated commitment to following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP's) and other food safety rulesExcellent organization and decision-making skills and the ability to manage multiple projectsMinimum 5-7 years working in a food manufacturing environment preferredGFSI training (SQF, BRC, etc.) preferredMust have the ability to communicate in English orally and in writing; bilingual (English/Spanish) preferredPhysical RequirementsRepetitive motions that include the wrists, hands and/or fingersSedentary work that primarily involves sitting, remaining in a stationary position for prolonged periodsVisual perception to perform job including peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus