BS in Dairy Science, Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biology or similar scientific discipline, 5-7 years Quality experience within the food industry. Knowledge of quality systems, audits, regulatory, quality engineering, sanitation systems, statistics, analytical and microbiological lab methods desired. Strong information systems use, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Access. . PREFERRED: These are important qualifications; however, the lack of one or more would not disqualify a candidate.
Masters in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biology or similar scientific discipline a plus
RESPONSIBILITIES: These are the primary activities that the individual will be expected to perform when hired. Position Description: The Quality Systems Manager (QSM) role is a key plant leadership team position with responsibility for providing quality systems leadership, support, and training to the SLOC manufacturing facility by identifying key opportunities and implementing projects and reporting systems to improve food safety, product quality, and regulatory compliance.
This position will work in both the laboratory and on the production floor and leading and participating in quality initiated improvement projects. The QSM must have the flexibility to provide support to all shifts as necessitated by project needs, production schedule, quality issues, or lab requirements. Additionally, regular weekend support may be required during increased business demand.
Position Requirements:
Skills:
Strong problem analysis and root cause problem solving skills.
Demonstrated ability to work in a high involvement team system.
Effective influence and persuasion skills.
Strong time management and prioritization skills.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Strong documentation and idea presentation skills.
Attributes:
Initiative: Self-starter, gets involved quickly, takes on difficult tasks with enthusiasm. Takes action to achieve goals beyond what is required.
Energy: Maintains high activity / productivity level. Sustains long work hours when necessary. Operates with vigor, effectiveness and determination over extended periods of time.
Stress Tolerance: Maintains stable performance under pressure or opposition (such as time pressure or job ambiguity). Handles stress in a manner that is acceptable to others and to the organization.
Detail: Strives to understand the details. Balances analysis and action appropriately.
Position Responsibilities:
Improve existing quality manufacturing program (HACCP, MCP and Prerequisite). Incorporate new product, new process and changed regulatory requirements. Develop, document and implement operating 'best practices' for sanitation systems, food safety systems, product quality systems, and analytical systems.
Provide technical support and training to production teams as it applies to quality systems and protocol.
Provide data analysis of in-process, finished product, and consumer complaint issues and implement corrective and preventive actions. Present quality trend data on a team level for the purpose of informing and problem solving. Take the lead role in improvement opportunities.
Assist QS Team with documentation and reporting, including weekly and monthly incentive reporting, and updating bulletin boards.
Perform process capability and process improvement studies as well as assist in the implementation of corporate driven quality standards
Inspection Ready/Sparkle Ready: Work directly with the plant Quality Systems Coordinator to develop, document and implement comprehensive inspection audit programs. Correct systemic cross plant system issues that impact overall compliance.
Coach, and support, Quality Systems Coordinator and Production Team Members.
Coordinate and make dispositions on held product. Monitor sensory results from shift cuttings. Upgrade the sensory evaluation program for finished product and raw materials.
Investigate raw material issues, assure documentation of non-conformities, and review and approve monthly non-conformance report. Assist in the improvement and implementation of the raw material inspection program.
Manage Bio-security program
Maintain CEM SmartTrac – calibration, training, verification, troubleshooting, etc. Perform lab work such as microbiological plating, Babcock fats, TA, CEM solids, and special testing such as allergen test kits, swabs, as needed. Implement “best practices” in lab procedures, including calibration and equipment maintenance.
Provide Quality training (including GMP, Food Safety, lab methods, sensory, etc.) of the plant, including new hires.
Support all corporate quality initiatives, (auditing, network meeting participation, standards implementation)
Maintain departmental budget
Plant Manager may assign other duties. EOE/M/S/D/V
