Director of Quality - CandyCo LLC

Job purpose

The Director of Quality will lead and manage the Food Safety and Quality programs for CandyCo, including the development of the current quality team. The ideal candidate will have a thorough knowledge and understanding of food manufacturing, processes, and procedures, and thorough knowledge and understanding of microbiology and raw material programs to assess and make appropriate decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Duties and responsibilities

• Demonstrated ability of developing and strengthening a team of Quality Professionals
• Manage multiple locations Quality Control and Quality Assurance Programs to ensure compliance with customer, company, and government procedures.
• Direct inspection and testing activities to ensure continuous control over materials, facilities, and products
• Development and standardization of Quality manuals, policies, procedures, data templates, audit standard, and Quality Key Performance Indicators
• Manage process to investigate, document, and resolve quality issues
• Drive process and continuous improvement initiatives through quality and sanitation team.
• Develop and maintain quality control systems/programs such as Self-Inspection, Supplier Management, Pest Control, Safety, Microbial Testing and Defense
• Manage a set of cross functional relationships within a multi-facility complex to influence site leadership on alignment of Quality strategies, Quality annual objectives, and Plant project plans
• Conduct pre-shipment review, CCP's, validation studies, report on deficiencies for GMP's, HACCP and SSOP's
• Perform microbiological tests or work with lab to complete the testing on finished products, environmental, and direct food contact surfaces
• Apply total quality management tools and approaches to analytical and reporting processes
• Investigate, track, and respond to customer complaints including implementing changes (if necessary) and write corrective actions for complaints
• Work with VP of Operations and Production/Sanitation Managers to ensure proper sanitation processes are being set and standardized. Assure proper housekeeping and maintenance of facility, equipment, and grounds is being met
• Work with vendors to ensure quality of all purchased products, associated equipment and materials meet established quality standards
• Identify potential risks in the production process and develop mitigation strategies to prevent quality issues.
• Ability to improve current systems and further create robust systems that reduce risk and support business growth

Qualifications

• 15 years progressive experience working in a food manufacturing facility in a Quality Leadership role
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of food manufacturing, processes, and procedures, and thorough knowledge and understanding of microbiology and raw material programs to assess and make appropriate decisions in a fast-paced environment
• Strong ability to demonstrate leadership skills for building a strong department as well as supporting existing programs and creating new ones
• 4-year Degree in related field strongly preferred
• Expert abilities and decision making in Food Safety, Regulatory, and Quality Systems/their application within food processing
• Strong project management skills with experience leading quality improvement projects in the confectionery industry.
• Computer skills, analytical, equipment and food-processing equipment
• Knowledge of quality control processes related to the food-processing industry
• Knowledge of quality process control and HACCP, SSOP and SOP
• Knowledge of USDA and FDA standards
• Self-starter, motivator, goal-oriented and a strategic thinker
• Good organizational and communication skills both verbally and written
• Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations
• Bachelor's degree from four-year accredited College or university
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel

Working conditions

• Must be able to work any/all shifts as directed
• Must be able to work overtime as necessary, including Holidays and/or weekends
• Standing/walking for long period of time
• Must be an avid Safety Champion and adhere to all safety programs and procedures

Physical requirements

• A non-slip resistant work shoe
• Must be able to work all shifts as directed.
• Pre-shift stretch and exercises to be performed
• Ability to work on their feet 8+ hours at a time
• Hair restraint, beard net (if needed), and Safety gloves as needed
• All required PPEs are worn properly when working with equipment or chemicals that require personal protection
• Position requires the ability to: stand, sit at a desk, walk around the facility, lifting and carrying up t0 50-LBS unassisted, reaching, kneeling, crawling, and twisting
• Also requires the ability to: see, hear, and communicate with associates as well as others by utilizing professional etiquette

Direct reports

• Quality Manager