Food Safety Quality Assurance Manager - AMES

POSITION SUMMARY:

AMES, A Puyallup Tribal Enterprise, is seeking an experienced Food Safety Quality Assurance Manager to join our team. This position will play a vital role in helping to manage food and safety programs ensuring product quality while staying in compliance with food safety and regulatory requirements. The Food Safety Quality Assurance Manager will be responsible for developing and maintaining our food safety and regulatory programs. Including implementing industry best practices for all inbound and outbound materials, leading internal and external audits, employee food safety training, and documentation. This position will also maintain facility food production certifications, regulatory licenses, and the supporting documents for the organization.

We are seeking employees who want to make an impact and be part of a rapidly growing company. Initiative and motivation are essential for our positions. This is a great opportunity to grow your career at a dynamic company, where you will be foundational in growing both our business and great company culture.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, implement, and manage, the standards and documentation for the ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System, Food Safety System, statistical control programs (SPC), Employee food safety training, weight control program, equipment calibration, and other programs related to product and process quality, food safety, and regulatory compliance
• Develop, implement, and document SOP's for all food safety and quality assurance processes to ensure safe and efficient production standards, such as 100% traceability in production batch processing, conducting mock recalls, monitoring/approving raw product ingredients/supplies, and assisting with holds and releases of raw material, in-process, and finished products
• Ensure that regular reports of product status, including raw material, and finished product, holds and corrective actions are completed, leads investigation of hold issues
• Coordinate all research and development testing; lead or assist with special projects as needed
• Maintain facility food production certifications, regulatory licenses, and supporting documents; leads internal and external audits
• Manage the sanitation and pest control programs of all food production/handling areas and equipment to ensure compliance with regulatory and AMES food safety standards
• Help develop and maintain department budget
• Onboard and manage department vendors/suppliers, and maintain related records
• Lead onboarding of new customers in contract manufacturing relationships; promptly investigate and implement corrective action for all customer issues
• Identify opportunities for improvements, identify potential areas of risk, and promptly share critical business information with key stakeholders to maximize results throughout AMES
• Coordinate effective teamwork and use all company resources efficiently to promote superior financial results for AMES; maintain AMES equipment and assets to maximize ROI
• Establish and maintain effective business relationships with all employees, vendors, business partners, government/regulatory entities, and communities in which we operate
• Strictly enforce workplace safety measures; safeguard the welfare of all employees, guests, visitors, and business partners at all times; promptly report workplace risks, incidents, injuries, and near misses; consistently wear and utilize all required PPE
• Maintain confidentiality regarding all sensitive and proprietary business information and safeguard AMES assets at all times

REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum

• BA/BS in related field
• 3+ years similar work experience
• Experience in scientific methods and report writing
• Understanding of plant production systems, FSMA, SQF, GMP, HACCP, sanitation, plant safety, quality systems, kosher, and organic regulations
• Familiarity with American Institute of Baking (AIB), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) standards, SQF, and well versed in FDA, CFR, Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
• Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods
• Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo; this includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, safety, production techniques, and disposal methods
• Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills; ability to make intelligent decisions using effectual mix of analysis, experience, and judgment
• Ability to read, write and understand polices, guidelines, specifications, and safety standards
• No food-related allergies to milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, and/or soy products
• Strong attention to detail; ability to problem solve, effectively multi-task, and manage competing priorities to meet deadlines
• Ability to record, analyze, reconcile, and interpret business data and enter data into business computer systems
• Able to work with a sense of urgency when needed and remain focused on delivering timely and effective solutions
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English
• Good PC and MS Office skills
• Culturally sensitive and works well with the full diversity of our company and community
• Uncompromising integrity and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Ability to work non-standard hours to accommodate business needs, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to pass background check

Preferred

• Any vocational / technical certifications or degrees in related field(s)
• 3+ years in regulated food manufacturing utilizing Good Manufacturing Practices
• 10+ years in diversified food manufacturing operations
• Experience working with Tribal or government entities
• Experience in designing and developing food manufacturing facilities
• Ability to speak Spanish

ABOUT AMES PTE

Puyallup Tribal Enterprises acquired AMES International in 2023, creating AMES PTE LLC. AMES is well known for Emily's Chocolates – a brand featuring unique chocolate, confections, and cookies. Emily's Chocolates is poised for aggressive growth, expanding distribution and innovative product offerings in Retail and eCommerce channels. AMES has licensing partnerships with McCormick & Co. in the Nut and Snacking category. In addition, AMES produces Franks Hot Sauce, Stubbs Barbeque, and Old Bay Seasoning Branded Nuts and Snacks. Tribal and Indian preference employer as required by law.

HOW TO APPLY: Submit an application online: https://apply.jobappnetwork.com/ames/en

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