Quality Assurance Manager - Land O'Lakes Inc.

The Quality Manager is responsible for managing the Food Safety and Quality Department, Quality Lab, Audit Process and Food safety/Security at each facility to ensure that quality standards are maintained as required by quality system, management, and external regulations. Supervises and coordinates the activities of the QC staff engaged in performing tests required for quality control of processes and products. Focus on reduction of consumer complaints and process improvement. Support quality mission statement, company quality policy and implement continuous improvement under the guidance and direction of the Plant Manager.

Experience & Knowledge (Required):

• Bachelors in food science, Biology or Dairy Technology or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years hands-on plant experience in the dairy plant or food industry operations, with a 3 plus years of people leadership supervisory experience.
• SQF Practitioner/HACCP certified, HARPC certification preferred.
• Ability to interact with regulatory personnel, including practical audit experience.
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
• Experience in the food industry with extensive knowledge of food systems, food safety and security.
• Training and experience in Food Science or Food Technology.
• Certification in HACCP maintain certification.
• Knowledge of SQF codes.

Essential Functions:

• Direct, train, and advise personnel in test procedures and ensure compliance with quality system requirements to deliver safe and quality food products.
• Provide technical support to all facilities, to sales staff, and on new projects and products.
• Investigate and respond to all QA related consumer complaints; exception report, track and manage complaints to determine if trends are developing.
• Design, oversee, update, and review HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) plan to SQF level.
• Provide leadership coordinating Safe Quality Food (SQF) standards (Acts as the SQF Practitioner) certification & maintenance process.
• Recommend procedures to correct quality deficiencies at each facility.
• Research and recommend new equipment, process, and technology to meet with 'industry best practices.
• Develop SOP to operate lab equipment and maintain records. Maintain calibration programs to ensure lab equipment, weighing scales, kettles, temp controllers, gages and other equipment.
• Oversee external lab testing and reports as required by SQF and EQMS quality system.
• Interact with suppliers on quality issues. Manage SIT process.
• Develop and provide quality assurance KPI, scorecards and reports.
• Ensure that all associates adhere to established FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and food safety policies and procedures.
• Establish and monitor laboratory safety programs; review all accident investigations and recommend safety improvement.
• Inspect and audit suppliers as directed.
• Perform monthly Plant audits.
• Coordinate customer and all other third-party audits, effective implementation of corrective actions and timely closing of all open items.
• Review audits observations, findings, nonconformity. Develop and implement sustainable corrective actions. Maintain all completed records.
• Develop and manage associate training program, help achieve their goals and career advancement.
• Follow HACCP principles and Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Meet all Food, Personal safety, and Regulatory requirements.
• Other duties, as assigned to support quality mission statement.

Hours: 1st Shift, this role will require off shift hours, weekends, and holidays.

About Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.

We provide a broad portfolio of benefits to keep you and your family at your best. Land O'Lakes is Where Your Future Takes Root.

Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.

Neither Land O'Lakes, nor its search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.