Quality Assurance Manager - Village Gourmet

Longhini Sausage has been handcrafting Italian sausage and other Italian specialties in New Haven, Connecticut since 1950. Longhini takes pride in sourcing all-natural ingredients and maintaining the highest quality standards set forth by its founder almost 70 years ago.

ROLE SUMMARY

The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for overseeing the entire quality assurance program within the sausage/protein manufacturing plant. This role is critical in ensuring that all products meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (The 5 Roles)

• Quality Systems Overseer: Develop, implement, and manage quality assurance protocols and procedures to ensure product integrity and compliance with national and international standards and regulations.
• Team Leader: Manage the quality assurance team, providing training and support to ensure all members are proficient in their roles and understand the company's quality standards.
• Compliance Specialist: Monitor the production processes and product outcomes to ensure compliance with legal standards; manage audits and inspections by regulatory bodies.
• Continuous Improvement Champion: Identify areas for quality improvement and work with other departments to implement solutions that enhance product quality and efficiency in production.
• Data Analyst: Collect, analyze, and report quality data to senior management; use data to drive decision-making and quality improvements.

OUTCOMES (What success looks like):

• Achieve and maintain compliance with all regulatory requirements with no major non-conformities.
• Successfully pass all audits with minimal corrective actions required.
• Continually reduce the number of product defects and customer complaints each quarter.
• Lead and implement at least two major quality improvement initiatives per year that result in measurable improvements.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, OR a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in quality assurance within the manufacturing industry, preferably in the food manufacturing industry: protein or meat processing environment.
• Certifications: Safe Quality Food (SQF) Certified, Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) or Certified Quality Manager (CQM) preferred.
• Skills: Strong leadership and communication skills, extensive knowledge of quality assurance standards and regulatory requirements, proficient in statistical analysis and quality improvement methodologies.
• Physical Skills: Capable of frequent walking, standing, and occasional lifting of materials used in audits and inspections.

PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work primarily in a plant environment with exposure to cold, humid conditions, and handling of organic materials.
• Requires wearing personal protective equipment as necessary.

WORK ENVIORNMENT

• The role involves working in both office settings for data analysis and reporting and on the plant floor to oversee quality control processes.
• Interaction with various departments including production, logistics, and regulatory compliance to ensure quality across all aspects of the manufacturing process.

JOB DETAILS

This is a full-time, exempt position. Normal work hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 am – 4:00 pm, with overtime as needed.

This position outlines the core responsibilities and requirements for the role at Village Gourmet. Responsibilities may evolve with the company's needs, ensuring a dynamic and progressive work environment.