Quality Assurance Manager - Sterling Foods

Classification: Exempt

Salary Range: $95k-$115k annually

We are currently seeking a highly motivated Quality Assurance Manager with experience in the food industry to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the implementation and administration of our Quality Program and Quality Systems Plan, which includes Safe Quality Foods (SQF), Food Safety (HACCP/HARPC), GMPs, Allergen Control, Food Defense, Chemical Control, Traceability, Nonconforming Procedures, Government, and Customer Requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the HACCP Coordinator, SQF Practitioner, and Food Defense Coordinator for the facility.
• Ensure that all duties and responsibilities related to food safety and quality are communicated and trained to the relevant staff.
• Track key performance indicators of quality and food safety and meet corporate quality and food safety goals and objectives.
• Validate and verify SQF Pre-requisite programs, HACCP Plans, and related processes, as well as annual reassessments.
• Supervise and support direct reports, including regular job performance evaluations.
• Provide leadership and guidance to employees to increase their effectiveness.
• Participate in and lead food safety/quality meetings and discussions, with an emphasis on results, solutions, continuous improvement, and forward progress.
• Troubleshoot problem-causing delays where a high level of technical expertise and capability are required.
• Ensure that all product specifications and standards set forth by R&D and customers are followed, and that any deviations from set specifications are corrected and reported appropriately.
• Maintain confidentiality of information and documents such as product specifications, financial documents, personnel records, marketing forecasts, customer information, vendor information, and salary information.
• Forecast manpower, equipment, and supplies needed to effectively meet departmental objectives.

Regulatory & Contractual Compliance:

• Monitor the equipment calibration status and certification of all measuring and testing devices in the facility and see that they are renewed as required.
• Manage environmental monitoring and sanitation validation programs, including use of sponges/swabs, air testing, water testing, etc.
• Act as company liaison to the USDA-FSIS and respond promptly to FSIS concerns or non-conformances.
• Maintain and submit documents authorizations, specifications, and testing data as required.
• Maintain ingredient and packaging material documentation including current specifications, SDS, Nutritional Data, Letters of Guarantee, etc., as required.
• Monitor the traceability of ingredients, packaging materials, in-process items, and finished products. Conduct regular mock recalls to test the effectiveness of the program.
• Manage the pest control program in conjunction with contracted pest management services and ensure that prompt corrective actions are taken to address pest-related observations.
• Lead monthly interdisciplinary team inspections of the facility.
• Facilitate successful audits by third parties, second parties, and regulatory agencies.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• Supervise QA Inspectors.
• Conduct disciplinary actions of direct reports with the assistance of the HR department.
• Interview all candidates that may become direct reports.
• Assist the Human Resource Department with the coordination of staffing requirements.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a quality assurance role within the food industry.
• Knowledge of FDA and USDA regulations.
• HACCP certification and experience as an SQF Practitioner.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve.
• Must be able to work weekends, if needed.

If you are passionate about food safety and quality and have experience managing a team in a fast-paced environment, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your resume for consideration.