VP Quality - Coyote Technical & Executive Sourcing

VP, QUALITY

SUMMARY: This is a crucial position on the Upper Management team. The VP of Quality will manage and oversee all activities and operations of Quality Assurance and Quality Control throughout the facility, including Quality employees. This position will support the company’s operational key indicators as well as verify all products to ensure Food Safety including HACCP, Quality, Organic, Kosher and SQF Certification (GFSI) standards and specifications are met.

DUTIES:
The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

• Directs all Quality Assurance and Quality Control activities for the company.
• Responsible for the review, verification, validation and sustainability of the SQF system.
• Works directly with manufacturing to schedule and control inspection activities and to enforce requirements as specified by raw materials, ingredients, products and package specifications, and regulatory agencies.
• Ensures that internal and external quality assurance procedures adequately evaluate the company's products and processes, including submissions to regulatory authorities. Develops and implements required modifications.
• Assists in the creation, review and updating of S.O.P.s as needed to meet the company’s processes and procedures.
• Review, create and/or assists with Document Change Notices (DCNs), Deviations, Non-Conforming Materials Reports (NCMRs), Vendor Qualification and Corrective Action (CAPAs) documents.
• Oversees and helps to prepare for SQF and GMP audits.
• Reviews all documentation for completeness and accuracy.
• Initiates corrective actions for procedural product or process deficiencies.
• Oversees/manages the implementation and maintenance of deviation report process.
• Oversees/manages all vendor quality-related activities; assures that vendors adhere to quality requirements and that a quality system is maintained.
• Develops and manages GLP, cGMP, and internal audits on products, stability programs, complaints, and related systems.
• Creates and maintains quality assurance databases, reports, and files; oversees preparation of audit reports.
• Manages Quality Control, production management, regulatory affairs, and other appropriate departments to create systems that ensure integrity and quality of submitted data.
• Holds necessary trainings throughout the corporation on withstanding, updated and/or new S.O.P.s GMP’s and SQF requirements.
• Ensures that all new hires are trained on GMP’s and quality assurance for their position.
• Oversee and assist with the completion of Raw Material and Finished Product Specifications and ensures that QC is following the correct procedure for qualifying these materials.
• Ensures all testing procedures are following GMP guidelines. Assist with updating and/or creating procedures and performs training in order to meet GMP guidelines when needed.
• Oversee and assist in the identification and investigation of any in-house quality issues.
• Maintains current knowledge of government and industry compliance standards.
• Provides expertise and guidance in interpreting governmental regulations, agency guidelines, and internal policies to assure compliance.
• Collaborates with research and development during new product start-ups and product development; establishes key checkpoints for new products and processes.
• Oversees QC release of products for distribution.
• Oversees all current requirements for Kosher and Organic certifications.
• Oversees in-house QA and AC issues.
• Develops and maintains auditing schedules and budgets.
• Oversees regulatory aspects of label review and product claims.
• Assists with hiring, trains, supervises, motivates, and develops Quality Assurance/Control staff; manages schedules and workflow.
• Assigns duties and monitors quality of work; assures staff conforms to organizational policies and procedures and government regulations.
• Provides day-to-day guidance and oversight of subordinates; actively works to promote and recognize performance.
• Keeps up to date on overall activities of the team, identifying problem areas and taking corrective actions.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Executive team.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversees Quality Assurance and Quality Control employees.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The individual (s) is responsible for complying with all rules and regulations in the Employee Handbook and the Safety Manual (IIPP).
  • The individual (s) is responsible for completing all of the above duties as required within the required time frame.
• The individual (s) must follow all SOPs, GMPs, Safety Rules and other State and Federal Health Guidelines as required by the company.
• The individual (s) must comply with all Plant, State and Federal OSHA, EPA, FDA, HACCP, and SQF regulations.
• It is the responsibility of the individuals to communicate with his or her supervisor when and as necessary to complete their jobs as required.

FOOD SAFETY REQUIREMENTS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Comply with all Plant, State and Federal OSHA, EPA, FDA, HACCP, and SQF regulations
• Conduct verification of monitoring activities to assure finished product comply with food safety and quality specifications.
• Organizes/Participates in the yearly review of the food safety system.
• Manage the maintenance of the Food Safety and Quality systems.
• Suggest and implement changes in working conditions and use of equipment to increase food safety and efficiency of operation departments.
• Interface with other departments and trainers to develop and implement food safety and food defense programs as required.

SQF PRACTIONER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead integration of the current Quality Assurance and food safety processes into one process for development and implementation. This includes HACCP system, regulatory audits, Quality Systems Review process (QSR), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), incoming ingredient inspections, product scoring, food safety audits, field complaints, and standardized work instructions.
• Develop and execute SQF plans to achieve/maintain SQF Level 2 Certification at the facility(s) and to meet all of the company's requirements related to quality and food safety programs.
• Oversee plant(s) compliance and interactions with SQF Certification Body.
• Assure facility(s) meets all requirements related to SQF Trademark use.
• Develop and maintain systems to assure compliance to all SQF (GFSI) System requirements including Commitment, Document Control and Records, Specifications, Attaining Food Safety, Verification, Product Identification Trace and Recall, Incident Management, Food Safety Fundamentals – Building and Equipment Design and Construction, and Food Safety Fundamentals – Pre-requisite Programs.
• Maintain all registries as required by SQF.
• Manage finished product evaluation system and provide leadership to drive improvements in key customer/consumer Quality attributes.
• Train and maintain all training records for critical food safety and quality requirements. Document and maintain training registry for all employees at the manufacturing site(s).
• Oversee monitoring, verification, and validation activities to ensure that all products leaving the facility(s) meet the company’s Food Safety and Quality standards.
• Provide guidance and leadership in situations where deviations have occurred or a potential risk has been identified related to food safety and/or quality attributes.
• Reassess SQF plan(s) whenever there is a change to program, process, procedure, ingredient, equipment, industry philosophy, technology, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in related field or equivalent, master’s degree a plus
• At least six to ten years of related experience or equivalent
• Strong knowledge of nutritional supplement manufacturing processes, computer and equipment validation, GMPs, and product/process validation
• SQF Practitioner Certification a plus
• Knowledge of and ability to utilize statistics in evaluation of data
• Thorough knowledge of FDA regulations
• Experience with laboratory environment, equipment and safety procedures
• Experience in research and development, including understanding of statistical analysis
• Demonstrated proficiency in supervising and motivating subordinates
• Basic competence in subordinates’ duties and tasks
• Commitment to excellence and high standards
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills
• Ability to manage priorities and workflow
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm
• Acute attention to detail and assist in streamlining procedures and improve documentand work flow.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of various teams and committees
• Proficient on Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook and MRP software, preferably DBA Manufacturing
• Proven leadership and business acumen skills
• Proven ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to deal and communicate effectively with a diversity of individuals at all organizational levels
• Proven ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Working knowledge of data collection, data analysis, evaluation, and scientific method
• Ability to develop clear, concise, and timely oral and written reports
• Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace. Bilingual skills a plus

SQF PRACTITIONER QUALIFICATIONS:

• The SQF Code defines the required qualifications for this role in Section 2.1.2.5 "SQF Practitioner"
• SQF Practitioner shall be employed by the supplier as a company employee on a full-time basis
• Hold a position of responsibility in relation to the management of the supplier's SQF System
• Have completed a HACCP training course
• Be competent to implement and maintain HACCP based food safety plans and food defense
• Have an understanding of the SQF Code Level 2 and the requirements to implement and maintain the SQF System relevant to the supplier scope of certification.

No visa sponsorship (H1-B, etc.) available at this time, sorry.