QA Manager

Job Description GENERAL PURPOSE Manage and lead a quality department and ensure effective quality execution, continuous improvement, and regulatory compliance. In conjunction with plant operations, maintain an effective culture of food safety and quality within the facility. Develop and/or maintain processes that ensure finished product is food safe and meets finished product specifications. Function as a highly organized and effective communicator with the ability to investigate and lead solution-based decision making in the plant. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES u2022 Ensure daily plant quality and food safety operations are compliant with DFA policies and procedures and local, state, and federal regulations u2022 Maintain audit readiness u2022 Maintain a robust food safety program and subsequent quality program u2022 Escalate non-conformance events to the quality director and plant manager u2022 Oversee plant sanitation to drive a robust sanitation program u2022 Ensure the plant pest control programs are current, followed, and utilized to enable proactive maintenance u2022 Manage the facilityu2019s change control program to enable robust risk assessment and decisions u2022 Ensure compliance to specification, manufacturing instructions, and preventive maintenance programs. Partner with operations to ensure preventive maintenance program is robust and adhered to u2022 Collaboratively lead investigations relating to non-conforming events driving to root cause(s) and effective resolution u2022 Manage hold and release programs u2022 Review records daily to ensure all records are completed as required and review/approval is current for preventive controls, laboratory, sanitation, production, and verification checks u2022 Track and report on plant quality key performance indicators (KPIs) u2022 Participate in the annual plant budgeting process u2022 Partner with the plant manager on identifying key capital projects that support food safety and quality initiatives u2022 Provide training to the plant personnel concerning food safety, Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), and regulatory compliance u2022 Provide quality leadership during unplanned events or emergencies u2022 Provide visible leadership by participating in facility walk throughs and internal audits u2022 Engage and interact with all personnel on a regular basis assisting them with their challenges and questions concerning food safety u2022 Collaborate with R&D during new/reformulated product introduction to ensure compliance with already established specifications and regulatory requirements u2022 Serve as the point of contact for customer related issues, complaints, or inquires u2022 Manage plant complaint investigations ensuring a thorough, effective, timely and customer facing response u2022 Monitor compliance to customer expectation and specifications; communicate any issues/concerns u2022 Maintain plant preparedness for customer and regulatory visits u2022 Manage all analytical and micro activities performed at the facility u2022 Oversee the development of laboratory practices to ensure accurate and precise quality control (QC) results u2022 Perform data analysis to identify critical trends or find leading indicators to enable proactive decisions u2022 Coordinate the collection and evaluation of raw materials and finished products u2022 Ensure the Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP) is robust, and risk based with a search and destroy mentality applied. Determine root cause of failures and take the appropriate corrective action u2022 Escalate nonconformances to quality director and plant manager in a timely fashion u2022 Coordinate and supervise factory and external lab testing of samples; generate Certificate of Analysis (COAu2019s) u2022 Maintain the quality management system and ensure documents are up to date and comply to the food safety and quality (FSQ) policies and standards u2022 Prepare plant specific work instructions as needed u2022 Ensure SSOP documents are robust and adhere to the sanitation standard u2022 Ensure all forms and work instructions are reviewed, revised, and updated annually u2022 Perform management activities such as administering employee promotions and transfers; conducting ongoing performance conversations; mentoring, training, and coaching employees u2022 Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements u2022 The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required Requirements EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE u2022 Undergraduate degree in food science, biological sciences, or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of education and experience) u2022 5 to 8 years of quality assurance or related experience in a food, beverage, or similar facility u2022 Demonstrated leadership attributes, team leadership, or supervisory experience; 1+ year of manager experience preferred u2022 Certification and/or License u2013 PCQI, HACCP, SQF Practitioner certifications preferred; may be required during course of employment KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES u2022 Strong knowledge of both laboratory and plant current good manufacturing practices (cGMPs) u2022 Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems u2022 Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management u2022 Skill in leadership and coaching u2022 Critical thinking, analysis, mathematical calculations, and statistical evaluations u2022 Able to organize and prioritize resources to achieve goals u2022 Able to multi-task; able to keep organized records; able to work with accuracy and attention to detail u2022 Able to translate accounting, financial, and KPI data into plant performance and determine steps to correct and improve u2022 Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, for a diverse range of internal and external audiences u2022 Able to work in collaboration effectively and foster good teamwork u2022 Able to take appropriate steps to find solutions to complex problems u2022 Able to present options and ideas to current processes or procedures u2022 Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism u2022 Able to respond courteously and efficiently to inquiries, complaints, and requests u2022 Able to interpret and apply company policies u2022 Able to adapt and manage to change effectively u2022 Must be able to read, write and speak English An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans Pay Range $100000 - $115000 / year

Created: 2025-11-20