DescriptionThe QA Manager is responsible for ensuring the integrity and quality of all ingredients, packaging materials, and suppliers across the organization. This role provides technical leadership in supplier quality management, food safety, and compliance, driving continuous improvement and safeguarding consumer trust.
ROLE AND ACTIVITY
Supplier Quality Management- Develop, implement, and maintain the supplier audit plan.
- Manage supplier audits in partnership with external contractors (e.g., Mérieux).
- Conduct technical visits to suppliers to verify compliance with company standards.
- Review and approve supplier documentation, including:
- GFSI certifications (SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000)
- HACCP plans
- Food defense/vulnerability assessments
- Kosher and other regulatory certificates
- Approve new suppliers and verify compliance with all quality parameters.
- Build and improve supplier quality performance through proactive engagement and continuous improvement initiatives.
Ingredient & Packaging Expertise- Review and approve ingredient specifications and packaging material requirements.
- Verify microbiological compliance for all ingredients; maintain strong food microbiology knowledge.
- Build and maintain a microbiological grid for monitoring and risk assessment.
- Perform risk assessments for ingredients and suppliers as needed.
Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement- Analyze consumer complaints using advanced Excel skills; identify trends and drive corrective actions.
- Establish, monitor, and improve quality KPIs for suppliers and raw materials.
Cross-Functional Collaboration- Provide technical expertise to R&D, Procurement, and Production teams for new product development, reformulations, and cost optimization.
- Ensure compliance with FDA, FSMA, FALCPA, 21 CFR, and relevant state regulations (e.g., CA Prop 65).
MEASURABLE OUTCOMES- Monthly Report Audit review
- 100% of new suppliers audited and approved before purchasing (GFSI certificate, HACCP plan, audits verified)
- 100% achievement of our audit plan, and conformance to our supplier management rules
- Keep the business informed of supplier audit progress, with a particular focus on any red audits, associated risks and clear recommendations for next steps.
- Fast tourn around Feedback during approval process (for both RMs and Vendors)
LEVELS OF RESPONSIBILTY- Leadership and organizational skills
- Motivation of team
- Attention to detail
- Technical and industry know how
- Effective communicator
- Team player
BEHAVIORS AND CORE VALUES: We Take Ownership
- Stay committed to responsibilities from start to finish
- Make sound decisions and get into the right level of detail
- Apply resources to initiatives that add growth, improve efficiencies, or reduce waste
We Do What Is Right
- Choose transparency over convenience, even if it means difficult conversations
- Set clear roles and responsibilities, enabling everyone to exercise appropriate initiative and judgment
- Speak up when you see something that does not align to our values and policies
We Seek to Improve
- Strive to continuously improve and innovate to exceed expectations
- Value feedback from others and encourage open dialogue to understand how we can improve
- Learn from both successes and failures
We Are Better Together
- Ensure decisions are based on what's best for the whole business
- Practice inclusion by seeking diverse perspectives
- Treat everyone with fairness and respect
WORK ENVIRONENEMT
In this position, the employee will regularly work with and around others; in a wet and/or humid environment; in areas of high noise level; and around mechanical, electrical, and pressurized equipment. The work is fast paced. The position involves frequent exposure to tree-nuts and other potential allergens.
The pay scale for this role considers the wide range of factors that contribute to making compensation decisions, including but not limited to: skill set, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational experiences. At Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The pay range for prospective employees in this role is between $120,000 and $145,000 per year.
