The Quality/Food Safety Manager is responsible for providing leadership in all areas of food safety, quality/quality systems, and regulatory compliance. The Quality/Food Safety Manager is a key liaison for regulatory personnel including onsite USDA/FSIS inspectors. This position serves as a food safety resource for all plant personnel and reports directly to the Director of Food Safety & Quality.
Position Responsibilities may include, but not limited to:- Oversee all quality and food safety programs, including implementation of food safety and continuous improvement initiatives, leading required verifications, staff training, and documentation
- Leading the implementation and maintenance of the SQF system
- Ensure compliance of food safety programs, including HACCP and Food Safety plans
- Provide facility food safety and quality leadership to the FS/QA department and develop the skill sets of QA salaried and hourly personnel
- Enhance QA and sanitation programs throughout the facility by communicating with management, operations, and sanitation teams regarding food safety programs and opportunities to make improvements
- Maintain and develop food safety/quality programs and strive for continuous improvement of product quality
- Direct interaction with regulatory inspectors (USDA, FDA, State)
- Lead or assist in leading all regulatory, customer, internal and 3rd party audits
- Provide and promote a safe work environment throughout the facility
- Maintain consistent communication and foster teamwork between all personnel, departments, and shifts including promoting a food safety culture
- Develop, review and revise SOP's and testing standards as necessary
- Ensure company policies and procedures are fairly administered within the department
- Assist with pre-operational inspections, environmental and microbial sampling, various internal audits (GMP's, Pest Control, Food Defense, Allergen control, Label Verification), complaint investigations and performs direct observations
- Oversee all onsite laboratory activities and quality testing and be the liaison for all outside laboratory testing
- Review, analyze, interpret, approve, and report laboratory results per SOP's and applicable testing protocols
- Ability to accurately complete all required documentation
- Review all records including CCP's for accuracy and completeness and signs off in a timely manner
- Has the authority to stop processing and packaging activities that are potentially causing a food safety concern
- Train all departments in Food Safety and Quality Policies and Procedures
- Other miscellaneous duties as requested by the Director of Food Safety & Quality or VP of Technical Services
Required Skills and Experience- College Degree in Food Science, Microbiology or similar
- Prior leadership experience in a food manufacturing facility preferred
- Prefer QC laboratory experience with an understanding of analytical, microbiological, and environmental testing and method execution
- Knowledge of HACCP & HARPC and experience in implementation of Food Safety Plans
- Certification by recognized HACCP training provider
- PCQI certification
- Must have the ability to communicate persuasively and passionately about the need for food safety & quality
- Working knowledge of regulations and guidelines imposed upon meat & poultry operations by federal and state agencies and authorities (Title 9 & 21 CFR)
- Show initiative and ability to work well with and communicate effectively with all levels of company personnel and regulatory officials
- Demonstrated commitment to following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP's) and other food safety rules
- Excellent organization and decision-making skills and the ability to manage multiple projects
- Minimum 5-7 years working in a food manufacturing environment preferred
- GFSI training (SQF, BRC, etc.) preferred
- Must have the ability to communicate in English orally and in writing; bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
Physical Requirements- Repetitive motions that include the wrists, hands and/or fingers
- Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting, remaining in a stationary position for prolonged periods
- Visual perception to perform job including peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
