• Manages the operation of the plant laboratory, including ensuring supplies and equipment are available.

• Ensures product safety, regulatory compliance, and compliance with company standards as stated in the Quality Assurance Manual, Laboratory Manual, and Company directives.

• Drives Continuous Improvement efforts in product quality/performance and process optimization.

• Provides leadership in coaching, education and training of management staff and plant employees for Quality Assurance; seeks assistance as needed from other Saputo training resources.

• Oversee quality control systems to include hold programs and traceability exercises; lab procedures; food safety programs, including FMSA compliance; product functionality evaluations; process verification programs; internal and external audits, and environmental microbiological monitoring programs.

• Review and maintain all quality control test results. Evaluate analytical testing results and disposition of finished product to ensure customer specifications are met.

• Reviews all product labels used in the facility and ensures adherence to regulatory and Company standards.

• Maintains or ensures the maintenance of the Saputo Nutritional Database System for the facility.

• Ensures adherence to appropriate regulations and Company standards for raw milk quality.

• Supervises the appropriate chemical, bacteriological, sensory, antiobiotic and utilization tests on raw materials and pasteurized products.

• Communicates quality metric and inspection results to appropriate managers and others in leadership positions including, but not limited to daily, weekly or monthly KPI reporting.

• Ensures that proper sanitation procedures are utilized and that adequate sanitation tests are performed; provides troubleshooting efforts in the event of sanitation system failure.

• Act as the liaison for local, state, customer/third party, and federal audits and inspections.

• Is responsible for expense management and control, including labor and Cost of Quality utilizing Continuous Improvement techniques.
• Ensures adherence to all contract packaging quality requirements.

• Cooperates in a cross-functional manner as a change agent with all departments within the Company.

• Engages in the typical responsibilities of a manager requiring planning, evaluating, organizing, integrating and delegating

• Ensure consistent application of company policies and procedures. Support employee progressive disciplinary action activities in partnership with Human Resources.

• Adhere to the Saputo code of ethics and actively apply the Saputo values.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

You are best suited for the role if you

• Bachelors degree in a science-based area of study and a minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience.

• Internal Candidates: A minimum of 5 years hands-on plant experience in the dairy plant or food industry operations, with a minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience.

• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices.

• Possesses a working knowledge of sanitation systems, techniques and procedures.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Excellent verbal/written communication skills.

• Possesses understanding of the basics of change management.

• Skill in organization and prioritization, and attention to detail.

• Strong team player and leader with the ability to work across multiple functions and disciplines.

• Ability to select, lead, coach, influence, motivate, develop, engage and retain a team of employees.

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.

• Ability to understand cost containment and budgetary principles.

• Ability to work flexible hours including weekends in support of plant operations.

We support and care for our employees by providing them with

• Development opportunities that enhance their career fulfillment
• Meaningful compensation & benefits that help them care for their families
• Opportunities to contribute to your community and enhance the lives of others through Saputo products

Salary $89,695 to $119,595