Quality Assurance Manager

Job Title: Quality Assurance Manager

Description:

Please Note:

• This position is located in Hermitage, PA. Please do not apply if you are not in the area, able to commute, or willing to relocate.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Quality Assurance Manager supports the Hermitage Cookie production facility at the Hermitage, PA location to facilitate and maintain the food safety and quality programs in coordination with Production, Warehouse, Maintenance, Procurement, and Sanitation departments.  This position will work closely with the Quality Director and various department personnel to ensure the facility is meeting the Joy Baking Group, regulatory, and customer requirements for food safety and quality standards in a food manufacturing environment.  This person will supervise Quality Department personnel including the Assistant Quality Manager, Quality Technicians, and Specialist.  Commitment to gain a thorough understanding of company policies and procedures and supporting their application is essential.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for managing (including developing and implementing) food safety and quality programs and ensuring compliance with internal, regulatory, GFSI (SQF), and customer requirements
• Fulfill role as SQF Practitioner (both food safety and quality), HACCP coordinator, and PCQI in compliance with FDA Food Safety Modernization Act
• Responsible for internal & 3^rd party food safety/quality audits (regulatory, customer, NGMO, Halal, and/or SQF), including audit preparation and program review
• Coordinate the development, implementation, maintenance & validation of the HACCP / Food Safety and Quality Plans
• Serve as the catalyst for leading continuous improvement through technology and scientific research
• Manage the performance of the Quality team by providing guidance and feedback and developing skills and competencies of the team by facilitating training and learning on the job.
• Establish and implement food safety and quality training for facility personnel to ensure facility personnel are equipped with the competency to produce a safe, quality finished product
• Oversee the internal microbiological laboratory operations and compliance, including proficiency testing
• Develop, implement, and ensure maintenance of the environmental monitoring program and 3^rd party lab testing
• Responsible for food safety and quality trend analysis, SPC programs, generating and reviewing data reports with facility personnel to reduce process variation and drive root cause analysis of non-conformities
• Responsible for customer / consumer complaint program including responses, investigations, root cause analysis, corrective and preventive action responses and tracking and trending
• Manage non-conformance program including investigations and complete CAPA reports ensuring timely resolution and verification of effectiveness
• Maintain and implement product specifications and ensure finished goods are labeled as per regulatory and customer requirements
• Manage the traceability program for materials and finished goods from receipt to shipping
• Assist with research and development with new products through all phases of conceptualization to commercialization
• Review and maintain records and documents within Quality department operations
• Provide guidance for facility personnel on food safety and quality issues to maintain material and finished product standards
• Communicate food safety and quality-related concerns with Senior Management
• Perform other duties as directed by supervisor

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Must be highly motivated, able to follow direction, and perform assigned work duties independently with minimal supervision
• Must be able to speak, listen, and effectively communicate with team members both verbally and in writing
• Must be able to work collaboratively with multiple departments and plant leadership
• Strong organizational skills and ability to analyze / interpret technical information, mathematical concepts, and form conclusions
• Able to read, understand, and strictly follow written procedures for multiple controlled processes
• Able to compose policies and procedures pertaining to food safety and quality
• Able to identify areas that need attention and either address or report as necessary
• Able to prioritize and meet deadlines within specified time constraints
• Must be able to accurately take instructions and keep records
• This position involves regular bending, stooping, twisting, and lifting.
• Required to stand on their feet, walk and perform repetitive tasks up to 12 hours per day
• Able to kneel or squat on an occasional basis and climb stairs on a frequent basis
• Use hands to grip, pinch, handle, reach, or feel on a frequent basis
• Must be able to sit for prolonged periods with frequent repetitive hand motions for keyboard and mouse use and occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting, and lifting/carrying of less than 15 pounds
• Adherence to the company attendance policy is required, including expectations of punctuality and limited unapproved absences
• Must be able to travel as frequently as quarterly for site visits
• Although this role is primarily day turn hours, as a continuously operational facility, some collaboration with other departments and personnel may be necessary during off-shifts.
• Able to work full time, approximately 45-50 hours/week, primarily day turn hours

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in food science or 5 years of experience in a comparable position
• Knowledgeable in food manufacturing principles and operations regarding food safety and quality requirements
• PCQI and HACCP certification and very strong HACCP and regulatory skills
• Knowledge of HACCP, GMP, FSMA, GFSI (preferably SQF), Food security, Food fraud, Allergens, and other essential food safety programs
• Laboratory experience, including fundamental laboratory techniques, in sample collection and microbiological analysis
• General knowledge of plant functions, i.e., production, maintenance, warehouse, shipping and sanitation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent computer skills including proficiency in MS Office

Internal Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume to your local facility HR manager. 

External Applicants select “get application” below for a printable application form or complete the fields at the bottom of the page to submit your application online. Cookies must be enabled for successful application submission.

Location: Hermitage, PA