Key Responsibilities:
• Quality Control & Assurance:
o Develop, implement, and maintain quality control and quality assurance procedures and protocols.
o Conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure adherence to quality standards. o Monitor and analyze production processes to identify areas for improvement.
o Perform Root Cause Analysis and determine Corrective Actions for noncompliances found within areas of responsibility. o Direct and coordinate all Quality Functions within Company Policies and Procedures.
o Establish and improve upon Quality policies and procedures.
• Quality Control Inspections:
o Conduct routine inspections of the production line and processing areas to ensure compliance with quality standards, such as cleanliness, proper handling of ingredients, and adherence to safety protocols.
o Monitor critical control points in the production process and take immediate action if deviations are identified.
o Oversee that employees are following food safety protocols, including hygiene practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) use.
• Quality System Maintenance:
o Monitor and maintain the company's quality management system, including HACCP, SQF or other relevant quality standards.
o Maintain 24/7 audit readiness.
• Regulatory Compliance:
o Stay current and ensure compliance with food safety regulations and ensure the organization's compliance with all relevant laws and standards, including FDA, HACCP, GMP, FSMA, and other local, state, and federal regulations.
o Keep updated on changing regulations and adapt quality systems accordingly.
• Supplier Quality Management:
o Collaborate with procurement to establish and maintain quality standards for raw materials and suppliers. o Conduct supplier audits and assessments to ensure quality and consistency of incoming ingredients.
• Product Testing and Analysis:
o Oversee product testing and analysis, including microbiological, chemical, and sensory evaluations.
o Monitor and report on product quality and safety trends and take corrective actions as needed. o Review, inspect and sign-off on Finished Product release documents and Certificates of Analysis.
• Documentation and Reporting:
o Generate regular reports on quality metrics, trends, and compliance status. o Develop and maintain product specifications and documentation.
o Maintain accurate and detailed records of quality control and assurance activities, including test results, inspection reports, and corrective actions taken.
• Continuous Improvement:
o Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality and operational efficiency.
o Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address quality issues and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Sanitation:
o Recruit, train, and manage Sanitation Supervisor. o Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive sanitation program, including cleaning schedules, methods, and protocols.
o Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and industry standards.
o Conduct regular inspections of production and processing areas to monitor cleanliness and sanitation compliance.
o Identify areas that require immediate attention or corrective actions.
o Maintain an inventory of sanitation chemicals and ensure their safe storage, handling, and use.
o Ensure that all sanitation staff are trained on the safe use of chemicals. o Ensure that all equipment, utensils, and facilities are cleaned and sanitized according to established procedures.
o Verify the use of appropriate cleaning agents and sanitizers.
o Be prepared to respond to sanitation emergencies, including contamination incidents, equipment breakdowns, or spills.
• Environmental Monitoring and Pest Control:
o Implement environmental monitoring programs, including swabbing and testing for pathogens, to ensure a pathogen-free environment. o Take corrective actions if pathogen presence is detected. o Establish and maintain a comprehensive pest control program. o Liaise with external pest control contractors, ensuring they understand and comply with the facility's specific needs and regulatory requirements. This includes scheduling regular treatments and inspections as necessary.
o Maintain detailed records of all pest control activities, inspections, and incidences of pest sightings.
• Food Safety & Food Security Duties:
o Serve in the following roles:
▪ HACCP Coordinator (primary)
▪ Food Safety Team Leader (primary)
▪ Allergen Action Team Member (primary)
▪ Food Defense/Security Team Member (primary)
▪ Recall Committee Member (secondary)
▪ Quality Assurance Team Member (primary)
• Crisis Management:
o Develop and implement crisis management plans and procedures, in conjunction with the CAO, to respond to food safety incidents and product recalls effectively.
• Customer Satisfaction:
o Act as the point of contact for customer inquiries and complaints related to product quality.
o Work closely with the customer service team to resolve quality-related issues and prevent recurrence.
• Team Management and Leadership:
o Serve as back-up for all duties within the Quality Control Department, which include administrative, laboratory and plant inspection activities.
o Establish and maintain a positive community relationship. o Foster a well-trained and motivated staff. o Recruit, train, and manage a team of quality control and assurance professionals.
o Set performance goals and objectives for the quality team and conduct regular performance evaluations. o Foster a culture of continuous improvement and quality awareness among team members.
