Essential Duties and Responsibilities :
Overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the reporting departments (QA, QC, Sanitation, Micro, R&D and any other groups within the Quality) and functions.
Developing proactive approaches and providing strategic direction to implement quality standards and procedures for GMP regulatory compliance to meet company needs.
Developing and managing relationships with senior Quality representatives in accordance with client customers, vendors, and collaborators.
Implementing governance plan to ensure good communication and decision making at the appropriate levels for quality related topics.
Providing advice to C-Level Executives on the implications and risks related to key Quality issues and important strategic decisions, keeping all posted, on a timely basis.
Developing, implementing, and monitoring Quality operational budget to ensure compliance with approved expense limitations. Determining cause of variance to budget and applicable corrective actions.
Focus on continuous improvement for the Quality Department by constantly thinking about and evaluating the existing Quality Programs - provide recommendations to streamline existing programs when necessary and possible and recommend new programs to meet new challenges as those opportunities present themselves.
- Oversees all internal and external inspections/regulatory visits and assists in any related audits.
- Oversight of all customer relationships as it applies to quality for customer visits; audits; trial; production runs; holds/releases; and any specifications required by the customer.
- Performs follow up activities to non-conformances found and provides responses as appropriate.
- Adherence and continued development of the Site auditing control program to ensure compliance with all procedures and policies to ensure compliance to regulatory, federal, and local laws. This includes identification of facility Quality KPI’s, corrective/preventive action and continuous improvement initiatives. Trains and mentors site Auditors to ensure program goals are met.
- Provides Oversight and Leadership of Quality Department.
- Manages execution of site Food Safety Quality Program (QRMP) and HACCP programs
- Monitors and maintains plant QCMS program by complying with current client and SQF Standards.
- Ensures all internal quality procedures and processes are accurate and performing to expectations in all areas of the Quality Department.
- Collaborates with other leadership throughout client including Operations/Production, Maintenance, Procurement, Finance/Accounting, and C-Level Executives
- Ensures Quality policies are understood and communicated to employees to ensure compliance and system improvements.
- Ensure the performance for periodic GMP/food safety-related audits in internal manufacturing and distribution facilities, supplier audits in a variety of food processing/packaging environments, label compliance audits, and maintenance- food safety-related performance audits.
- Collaborate across the organization to ensure the effective and safe commercialization of any new materials brought into client.
- Ensure cross-functional teams and all vendors are fully aligned on the development and execution of our food safety and quality plans.
- Provide continuous coaching and development to both direct and indirect reports to ensure our teams are motivated, engaged, delivering results, and are equipped with the training and support to meet their full potential. Ensure there is always a well-planned succession plan for all critical positions in the team.
- Providing follow-up on close out of Audit Corrective Actions in collaboration audit participants.
Education and Experience:
• Minimum 10 years of experience in Quality Assurance and Compliance in Food Manufacturing, or other technical environments.
• Bachelor's Degree is required; preferably in Food Science and/or related field.
• Strong leadership, technical, communication, and organizational skills required along with attention to detail.
• Advanced knowledge of quality systems, procedures, & policies helpful. Handle multiple assignments, develop work plans, & prioritize.
• Knowledge of statistical processes.
• Detailed-oriented.
• Effective communication skills (oral written and verbal).
• Planning and organizing skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to work with cross-functional groups
