Provide work direction and supervision to quality assurance and laboratory employees who verify DFA products are produced and distributed to the highest food safety and quality standards. Monitor all stages of quality activities, ensuring employees work in accordance with departmental policies, procedures, and regulatory standards. In conjunction with the quality manager, help build and maintain an effective culture of food safety and quality within the facility. Function as a resource and point of escalation to direct reports. Coach, mentor, and provide performance development opportunities to team members on an ongoing basis.
Job Duties And ResponsibilitIes
Assist the quality manager in developing, implementing, and maintaining food safety and quality programs at the facility to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, corporate standards, and customer expectations
Complete required quality record review such as laboratory documentation, CCP, PC and other documentation
Write, review, and implement quality assurance procedures
Recommend modifications or upgrades to testing procedures or equipment. Coordinate procurement of items required for the lab
Assist the quality manager and partner with operations with pathogen environmental monitoring (PEM) program including oversight of swabbing program, investigation/corrective actions, and mitigation activities
Provide regular training, instruction, and guidance to employees on matters of food safety, quality, and compliance
Initiate and drive continuous improvement activities, and partner with all facility functions to resolve persistent challenges while supporting the implementation of new procedures or processes
Support customer, regulatory and third-party quality and food safety audits
Investigate, find solutions, and implement remedies to quality issues and customer complaints
Support and maintain existing certifications (e.g., SQF, Kosher, Halal, Organic)
Supervise hourly employee’s activities to meet or exceed the standards and specifications established by quality assurance and the organization
Ensure all process, product, or infrastructure changes are understood by employees in a timely fashion
Identify and retain highly effective personnel through proper selection, training, and establishing expectations
Ensure good business communication practices are engaged at all levels to ensure key stakeholders are well informed and can appropriately respond
Foster a positive and effective work culture with direct reports
Develop and implement material standards with appropriate control and inspection procedures to improve product quality and reduce rework/downtime
Maintain close surveillance over inspection/testing procedures and corresponding results to ensure finished product is food safe and meets customer expectations
Support the analysis of quality data to assess product performance and utilize statistical process control (SPC) tools to identify and react to unfavorable trends
Complete supervisory activities such as administering employee promotions and transfers; reviewing and editing employee timekeeping; completing performance evaluations; mentoring, training, and coaching employees
Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required
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Education and Experience
Undergraduate degree in food science, biological sciences, or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
2 to 5 years of quality assurance, manufacturing, or related experience, preferably in a food, beverage, or similar facility
Demonstrated leadership attributes or team leadership experience; supervisor experience preferred
Certification and/or License - PCQI, HACCP, SQF Practitioner certifications preferred; may be required during course of employment
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Knowledge of both laboratory and plant current good manufacturing practices (cGMPs)
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management
Skill in leadership and coaching
Able to complete basic arithmetic as needed
Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
Able to work in collaboration effectively and foster good teamwork
Able to take appropriate steps to find solutions to problems
Able to present options and ideas to current processes or procedures
Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism
Able to respond courteously and efficiently to inquiries, complaints, and requests
Able to interpret and apply company policies
Able to adapt and manage to change effectively
Able to take initiative in performing job and seek increased responsibilities
Must be able to read, write and speak English
An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans
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