Job Description

General Purpose:

Assist with the coordination and implementation of quality assurance programs in the manufacturing facility to maintain an effective food safety culture and ensure continuous production of products consistent with all DFA protocols as well as all SQF, FSMA, food safety, food defense, and regulatory standards. Responsible for overall laboratory operations, directing a team of individuals to support effective quality execution and continuous improvement while fostering a positive culture and highly engaged team.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist and support the Quality Manager in the development, implementation, training and maintenance of the facility food safety culture and of all food safety and food quality programs and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, corporate standards, GFSI standards, customer expectations, and internal FSQ programs/standards
• Provide oversight and leadership of the day-to-day operations in the laboratory and quality team
• Support key performance indicators at all levels of the organization while making recommendations to achieve food safety and quality objectives
• Support and participate as needed with all internal, customer, regulatory and third-party quality and food safety audits, as well as certifications including SQF, Kosher, Halal, and Organic
• Assist with investigations and remedies to quality issues and customer complaints
• Perform sensory evaluation of ingredient and finished goods
• 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 SPC tools to identify and react to unfavorable trends
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to provide batch records, formulation and process changes, and manufacturing instructions
• Communicate with Corporate QA, outside laboratories, and customers as required
• Initiate and implement laboratory improvement projects and support improvement efforts across the facility and organization
• Maintain safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues
• Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
• Exhibit the values and ethics of Dairy Farmers of America through honesty, discretion, and sound judgment
• Adhere to all DFA Quality, Safety and GMP policies and procedures and report any nonconformity
• Attend required training, including but not limited to, Safety, GMP, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), and Safe Quality Foods (SQF)
• 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

Travel:

5%-15% (1-3 times per year)

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Undergraduate degree in Food Science or related discipline (work experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis)
• 1-3 years of Quality Assurance/Compliance experience in a manufacturing environment
• 2-5 years of food, beverage, or pharmaceutical manufacturing experience preferred
• 2-5 years of supervisory experience preferred
• PCQI, HACCP, SQF Practitioner Certification or Food Defense Coordinator experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of 21 CFR Part 117
• Proficient knowledge of laboratory and plant cGMPs
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems, including SAP and SharePoint
• Proficient knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management, preferably in a union environment
• Able to adapt to and manage change effectively
• Able to take initiative in performing job
• Able to work independently with limited supervision
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans