Quality Assurance Manager

SUMMARY:

The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for management of the activities of the Quality Assurance function at the facility such that all products manufactured therein meet RFI quality standards, customer specifications and regulatory requirements. This includes the hiring, training, and supervision of Quality Assurance department staff on all shifts and the supervision of the Sanitation department in the absence of a Sanitation manager. Additionally, The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for the development, implementation and continuous improvement of certain specific corporate quality related programs at multiple RFI facilities. implementation and compliance of all Food Safety and Quality programs and procedures, and for the hiring, training, and supervision of Quality Assurance department staff on all shifts. Managing the supervision of the Sanitation department.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure all products manufactured and handled at the facility meet internal and customer quality & food safety specifications by

• Providing data to R&D and Corporate Quality by design team members for the development of specifications (raw material, processing and finished product)

• Designing and implementing the appropriate prerequisite programs, quality control verification & food safety, Food Fraud and food defense plans based on specifications.

• Identifying non-conforming products to be controlled

• Assisting operations with root cause analysis and corrective & preventive actions for non-conformances

• Actively engage in the working of the (cross functional) quality assurance and Food Safety team (as coordinator or back-up)

• Ensure the regulatory compliance of all products manufactured & manufacturing processes and infrastructure at the facility by

• Serving as a liaison between the plant operations and the regulatory inspectors Proactively addressing questions and concerns and reporting on changes and metrics as needed.

• Engaging appropriate corporate support for the management of regulatory affairs and issues

• Staying informed on local regulatory standards and requirements

• Conducting investigations and retrieving information as requested

• Ensures that quality and compliance related tasks are performed in an effective manner by

• Developing work instructions for the quality team with the engagement of the plant team,

• Assisting the plant team with development of operational work instructions

• Ensuring the integration & implementation of safety protocols into all quality team activities

• Verifying the accuracy/sensitivity of the checks conducted as part of quality, Food safety program, and compliance plans for the facility.

• Actively developing and improving the relevant/ required capabilities and certifications of the plant quality & sanitation teams.

• Drives continuous improvement in efficiency of management of Quality, Safety, and compliance by

• Actively supporting Continuous Improvement initiatives

• Engaging the appropriate corporate resources as needed

• Providing risk assessments for nonconformance management on both a strategic (e.g. FS/HACCP plan) and tactical basis (unforeseen non-conformances)

• Playing a leading/critical role in material control (aka Hold), crisis & traceability management processes

• Ensuring completion of corrections, CAPA related tasks as assigned to the facility Quality team.

• Tracking and reporting on performance metrics

• Escalating raw material non conformances and other concerns to the corporate supply chain team

• Manages to the budget and cost controls

• Drives continuous improvement in quality & compliance management capability at the plants by

• Identifying and assessing competencies required in various roles.

• Engaging with corporate Quality to identify and deliver the appropriate training and developmental opportunities for the facility team.

• Staying engaged and informed on external developments and cascading information to the relevant stakeholders.

• Responsible for defining/managing certain corporate programs (e.g food fraud, food defense, supplier quality management etc.) to be implemented across the facility network by

• Owning corporate standards (policy, procedures, instructions, and KPIs)

• Developing processes and metrics for verifying compliance

• Tracking and reporting on performance

• Maintains & improves the facility's reputational credentials by

• Serving as a liaison between the facility and visitors in speaking to the quality, compliance and sustainability programs and their performance

• Responding to customer complaints with the appropriate information on investigative, corrective, and preventive actions as required in a timely manner.

• Representing RFI and speaking to the facilities' programs during various audits & inspections (GFSI, RSPO, etc.)

• Engaging in various promotional activities as assigned/approved by the executive Leadership.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience in the food industry and knowledge of GMP's and SQF audits would be valuable.

TECHNICAL:

• A minimum of 3 years of experience working in the food manufacturing industry in Quality or closely associated role (R&D, CI, Sanitation etc.)

• A BS/associate degree in biology related field strongly preferred

• Advanced level of understanding of food science, food safety, data analysis & quality management systems

• Working Understanding of current FDA & USDA regulations laws as applied to food manufacturers

• Certified in HACCP/PCQI is strongly preferred

• Understanding and experience with GFSI audits

FUNCTIONAL

• A minimum of 5 years in role involving management of a team with cross-functional responsibilities

• Possesses skills in supervision of employees responsible for Food Safety and Quality

• Is proficient in writing technical material, procedures, and communications.

• Has excellent organizational & problem solving skills

• Is Proficient in the use of Microsoft Suite of applications especially Outlook, Word, and Excel

• Has the ability to effectively communicate and delegate responsibilities

• Is able to multitask and tactically adapt to situations

• has the ability to communicate effectively to all levels of management and staff

• Can work independently but has a Collaborative attitude & a customer service mindset.

• Fluent in English, experienced in working with non-English speakers

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts

• Frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions

• Usually loud working environment

• Regularly required to stand and talk or hear

• Frequently required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

• Occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl

• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds