Quality Control Manager

Description

Believer Meats is an innovative start-up revolutionizing the food industry through the development and commercialization of cultivated meat products. Leveraging cutting-edge biotechnology, we aim to provide sustainable, ethical, and high-quality meat alternatives to consumers worldwide. As we near completion of a new plant and prepare for commercialization, we are seeking a Quality Control Manager to join our team.

Summary of role and team:

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Quality Control (QC) Manager to join our team. The QC Manager will be instrumental in establishing and managing our quality control processes, ensuring our cultivated meat products meet the highest standards of quality and food safety. This role requires close collaboration with the Quality Assurance (QA) team to develop and implement robust QC processes.

Your day-to-day

RESPONSIBILITIES

Quality Control Program Development:

• Design, implement, and manage comprehensive quality control programs for the cultivated meat production process.

• Develop protocols for product testing and validation at various stages of production.

• Establish, maintain and validate performance of sanitation processes.

Quality Control Management:

• Supervise the factory quality control lab and oversee end-to-end quality control production process - from raw material receipt, through cell cultures to finished products.

• Recruit, train, and manage a team of QC technicians, providing daily guidance and oversight.

• Lead the implementation and enhancement of digital platforms supporting quality control management. Analyze results, deviations, trends, and implement corrective actions for continuous improvement.

• Establish and enforce QC policies, procedures, and standards to ensure product consistency and compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Conduct routine inspections and quality assessments of raw materials, production processes, and finished products.

• Respond promptly to quality and food safety-related issues, troubleshoot problems, and implement effective solutions.

• Oversee the calibration, maintenance, and operation of QC laboratory equipment.

• Collaborate with external vendors for specialized QC services and repairs.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work closely with the QA team to align QC processes with overall quality management systems.

• Communicate QC results, deviations, and corrective actions to relevant departments and stakeholders.

• Train and mentor staff on QC procedures and best practices.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of QC activities, including batch records, preventive controls and CCP monitoring, deviations, and corrective actions, etc..

• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Stay current with industry regulations and standards relevant to cultivated meat production.

• Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, and other applicable regulatory bodies.

Continuous Improvement:

• Monitor and analyze quality metrics and performance indicators to identify trends and opportunities for improvements. Implement solutions to enhance product quality and efficiency.

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action activities for product non-conformances.

Requirements

The Ideal candidate

• Bachelor's degree in food science, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in quality control within the food industry or pharmaceutical industry, with a strong preference for experience in alternative proteins or cultivated meat.

• QC experience in clean rooms, aseptic work, pharmaceuticals is a plus.

• In-depth knowledge of food safety standards, including HACCP, cGMP, and SQF/ FSSC 22000.

• Proven experience in developing and managing quality control programs.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, start-up environment.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and QC software applications.

• Experience with statistical process control (SPC) and quality improvement methodologies.

• Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

• Knowledge of project management principles and tools.