Quality Assurance Manager

Summary:

This position is responsible for managing the plant Quality Assurance Department, and for managing all Quality Assurance, GMP, HACCP, Allergen, and food safety programs, policies, and procedures for the plant. This position will oversee the training and performance of the QA Supervisor and be responsible for overall management of the Quality/Lab testing procedures, participating in inspections, mock recalls, and food safety related audits. The Q.A. Manager administers the Company's audit-readiness programs and policies. The Quality Assurance Manager will report to the Plant Manager with a dotted line responsibility to the Corporate Quality Assurance Manager.

Position Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee, develop, implement and manage Quality Assurance programs, food safety programs and QA laboratory testing and monitoring procedures.
• Manage the plant quality assurance, GMP, HCCP, allergen, and food safety policies, programs, and procedures.
• Oversee testing for R&D/new product development.
• Maintain a safe work environment.
• Participate in interviewing, training, scheduling, record keeping, disciplinary and termination process for the Quality Assurance department.
• Prepare and deliver Quality Assurance training and on-boarding information during plant wide new hire orientation.
• Identify and communicate quality and food safety issues to management.
• Work with production to ensure compliance with product specifications.
• Work with sanitation to ensure compliance with sanitation, pest control and food safety programs.
• Track product quality, hold inventories and blend back/disposition of non-conforming products.
• Assume the lead in annual reviews, updates, improvements, and regulatory compliance and changes to all specifications and standard operating procedures (SOPs) as well as HACCP and Food Safety Manuals for the facility.
• Adhere to company guidelines for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's), Good Laboratory practices (GLP's), and Company Safety Requirements.
• Organize materials and information and disseminate Food Safety and GMP concepts to all employees during start-up or mandatory training meetings.
• Ensuring accurate and timely data input into the company computer system. Run tracking reports as necessary to analyze data for the Quality Assurance Department.
• Assist the Corporate Q.A. Manager and other necessary personnel in areas pertaining to quality assurance and food safety. Participate in out-of-specification and failure investigations and mock product recalls and recommends corrective actions.
• Food Safety and Product Quality: Ensure all employees who report directly to the Quality Assurance Manager are trained and knowledgeable in all Company food safety and product quality policies, programs and procedures. This includes the supervision of employee activities and all necessary and related documentation and record keeping/paperwork. As part of this responsibility, the Quality Assurance Manager must be fully trained in the Company's food safety and product quality policies, programs, and procedures including but not limited to HACCP, GMP, Allergen Control, and Sanitation programs.
• Attend all Company Safety Meetings as required.
• Complete all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing utilizing the English language.
• Must have effective communication and negotiating skills - written and verbal.
• Knowledge and competency in all laboratory and testing methods including (but not limited to) analytical, chemical, and microbiological methods used at Idaho Pacific Corporation.
• Must be able to read and understand Safety Data Sheets.
• Demonstrate good communication skills (oral and written), active listening and learning skills, and reading comprehension.
• Use logical, deductive or inductive reasoning; identify complex problems and develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Experience in leadership and management of a QA department. Ability to supervise, monitor, and mentor laboratory personnel. Ability to direct work flow and delegate responsibilities as necessary. Able to fill-in or cover for absent Quality Assurance personnel.
• Working knowledge of food safety programs, including HACCP, Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Laboratory Practices.
• Intermediate knowledge of a Windows-based computer system and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) software. Familiarity with spreadsheet-based software (Navision) helpful.
• Experience in quality assurance in the food industry, preferred.

Education:

Education must be of such level as to allow for the accurate reading, writing, calculation and communication of the required materials and instructions to complete the job responsibilities of the Quality Assurance Supervisor. A Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry or a closely related field is a plus but may be substituted with experience.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to sit, stand, bend, or move repetitively for up to 12 hours.
• Must be able to lift on an occasional basis up to 50 lbs without assistance.
• Able to tolerate dust or chemicals; must not be affected by moving equipment or machinery.
• Bending, stretching, lifting, reaching, climbing, crouching and manual dexterity needed on a regular basis.
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
• Must be able to climb a vertical ladder on a frequent basis.

Supervisory Duties:

The Quality Assurance Manager will be responsible for managing and overseeing the Ririe, ID plant Quality Assurance Department.

Working Conditions:

Normal plant / manufacturing environment. Hours of operation are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Will be exposed to high levels of noise, extreme heat or cold, steam, dust, and wet, humid, and slick conditions, and all other environmental factors normally attributed to a manufacturing environment.

Disclaimer:

The purpose of this Job Description is to document the major aspects of this position. This description should not be construed as all-encompassing or as an exhaustive list of the responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions necessary for this position. Idaho Pacific reserves the right to make changes and modifications to this description, associated duties, and requirements as necessary.

Idaho Pacific Corporation is an Equal Opportunity / M / F /