Assistant Quality Assurance Manager

UNC Dairy•City of Syracuse, NY

2d•$80,800 - $105,000

About The Position

The Assistant Quality Assurance Manager supports the Quality Assurance Manager in overseeing plant-wide Quality Assurance activities to ensure compliance with Upstate Niagara Cooperative Inc. standards and regulatory requirements. The role manages Good Sanitation Practices (GSP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), audits processes, maintains regulatory compliance, and oversees laboratory and sanitation practices. It is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the unit, including management and supervision of employees. The position is a key member of the Food Safety team and represents Corporate Quality Assurance at the plant level. The schedule is Monday through Friday on first shift, with overnight coverage required approximately twice per month from 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM. Hours may vary with business needs and operational demands. The role may require work on off shifts to support cleaning and sanitation, as well as travel to UNC facilities to support food safety and quality programs and third-party audits.

Requirements

Minimum 5–7 years of experience in food manufacturing or quality assurance.
Demonstrated excellent management and supervisory experience.
Strong knowledge of GMP, GSP, and food safety regulations.
Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency in data entry, documentation, and laboratory testing procedures.
Effective verbal and written communication abilities.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and quality systems software.
Attention to detail and commitment to quality standards.
Ability to lead and train cross-functional teams.
Adaptability in a fast-paced, regulated manufacturing environment.
Collaborative mindset and strong decision-making capabilities.
Integrity and confidentiality in managing sensitive quality data.
Willingness to work off shifts to support cleaning and sanitation.
Willingness to travel to UNC facilities to support food safety and quality programs and third-party audits.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in food, dairy or natural sciences, microbiology, biology, or a related scientific field preferred; an associate degree with 5–7 years of related experience and/or training may be considered.
Prior experience with regulatory audits and food safety programs such as SQF preferred.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the QA Manager and Plant Management to develop and implement a Plant Quality Plan, including GMP.
Define and communicate the role of quality across the facility to promote continuous improvement.
Review and audit manufacturing procedures to ensure compliance with established protocols.
Identify nonconformances and lead corrective action initiatives.
Maintain compliance with federal and state regulatory requirements and act as the plant liaison during inspections and audits.
Maintain, update, and enforce GMP guidelines; validate sanitation practices and conduct regular audits.
Evaluate new sanitation techniques and products; conduct visual inspections and verify the effectiveness of CIP systems.
Coach and guide the sanitation supervisor and technicians performing sanitation duties.
Maintain and review product specifications and implement systems for product release, hold, and disposition.
Collect, review, and file food safety and quality records according to document control standards.
Prepare customer Certificates of Analysis.
Collaborate with production to assess incoming raw materials and goods, and work with purchasing to establish vendor quality standards.
Support implementation and maintenance of the SQF program and promptly address quality and food safety nonconformances.
Manage plant quality control personnel to ensure compliance with UNC policies and regulatory requirements.
Develop and monitor training programs for Operations, Sanitation, and Quality staff.
Interview, hire, and train employees; appraise employee performance; plan, assign, and direct work; address complaints and resolve issues.
Supervise laboratory activities and staff, ensuring appropriate training and scheduling.
Perform laboratory analyses and maintain calibration of testing equipment.
Purchase laboratory supplies and oversee lab-related data entry and record keeping.
Coach and guide lab technicians to support continuous improvement.
Prepare and manage customer and regulatory sampling requirements.
Ensure timely and accurate documentation of testing and quality control results.
Work off shifts as needed to support the cleaning and sanitation program, and travel to UNC facilities as needed to support quality programs and third-party audits.