Associate QA Manager - Labs

Campbell's • Maxton, NC

25d • $90,400 - $124,300

About The Position

The Associate QA Manager manages the plant Quality Assurance Soup Laboratories, including the Chemistry Lab and Microbiological Lab. In conjunction with the Quality Systems Manager and teams in Logistics, Operations, and R&D, the role coordinates product releases, new and reformulated product start-ups, supplier and incoming-material certificates of analysis, and nonconformances. The position manages laboratory data and coordinates resolution of specification issues involving materials and products.

The role coordinates product test runs and start-ups, reports outcomes and recommendations to management, supports conformance to product specifications, and organizes corrective actions with plant, corporate QA, R&D, and business teams. It ensures sampling schedules, laboratory compliance and training, quality-data systems and monthly reports, and supervision and scheduling of laboratory technicians. It also troubleshoots out-of-specification results, ensures daily sensory panels and in-process controls, and uses data reporting tools.

The position manages supplier quality monitoring, sampling and supplier reviews, supplier nonconformance records and corrective actions, and supports supplier visits and inspections. It also supports audits, commercialization, product releases, internal audits, mock recalls, and plant operational excellence. Additional responsibilities include evaluating laboratory programs and procedures, coordinating cross-functional resolution of start-up and lab issues, monitoring new laboratory technologies and conducting related trials or evaluations, and maintaining working knowledge of food science and technology.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 3 years of Quality Assurance, laboratory practices, or food experience in a manufacturing environment.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor of Science degree in food science, biology, microbiology, or a related technical field.
• 5 years of experience in the food industry with demonstrated experience or achievements in Quality Assurance or laboratory practices.
• HACCP and/or PCQI certification.

Responsibilities

• Manage the plant Quality Assurance Soup Laboratories, including the Chemistry Lab and Microbiological Lab.
• Coordinate product releases, product start-ups and reformulations, supplier and incoming-material certificates of analysis, and nonconformances with relevant plant and corporate teams.
• Manage laboratory data and coordinate resolution of material and product specification issues.
• Coordinate test runs and new product or reformulation start-ups with plant operations, product development, quality systems, and other stakeholders.
• Report start-up and reformulation outcomes to management, including recommendations for further action.
• Organize and report on new-product conformance to specifications and coordinate corrective action plans when specification compliance issues occur.
• Establish sampling schedules and ensure products are sampled according to specifications and food safety and quality requirements.
• Ensure microbiology and chemistry laboratories comply with corporate requirements; provide training and corrective action as needed.
• Maintain quality-attribute data in the database and MES system and issue required monthly reports to management.
• Supervise laboratory technicians conducting product and ingredient analyses, entering data, and performing microbiology work; ensure laboratory equipment and staffing meet plant needs.
• Troubleshoot out-of-specification results, including microbiological specifications and container and ingredient integrity, and partner with Operations and Maintenance on corrective action.
• Ensure daily panels are completed, documented, and compliant with standards; coordinate in-process specification-control programs.
• Use MES, Zarpac, Historian, Power BI, or other data-reporting tools to report data.
• Manage the supplier quality monitoring program, including ingredient sampling schedules, supplier performance reviews, sampling criteria, and lab and receiving work instructions.
• Maintain the supplier nonconformance database, issue updates to WHQ Purchasing Quality, and coordinate issuance and follow-up documentation of nonconformance reports and corrective actions.
• Support supplier visits and inspections for Purchasing.
• Support third-party audits, commercialization, product releases, internal audits, mock recalls, and other designated Quality Department functions.
• Support Plant Operational Excellence work, including pillar and DDS support.
• Ensure timely product releases involving set-asides, incubated product, microbiological evaluations, out-of-specification product, and product development or packaging releases.
• Evaluate laboratory management programs and procedures for accuracy and efficacy, and recommend improvements or corrections.
• Work cross-functionally with other departments, WHQ, Engineering, and R&D to coordinate timely resolution of product start-up issues.
• Benchmark laboratory-management technologies and practices, communicate potential opportunities, and conduct trials or evaluations to assess cost and operational benefits.
• Develop and maintain working knowledge of food science and technology to support new product activities and specification resolution.
• Coordinate resolution of QA-related laboratory issues involving food chemistry, quality, and microbiology.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, AD&D, and life insurance, with coverage options for individuals, families, and domestic partners.
• Matching 401(k) plan with enrollment available on the first day of employment and immediate vesting.
• Unlimited sick time, paid time off, and holiday pay.
• Free access to the fitness center for employees in WHQ.
• Access to on-site day care operated by Bright Horizons and a company store.
• Campbell’s Cares matches employee donations and/or volunteer activity up to $1,500 annually.
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
• Wellness benefits beginning on the first day of employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED