Asst Quality Assurance Manager

UNC Dairy•Town of West Seneca, NY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200+ local family farms, is one of America’s largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms®, Bison®, Milk for Life®, and Intense Milk®. Here, you’ll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day. Will assist Quality Assurance Manager to ensure all plant Quality Assurance activities follow both Upstate Niagara Cooperative Inc. and regulatory requirements. Responsible for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Sanitation Practices (GSP), quality of conformity, and quality of services. Position reports directly to the Site Quality Assurance Manager with functional reporting to the Plant Manager. Participates as a member of the plants Food Safety team and will represent Corporate Quality Assurance at the Plant level.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from a four-year college or university in Food, Dairy, or Natural Sciences; or an equivalent combination of education (Minimum AAS) and experience.
Three to five years related experience and/or training.
Active involvement in Quality Programs in the Food and Beverage industry.
Previous supervisory experience required.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from group managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
Regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 55 pounds.
Specific vision abilities include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of ISO Quality Management Systems, HACCP, and statistical process control is desired.
Strong personal computer skills are preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and maintain site Food Safety & Quality plans in compliance with FSMA, SQF modules, and customer requirements.
Serve as the Document Control Coordinator for the UNC Quality Assurance Department, maintaining document registry, cataloging changes, and ensuring current versions are in use.
Provide leadership for the facility laboratory, ensuring personnel are trained and supervised, and potentially performing analysis and routine laboratory activities.
Participate in and take ownership of Continuous Improvement projects related to the Quality Assurance department, developing and executing change management processes.
Continuously review and audit manufacturing procedures to ensure adherence to established practices and procedures, and address nonconformances with corrective actions.
Ensure facility compliance with Federal and State regulatory requirements, staying aware of new regulations, and representing the facility during inspections and audits.
Work with Plant Management and Corporate Quality Assurance to establish and validate sanitation practices, perform periodic audits, and evaluate new products and techniques.
Establish and continually monitor the effectiveness of training programs for Operations, Sanitation, and Quality personnel.
Work off shifts to support the cleaning & sanitation program, conducting visual inspections, verifying CIP systems, and providing coaching to sanitation staff.
Purchase lab supplies, coordinate lab tasks, maintain and calibrate lab testing equipment, manage lab staff schedules, and provide coaching to lab technicians.
Develop, implement, and maintain Internal Auditing schedules, and develop processes for Corrective Actions & Preventive Actions.
Review and maintain all product specifications, and establish systems for controlling and documenting release, holds, and disposition of products.
Work with Production Associates to establish procedures for quality assessments of incoming goods and raw materials, and with Purchasing to enforce quality standards with vendors.
Ensure accurate data entry of plant testing results and take immediate action to address quality and food safety non-conformances.
Collect, review, sign, and file quality and food safety records according to document control procedures.
Travel between Upstate Niagara Cooperative Inc. manufacturing locations to support program development and third-party audits (20%).
Perform other duties as requested by the Quality Assurance Manager.
Receive applicable certifications including Preventive Controls Qualified Individual, Juice HACCP, Internal Auditor, Food Defense, and SQF Practitioner.
Prepare and present reports to Corporate Senior Staff on a routine basis.
Maintain, update, and enforce all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines.
Support the maintenance and implementation of the SQF Program for the plant.
Prepare samples in accordance with customer and regulatory sampling requirements.
Prepare customer Certificates of Analysis and ensure their accuracy for each delivery.
Assume duties of the Quality Assurance Manager in their absence.
Manage all Plant Quality Control personnel to assure compliance with Upstate Farms and regulatory requirements.
Carry out supervisory responsibilities including interviewing, hiring, training, planning, assigning work, appraising performance, maintaining department budget, and resolving issues.