Director of Quality Systems

The Pictsweet Company•Bells, TN

22h•Onsite

About The Position

This role ensures strategic leadership and direction of all aspects of The Pictsweet Company’s quality systems & programs, and is based at our corporate headquarters in Bells, TN. The Pictsweet Company is a family-owned and operated frozen vegetable producer with agricultural roots, operating for over 80 years.

Requirements

Advanced degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry or a related scientific field.
Understanding of management/leadership fundamentals.
Certified in HACCP & Advanced HACCP.
Certified in Internal Auditing.
Certified in Third Party GFSI audit Standards.
Certified in Food Security & Defense.
Preventative Control Qualified Individual.
Proficient trainer and able to develop and mentor subordinate associates.
Must work cross-functionally with other departments to accomplish corporate objectives while achieving departmental goals.
Willing to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.
Willing to travel to company facilities, customers, and suppliers as directed.

Nice To Haves

Certifications from the American Society of Quality in Quality Engineering, Organizational Excellence, and Quality Auditing are a plus.

Responsibilities

Continuously develop and monitor prerequisite programs (supplier quality compliance, product evaluation, internal audit program, quality training program) to ensure they are articulated, managed, and have appropriate KPIs reported.
Ensure incoming materials meet established pathogen control assessments by working closely with supply chain vendors.
Ensure processing plants are continuously improving by managing a robust product evaluation program, following up with corrective actions and preventative controls.
Manage and perform the internal audit program, ensuring timely completion and effective implementation of corrective and preventative actions.
Oversee and update the initial quality training program and annual refreshers, and audit the employee training matrix for compliance.
Provide mentorship to quality control teams, focusing on growth, development, and succession plans.
Create, implement, enforce, and regularly update global QA/QC policies, protocols, procedures, training, and testing/inspection/audit programs.
Create a platform for efficient walk-throughs, team meetings, and reviews to ensure follow-up actions, moderating meetings as needed.
Provide technical and scientific expertise to cross-functional groups to ensure product quality controls are accurately developed, executed, and maintained.
Support Quality Systems with measured metrics for accurate and detailed daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly reporting.
Take ownership and direct the company’s quality systems (BRC, Customer Driven).
Be responsible for overall adherence to product specifications and serve as the primary liaison with customers.
Provide strategic leadership and champion a quality culture.
Perform routine analysis and resolve consumer/customer complaints related to quality.
Assist in implementing corrective actions with appropriate plant or facility management personnel.
Work with department managers to ensure timely and accurate reporting of quality issues to the VP of Technical Services.
Manage each facility's Quality budget, projections, accruals, and variances.
Perform all other duties as assigned.