Manager, Food Safety & Quality Assurance

See's Candies • Los Angeles, CA

2d • $125,000 - $130,000

About The Position

The FSQA Manager is responsible for leading the development, implementation and maintenance of Food Safety Programs for the production and Packing facilities to maintain FSMA compliance. Monitors and maintains Food Safety and Quality Programs to ensure compliance with all applicable Federal and State Food regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, Biology or Food Science; equivalent related work experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in the food industry managing Food Safety and SQF Programs.
• SQF Practitioner with HACCP/HARPC certification with strong working knowledge of current SQF (Level 3).
• PCQI certification.
• Strong written and verbal skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to supervise and motivate employees
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team-based and fast-paced environment.
• Strong working knowledge of Continuous Process Improvement, GMPs, HACCP/HARPC and sanitation practices.
• Self-starter with demonstrated high level of initiative.
• Proven leadership competencies in driving resolutions and results, creative problem-solving and improving food safety and quality performance consistency.
• PC Proficiency: Windows, MS Office (or equivalent software).
• Regular, punctual, physical attendance is an essential function of this position.
• Ability to work off-shift as needed to observe and audit quality assurance and sanitation activities.
• Proven ability to learn new technologies quickly and manage change efficiently, proactively and in a positive manner.

Nice To Haves

• Conversational Spanish or Cantonese a plus.

Responsibilities

• Supervises the activities of the FSQA Supervisor, FSQA Coordinator and the Laboratory Team by scheduling coverage, assigning work, providing appropriate training in site-specific SOPs and OPLs. Serves as the back-up personnel of any of these roles as necessary.
• Responsible for all other supervisory activities including, but not limited to, labor budget management, performance evaluation, hiring, discipline, coaching, training and development and termination recommendation.
• Partners with Product Support Group (PSG) Management to ensure products are manufactured in conformance with Good Manufacturing Practices, Food Safety Practices and customer specifications.
• Verifies and validates internal records and efficacy of tasks performed by the FSQA team. Streamlines QA workflow and increase transparency within the organization; proposes improvement plans when gaps or improvement opportunities are discerned.
• Verifies and validates all preventative control and quality check records in both paper and electronic formats. Ensures sound and prompt decisions are made and documented to release of equipment, ingredients and finished products.
• Ensures integrity of the hold, release and traceability program for primary packaging, ingredients, WIPs and finished goods.
• Leads the implementation and maintenance of ERP in the department and ensures direct reports are proficient in the use of the system.
• Reviews and updates work aids (OPLs, SOPs, Registers and Forms etc.) essential for assurance of product safety and quality.
• Utilizes SPC and other statistical tools to improve Food Safety and Quality Assurance. Analyzes data generated by the laboratory and operational quality team to review for trends; revises and recommends new KPIs to drive efficacy and efficiency improvements.
• Ensures communication and actual transitions between shifts are seamless among peers, team members and Management to support food safety, quality, sanitation, sustainability and cost-saving initiatives.
• Utilizes the root cause analysis process for the investigation of consumer and customer complaints and quality related losses and responds to stakeholders in a tactful and prompt manner.
• Ensures all assigned sites are in compliance to the latest edition of the SQF code and leads the sites during SQF recertification audit and internal Corporate audit.
• Leads the review, verification and update of HACCP/HARPC plans, OPLs, SOPs, registers and forms.
• Participates in continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities and recommending changes primarily within own area of responsibility in order to improve quality metrics and KPIs at sites.
• Leads and supports in training programs for all plant individuals on food safety and quality related topics.
• Leads site mock recall and traceability exercises.
• Manages relationships with intra- and inter- departmental colleagues and suppliers to ensure achievement of departmental and company-wide targets.
• Maintains a safe work environment at all times by having safe work instructions, practices, and procedures in place for the laboratory and operational quality teams. Applies corrective action consistently when required. Reports all unsafe working conditions immediately to Management.
• Keeps current with food safety requirements, consumer protection, public health regulations, and industry best practices to ensure continued compliance with regulatory changes.
• Serves as a backup for the FSQA Supervisor and perform duties and responsibilities in his/her absence. Under the guidance of VP of FSQA, serves as a backup for the Sr. FSQA Manager and perform duties and responsibilities in his/her absence.
• Supports special projects and generates project summaries.
• All See’s staff must be committed to the company’s core principles and workplace values, including a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

• full range of generous medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees