Manager, Quality & Food Safety

Russell Stover•Abilene, KS

2d•Onsite

About The Position

At Russell Stover, we are looking for a Manager, Quality & Food Safety to lead and develop the local QA team. This role is responsible for driving Russell Stover Chocolate’s food safety and quality strategy through the implementation of policy and procedures to support the vision and mission. You will be a subject matter expert for food safety and quality, including microbiology, sanitation, FSMA, HACCP, GFSI, allergens, SPC, suppliers, etc. You will ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines during plant visits to support product quality and uphold food safety standards. This role also involves completing and following FSQA training and programs to comply with regulatory requirements, ensure consumer safety, and support the company’s food safety and quality objectives. You will promptly report any observed or suspected issues that may impact food safety, quality, or compliance to the designated plant personnel, to support timely corrective actions and maintain compliance. You will actively contribute to the continuous improvement of the company’s Food Safety Culture through engagement and actions aligned with your role. The ability to be punctual, accountable, and have a positive approach to meetings, projects, and the work environment is essential. This role serves as an internal resource to help drive change and improvements for the business. This job posting is not all inclusive and other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Microbiology, or other related science.
5 to 10 years food safety, quality, sanitation, and/or microbiological experience.
5 years of progressive and demonstrated managerial experience.
3 years supervisory experience with direct supervisory experience of a team of at least 2 people.
Proven knowledge of food quality standards, including federal (FDA) regulations.
Formal training and demonstrated competencies in HACCP, FSMA, sanitation, food safety, regulatory compliance, and GFSI.
Strong understanding of GMP, HACCP, SPC, IPM, SAP, analytical testing and food microbiology.
Knowledge of quality management systems.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to speak, read, and write English fluently, with or without an accommodation.
Excellent computer skills with a working knowledge of MS Office.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
Frequent ability to twist, squat, bend, stooping, stretch and reach above shoulder level.

Nice To Haves

QMS training (GFSI, ISO, SQF, etc.).
Strong interpersonal, managerial and leadership skills required with the ability to teach and develop others in the organization (up, down, and across).
Ability to work with and teach individuals at all levels within the organization both in groups and independently.
Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
Proven problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Excellent organization and prioritization skills.

Responsibilities

Assisting in product recall or other company crisis.
Educating and developing the local quality team.
Drafting and implementing the quality policies, procedures, and standards for the organization then helping roll them out at the plant level.
Problem solving and getting to the root cause.
Leading the QA Team and supporting quality initiatives within the organization.
Providing direction on deviations and assisting with investigation.
Ensuring that manufactured products are produced in compliance with company specifications, policies, and government regulations.
Participating in food tasting and product evaluation to ensure quality controls are met and nuances in the flavor profile are detected to protect the taste profile.
Effectively implement and/or utilize approved analytical methods to ensure the quality of raw materials, semi-finished products, finished products and packaging materials.
Establishing a sustainable and proactive quality assurance function.
Overseeing the microbiological testing program, interpreting results, and providing recommendations for improvements.
Leading, interpreting, initiating, and investigating consumer data.
Assisting the R&D department with projects as assigned.
Working comfortably across all stakeholders and levels of leadership in the business in a collaborative approach.
Implementing concepts, strategy, and solutions to problems of unusual complexity which require a high degree of creativity and innovativeness.
Ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines during plant visits to support product quality and uphold food safety standards.
Complete and follow FSQA training and programs to comply with regulatory requirements, ensure consumer safety, and support the company’s food safety and quality objectives.
Promptly report any observed or suspected issues that may impact food safety, quality, or compliance to the designated plant personnel, to support timely corrective actions and maintain compliance.
Actively contributes to the continuous improvement of the company’s Food Safety Culture through engagement and actions aligned with your role.