Manager - Quality & Food Safety

Russell Stover•Abilene, KS

19h•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 the company's food safety and quality strategy through the implementation of policies and procedures. The manager will ensure compliance with company specifications, policies, and government regulations, while also participating in product evaluation and overseeing microbiological testing. This position requires a strong understanding of food safety principles, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across all levels of the business.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Microbiology, or other related science.
5 to 10 years of food safety, quality, sanitation, and/or microbiological experience.
5 years of progressive and demonstrated managerial experience.
3 years of 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, stoop, 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

Leading and developing the local QA team.
Driving Russell Stover Chocolate’s food safety and quality strategy through the implementation of policy and procedures.
Assisting in product recall or other company crisis.
Educating and developing the local quality team.
Drafting and implementing quality policies, procedures, and standards for the organization and rolling 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 investigations.
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.
Effectively implementing and/or utilizing 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.
Acting as a subject matter expert for food safety and quality, including microbiology, sanitation, FSMA, HACCP, GFSI, allergens, SPC, suppliers, etc.
Ensuring adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines during plant visits to support product quality and uphold food safety standards.
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.
Promptly reporting any observed or suspected issues that may impact food safety, quality, or compliance to the designated plant personnel.
Actively contributing to the continuous improvement of the company’s Food Safety Culture through engagement and actions aligned with your role.
Being punctual, accountable, and maintaining a positive approach to meetings, projects, and the work environment.
Serving as an internal resource to help drive change and improvements for the business.
Performing other duties as assigned.