Plant QA Manager

Niagara Bottling•Hamburg, PA

13d

About The Position

The Plant QA Manager administers policies and programs to ensure organizational products and processes meet established quality standards, implementing quality standards and ensuring compliance at every stage of the process. The role leads facility food safety, packaging quality, and product quality activities; serves as the facility’s primary liaison for Company Quality Assurance initiatives, Niagara Corporate Quality, and third-party audits; and coordinates food safety, HACCP, and SQF programs. The manager uses quality and complaint data to improve plant performance and compliance, oversees testing and sanitation records, and may conduct microbiological analyses and equipment evaluations. The role also manages QA supplies and inventory, leads and develops plant QA staff, supports Research & Development activities, and contributes to a safe work environment. Weekend and holiday coverage may be needed.

Requirements

At least 6 years of experience in the field or a similar manufacturing environment; experience may include a combination of work experience and education.
At least 6 years of experience in the position; experience may include a combination of work experience and education.
At least 4 years of experience managing people or projects.
Computer literacy and proficiency with applications including Microsoft Office, Visio, Oracle Business Systems, and Infinity QS.
Detail-oriented, with excellent oral and written communication skills.
Knowledge of water chemistry, microbiological and chemical analysis methods, laboratory systems, and beverage sanitation practices.
Demonstrated ability to use data for creative problem solving and experience using statistical software packages.
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science/Technology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Engineering, or another related field.

Nice To Haves

10 or more years of experience in the field or a similar manufacturing environment.
10 or more years of experience working in the position.
6 years of experience managing people or projects.
Master’s degree in Food Science/Technology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Engineering, or another related field.
HACCP certification.

Responsibilities

Lead facility activities related to food safety, packaging quality, and product quality.
Serve as the primary plant liaison for Company Quality Assurance initiatives, Niagara Corporate Quality, and third-party audits.
Trend analytical data and develop initiatives to improve plant performance against Niagara quality measures and ensure compliance with company and regulatory standards.
Track, analyze, and lead root cause analysis for plant quality issues and customer complaints.
Ensure compliance and record keeping for mandated quality checks, testing, sampling, and sanitation activities.
Monitor the microbiological program and collect and conduct microbiological analysis of product and process samples when necessary.
Perform water testing equipment evaluations and calibrations.
Conduct regular reviews of the facility’s Pre-requisite Programs, GMP Compliance, and Sanitation Compliance.
Serve as the facility Food Safety Program Coordinator, HACCP Coordinator, and SQF Practitioner.
Manage budgeting, purchasing, and inventory of QA operating supplies, including filters, chemicals, and lab supplies.
Monitor plant QA staff performance and competencies, and provide leadership, coaching, discipline, and development as needed.
Assist the Research & Development team with formulation adjustments, product evaluations, and product launch activities.
Maintain a safe work environment and support plant safety programs.
Assist with weekend and holiday coverage as needed.

Benefits

Paid time off for holidays, sick time, and vacation time.
Paid parental and caregiver leaves.
Medical coverage, including virtual care options.
Dental coverage.
Vision coverage.
401(k) with company match.
Health Savings Account with company match.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Expanded mental wellbeing benefits, including free counseling sessions for team members and household family members.
Family Building Benefits, including enhanced fertility benefits for IVF and fertility preservation, plus adoption, surrogacy, and Doula reimbursements.
Income protection, including Life and AD&D, short- and long-term disability, critical illness, and an accident plan.
Special discount programs, including pet plans, pre-paid legal services, identity theft, car rental, and airport parking.
Tuition reimbursement, college savings plan, and scholarship opportunities.