QA & Food Safety Manager

Onward Group•Cudahy, WI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This role is responsible for verifying and ensuring that all Food Safety, Quality Assurance, and Regulatory programs are functioning as designed, being followed, and correctly documented. The position ensures the facility has the necessary regulatory evidence to prove the production of safe and wholesome products. It requires making scientifically defendable decisions to ensure USDA regulatory compliance without unjustified decreases in operational productivity or efficiency. The manager must be able to quickly and thoroughly investigate product/process failures, determine root causes, and take prompt corrective actions while minimizing product exposure and production downtime. This role also involves revising and updating food safety and quality programs and procedures, preparing for and executing USDA daily verification tasks, 3rd party audits, and USDA food safety system assessments, and taking appropriate corrective actions. A strong working relationship with the USDA is essential. The position also focuses on preventing HACCP, SSOP, and process or product failures by driving continuous improvement of product quality through developing food safety and quality plans, process controls, and training. The manager is accountable for the overall design of the facility’s sanitation program, including authoring a written USDA regulatory program, tracking sanitation performance, training staff, and meeting with the USDA to discuss findings. They will implement and develop verification activities, including micro sampling, and take action in response to negative micro and Shelf Life data. This role includes managing daily activities, training, and development of the Food Safety and Quality staff, documenting corrective actions, and conducting GMP and Sanitation audits. Additionally, the manager is responsible for creating and maintaining the SQF Quality Plan, reassessing it as needed, and overseeing the development, implementation, review, and maintenance of the SQF System. This includes ensuring food safety fundamentals, the food safety plan, and the food quality plan are effectively managed and communicating essential information to relevant personnel. Finally, the role involves managing performance plans, work schedules, and assignments for other food safety staff members.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university and 5+ years’ experience in the food industry; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of 2+ years’ experience in a position of leadership to include team development and management.
In-depth understanding of microbiological testing and limited chemistry testing.
Knowledge of various pathogens and microbes associated with food production.
Hands on experience conducting microbiological testing of meat and poultry products.
Comprehensive knowledge of USDA, FSIS, HACCP, and SSOP requirements.
Ability to uphold regulatory, company and customer standards.
Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
Knowledge of Database software; Inventory software; Manufacturing software; Spreadsheet and Word Processing software; QMS system and SAP.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Strong decision making and problem solving skills.
Excellent planning and organizational skills with demonstrated multi-tasking and project management skills.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and understanding of quality assurance principles, food science and meat processing, SPC and statistics.
USDA/HACCP Certified
SQF Certified Expert

Responsibilities

Verifies that all Food Safety, Quality Assurance, and Regulatory programs are functioning as designed, being followed and correctly documented.
Ensures USDA regulatory compliance by making scientifically defendable decisions.
Investigates product/process failures, determines root cause, and takes prompt corrective actions.
Revises and updates food safety and quality programs and procedures.
Accountable for the preparation and execution of USDA daily verification tasks, 3rd party audits, and USDA food safety system assessments.
Develops and fosters a strong working relationship with the USDA.
Prevents HACCP, SSOP, and process or product failures by driving continuous improvement of product quality.
Accountable for the overall design of the facility’s sanitation program.
Ensures that operational and pre-operational sanitation is acceptable.
Implements and develops necessary verification activities including micro sampling.
Takes action in response to negative micro and Shelf Life data to drive improvement.
Manages daily activities, in-depth training and development of the Food Safety and Quality staff members.
Conducts GMP and Sanitation audits.
Creates and maintains SQF Quality Plan.
Oversees the development, implementation, review and maintenance of the SQF System.
Communicates to relevant personnel all information essential to ensure the effective implementation and maintenance of the SQF System.
Manages performance plans/reviews, work schedules and assignments of other food safety staff members.
Provides leadership and guidance to employees in the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Department.
Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws, including interviewing, hiring, training, planning, assigning work, appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, and addressing complaints.