QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGER - UA Portfolio, Midwest Region

Compass Group•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for the development and maintenance of all QA programs, meeting USDA, FDA and customer requirements, and ensuring the quality and safety of supplied goods. Must have strong knowledge in Preventive Controls for Human Food. A strong background in manufacturing, quality assurance, and a strong understanding of FSMA is a must.

Requirements

At least 6 years of directly related experience required in Quality Assurance and Food Safety manufacturing role.
HACCP program development and FSMA is a must.
HACCP certification, Preventive Controls for Human Food (PCQI) and GFSI auditor certification a must.
Flexibility to travel to support other locations, including participation in regulatory inspections, audits, and operational support visits.
Experience with corrective action plans (CAPs) and complaint investigations, including documentation, root cause analysis, and follow-up.
Strong understanding of required third-party audit and GFSI audit scheme programs and standards.
Working knowledge of food processing and distribution regulations, i.e. FDA and USDA/FSIS, and industry practice.
Ability to function effectively within a fast-paced, diverse and evolving corporate culture is necessary.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and ability to learn various software and web-enabled programs.
Must be a strong, persuasive communicator and coach, with the ability to relate to other professionals, peers, and field operators, both technical and non-technical.
Strong data management, reporting, and technical writing skills.

Nice To Haves

Experienced in prepared foods manufacturing a plus.
Regulatory experience preferred, with a clear understanding of local health department regulations, standards, and inspection expectations.
Experience developing and motivating personnel.
Track record of food safety/QA success in any of the following focus areas a plus: meat, poultry, seafood, processed foods, distribution, proprietary/private-label product development and/or monitoring.
B.S. degree in food technology, food science, or related curriculum and/or experience required.

Responsibilities

Contributes to the development and execution of product food safety and quality programs to support the organization’s goals of operational excellence, customer/client satisfaction, financial performance, market leadership, and preferred employer.
Responsible for developing and on-going maintenance of the Food Safety Plan. Must be able to identify deficiencies and implement new strategies.
Ensures all HACCP, GMP’s, sanitation preventive controls, supply chain preventive controls, and all other prerequisite food safety standards are met according to USDA, FDA, FSIS, FSMA, and corporate requirements.
Must have extensive knowledge of the facilities process flow and engage personnel in all areas of food safety and quality within the flow.
Manages Allergen Preventive Controls Program ensuring accurate allergen labeling on finished food products and prevention of allergen cross contact.
Manages the written recall program.
Ensures complete traceability of incoming raw materials and finished product while managing lot code tracking.
Ensures labeling programs are accurate in accordance with allergens, ingredients, and nutritional information.
Oversees all food safety audits conducted by government and third-party agencies.
Responds to customer safety and quality concerns as needed.