Quality Assurance Supervisor

Dairy Farmers of America•St. George, UT

About The Position

The Quality Assurance Supervisor provides work direction and supervision to quality assurance and laboratory employees responsible for verifying that products are produced and distributed according to food safety and quality standards. The role monitors quality activities to ensure compliance with departmental procedures and regulatory standards and works with the quality manager to build and maintain a strong facility food safety and quality culture. The supervisor serves as a resource and escalation point for direct reports and provides ongoing coaching, mentoring, and development opportunities. The role supports facility food safety and quality programs, reviews quality records, maintains procedures and certifications, supports environmental monitoring and audits, investigates quality issues and customer complaints, and drives continuous improvement. It also supervises hourly employees and performs personnel-management duties, including training, performance evaluations, and timekeeping review. The employee must follow DFA good manufacturing practices and applicable corporate, regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in food science, biological sciences, or a related curriculum, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
2 to 5 years of quality assurance, manufacturing, or related experience; food, beverage, or similar facility experience is preferred.
Demonstrated leadership attributes or team leadership experience.
Knowledge of laboratory and plant current good manufacturing practices (cGMPs).
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems.
Knowledge of supervision, training, and personnel-management principles and practices.
Leadership and coaching skills.
Ability to complete basic arithmetic as needed.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to collaborate effectively and foster teamwork.
Ability to take appropriate steps to solve problems.
Ability to present options and ideas for current processes or procedures.
Ability to handle challenging or conflict situations tactfully and professionally.
Ability to respond courteously and efficiently to inquiries, complaints, and requests.
Ability to interpret and apply company policies.
Ability to adapt to and manage change effectively.
Ability to take initiative and seek increased responsibilities.
Must be able to read, write, and speak English.

Nice To Haves

Supervisor experience preferred.
PCQI, HACCP, and SQF Practitioner certifications are preferred; they may be required during employment.

Responsibilities

Assist the quality manager in developing, implementing, and maintaining facility food safety and quality programs that meet regulatory requirements, corporate standards, and customer expectations.
Review required quality records, including laboratory documentation, CCP, PC, and other documentation.
Write, review, and implement quality assurance procedures.
Recommend changes or upgrades to testing procedures or equipment and coordinate procurement of laboratory items.
Assist the quality manager and partner with operations on the pathogen environmental monitoring program, including swabbing oversight, investigations, corrective actions, and mitigation activities.
Train, instruct, and guide employees on food safety, quality, and compliance.
Initiate and drive continuous improvement and partner with facility functions to address persistent challenges and implement new procedures or processes.
Support customer, regulatory, and third-party quality and food safety audits.
Investigate quality issues and customer complaints, identify solutions, and implement remedies.
Support and maintain certifications such as SQF, Kosher, Halal, and Organic.
Supervise hourly employees to meet or exceed quality assurance and organizational standards and specifications.
Ensure employees are informed promptly about process, product, or infrastructure changes.
Select, train, and establish expectations for personnel to identify and retain effective employees.
Maintain effective business communication so stakeholders are informed and able to respond appropriately.
Foster a positive and effective work culture among direct reports.
Develop and implement material standards and associated control and inspection procedures to improve product quality and reduce rework and downtime.
Monitor inspection and testing procedures and results to ensure finished products are food safe and meet customer expectations.
Support quality-data analysis and use statistical process control tools to identify and respond to unfavorable trends.
Perform supervisory duties, including administering promotions and transfers, reviewing and editing timekeeping, completing performance evaluations, and mentoring, training, and coaching employees.
Follow DFA good manufacturing practices and applicable corporate, regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.