Quality Control Assistant Manager

Yamamotoyama USA•Pomona, CA

5d•$86,000 - $98,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Quality Control Assistant Manager leads the Quality Control team to ensure products consistently meet food safety, quality, customer, and regulatory requirements. This role oversees line QC inspectors, and lab technicians, managing daily raw material, packaging material, and finished product approval activities. Lead CAPA activities and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen quality systems and ensure ongoing compliance. The position also supports the Quality Management System (QMS), including customer complaints, government and 3rd party audits. This role works closely with Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, and external partners to address quality issues and reduce risks. This role helps maintain compliance, protect product integrity, and support customer satisfaction and business objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in food science, quality management, or a related field.
Minimum of 7 years of experience in the food industry within a Quality related function, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
Certifications in HACCP and PCQI required.
Bilingual in Spanish required.
Strong knowledge of food manufacturing processes, quality assurance, and quality control principles, with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to applicable regulations and standards.
Highly proficient in executing CAPA procedures, including conducting thorough root cause analysis, implementing effective corrective and preventive actions, and verifying their effectiveness.
Strong data analysis skills, including experience with testing procedures and quality control tools and equipment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with ERP systems preferred.
Commitment to strategic prioritization, involving strategically managing tasks and projects and making the most of available resources to achieve goals.
Strong ability to assess complex situations using data-driven approaches.
Capable of identifying trends, performing root cause analysis, and translating data into actionable insights.
Applies critical thinking to solve problems, improve processes, and support sound decision-making in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Must be able to communicate effectively with all stakeholders both internally and externally and galvanize stakeholders’ commitment around compliance and regulatory needs.
Demonstrates strong capability in analyzing quality data and trends to identify improvement opportunities and drive sustainable solutions.
Strong communication skills with the ability to lead by example, act ethically, and serve as a role model for the team by maintaining integrity, fostering a supportive work environment, and promoting collaboration and accountability.
Standard office environment; involves frequent traversal of the production floor in Pomona, which may include exposure to moderate noise levels and varying temperatures.
Conduct daily tea tasting and sensory evaluations, including assessment of appearance, aroma, flavor, and overall product quality.
Duties are carried out in a food manufacturing environment, including production and sanitation areas that may be wet, humid, cold, or hot depending on operational and cleaning activities.
Regular exposure to cleaning chemicals, detergents, and sanitizing agents is required, with strict adherence to safety procedures and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Nice To Haves

Training in SQF and/or BRC preferred.
Experience with company-assigned software systems, including ERP platforms and training management systems such as Alchemy or equivalent.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, and performance management for QC inspectors and laboratory technicians to ensure effective execution of quality and food safety programs.
Participate in quality inspections for both in-house production and co-manufactured products to ensure compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements.
Participate in internal and external audit programs, identify non-conformances, and ensure timely and effective resolution through CAPA procedures.
Ensure compliance with environmental monitoring, calibration, and weight control programs.
Lead the execution and effectiveness of CAPA procedures, including root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions, and verification.
Analyze quality metrics such as customer complaints, non-conforming products, and process deviations to identify trends and drive continuous improvement initiatives across the organization.
Ensure organizational compliance with all applicable regulatory and certification requirements, including FDA, AIB, HACCP, HARPC, SQF, Organic, nonGMO, and Kosher standards.
Partner with operation team to address compliance gaps, and ensure readiness at all times.
Ensure all quality-related equipment and instruments are properly calibrated, maintained, and functioning in accordance with standards.
Oversee calibration programs for equipment including scales, thermometers, ATP devices, water activity meters, moisture analyzers, and magnets.
Manage laboratory operations, including supplies, testing procedures, and compliance.
Manage and provide direction to QC inspectors and laboratory technicians to ensure compliance with established quality and food safety standards.
Review and approve quality records, production documentation, and product release decisions.
Monitor production processes and support Operations in identifying and resolving quality and food safety issues.
Investigate product nonconformances, customer complaints, and quality incidents, and lead corrective and preventive action (CAPA) activities.
Ensure timely execution of environmental monitoring, calibration, verification, and laboratory testing programs.
Support internal, customer, regulatory, and third-party audits, and assist in implementing corrective actions resulting from audit findings.
Oversee and manage QC department personnel, including hiring, training, performance management, and development.
Provide coaching and mentorship to build a high-performing team, set clear expectations, and ensure accountability.
Supporting the Director to effectively allocate resources, including managing the QC department budget, prioritizing and distributing workloads, and support team members in achieving both departmental and organizational goals.
Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, and external partners to ensure quality standards are consistently met.
Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to the Quality team, fostering accountability and continuous development.
Perform other duties as needed and directed by management.
Assists with special projects as assigned.
Provides backup support when needed and assigned by the Director or Manager.