Mgr Quality & Food Safety

Russell Stover • Abilene, KS

1d

About The Position

The Quality & Food Safety Manager leads and develops the local quality assurance team and advances Russell Stover Chocolate’s food safety and quality strategy through policies and procedures that support the company’s vision and mission. The role establishes a sustainable, proactive quality assurance function and serves as a subject matter expert in food safety and quality, including microbiology, sanitation, FSMA, HACCP, GFSI, allergens, SPC, and suppliers.

The manager supports product quality and regulatory compliance by ensuring products meet company specifications, policies, and government regulations; overseeing analytical and microbiological testing; interpreting consumer data and test results; and directing investigations into deviations and other issues. The role works collaboratively with stakeholders across the business, supports product evaluation and R&D projects, and helps drive continuous improvement in the company’s food safety culture. Plant work includes GMP adherence, FSQA training, and reporting potential food safety, quality, or compliance concerns.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Microbiology, or another related science.
• 5 to 10 years of experience in food safety, quality, sanitation, and/or microbiology.
• At least 5 years of progressive, demonstrated managerial experience.
• At least 3 years of supervisory experience, including direct supervision of a team of at least 2 people.
• Proven knowledge of food quality standards, including federal FDA regulations.
• Formal training and demonstrated competencies in HACCP, FSMA, sanitation, food safety, regulatory compliance, and GFSI.
• Strong understanding of GMP, HACCP, SPC, IPM, SAP, analytical testing, and food microbiology.
• Knowledge of quality management systems.
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in spoken, written, and read English, with or without accommodation.
• Excellent computer skills and working knowledge of MS Office.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent ability to twist, squat, bend, stoop, stretch, and reach above shoulder level.
• Ability to be punctual, accountable, and positive in meetings, projects, and the work environment.

Nice To Haves

• QMS training, such as GFSI, ISO, or SQF.
• Strong interpersonal, managerial, and leadership skills, including the ability to teach and develop others across organizational levels.
• Ability to work with and teach individuals at all levels, both in groups and independently.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Excellent organization and prioritization skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with product recalls and other company crises.
• Educate and develop the local quality team.
• Draft and implement quality policies, procedures, and standards, and support their implementation at the plant.
• Solve problems and identify root causes.
• Lead the QA team and support quality initiatives across the organization.
• Provide direction on deviations and assist with investigations.
• Ensure manufactured products comply with company specifications, policies, and government regulations.
• Participate in food tasting and product evaluation to confirm quality controls and detect changes in flavor profiles.
• Implement and use approved analytical methods to assess raw materials, semi-finished products, finished products, and packaging materials.
• Establish a sustainable and proactive quality assurance function.
• Oversee the microbiological testing program, interpret results, and recommend improvements.
• Lead, interpret, initiate, and investigate consumer data.
• Assist the R&D department with assigned projects.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and leaders at all levels of the business.
• Develop and implement creative concepts, strategies, and solutions to complex problems.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in food safety and quality.
• Ensure adherence to GMP guidelines during plant visits.
• Complete and follow FSQA training and programs to meet regulatory requirements and support consumer safety and company objectives.
• Promptly report observed or suspected issues affecting food safety, quality, or compliance to designated plant personnel.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of the company’s food safety culture.
• Support business change and improvement initiatives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager