Quality Manager II

Refresco•Rockaway Township, NJ

14h•$120,000 - $160,000

About The Position

The Quality Manager II oversees the plant’s quality department and reports to the Plant Manager. The role is responsible for total product and package quality, food safety and quality cost management, safety, compliance, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and execution of quality protocols to meet plant quality objectives. The manager leads the Quality team and manages laboratory operations, water treatment, syrup blending, sanitation, microbiological equipment, raw materials, and quality processes. The role ensures products and materials meet specifications and applicable manufacturing, food safety, and regulatory requirements; maintains the facility’s food safety and quality management systems and certifications; and drives continuous improvement, audits, corrective actions, and SOP maintenance. The position also includes personnel leadership, staff training and development, budget and cost awareness, capital planning, and participation in site projects. The role is based in a fast-paced production plant. The work schedule may include weekdays, weekends, afternoons, evenings, and overnight shifts, with overtime scheduled as needed. Travel is anticipated rarely.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in Food Science, Quality, or a related discipline or field.
At least 5 years of direct management experience in Quality within a manufacturing environment; food or beverage industry experience is preferred.
Proficiency with a Lab Data Collection Program, Excel, Word, SAP, and PowerPoint.
Ability to analyze and solve problems; results oriented.
Organized and detail oriented, with adaptability to change.
Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to apply statistical methods to analyze data and identify trends.
Ability to read and understand the metric system.
Knowledge of quality management systems, HACCP plans, food safety and security standards, and governmental regulations relating to the food and beverage industry.
Ability to work in a fast-paced production plant and meet deadlines, production quotas, and accuracy demands.

Nice To Haves

SQF Practitioner certification.
Familiarity with GFSI, FDA, and other relevant standards and regulations.
Experience in the food or beverage industry.

Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with health and safety policies, procedures, GMPs, and PPE requirements.
Ensure compliance with food quality and food safety standards established by corporate, customers, and governing bodies, including GFSI standards.
Directly manage the Quality team to achieve KPIs and continuous-improvement goals; track costs, reduce waste, oversee training, and maintain department morale.
Manage and utilize the analytical and microbiology laboratory, water treatment, syrup blending, sanitation, microbiological equipment, raw materials, and quality processes.
Optimize resources and ensure raw materials and finished products meet specifications and manufacturing standards, including applicable FDA, CFIA, GMP, HACCP, and other governmental requirements.
Support and maintain compliance with third-party food safety and quality certification requirements, and implement and continually improve facility management systems.
Develop, implement, maintain, and continuously improve the SQF System and ensure compliance with relevant food safety and quality requirements.
Oversee daily Quality inspections to ensure products comply with requirements.
Write, update, and maintain Quality Program SOPs.
Lead the internal audit process through continuous improvement, shared practices, and teamwork.
Understand plant financials and fixed and variable costs, including how other cost centers and production volume affect QC results and costs, and manage variable labor.
Help plan future capital requirements, prepare capital requests using the current format, and manage capital projects through completion.
Lead development, implementation, review, and maintenance of Food Safety Fundamentals, Food Safety and Quality Plans, and the SQF program; communicate relevant information to employees.
Ensure food safety and quality documents are safely stored, maintained, and accessible.
Manage departmental non-conformances and corrective actions, ensuring they are documented and outstanding actions are closed on time.
Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental regulations, and corporate standards; investigate non-compliance and identify root causes.
Lead and direct employees, including hiring, performance management, and termination; provide training and direction and conduct performance evaluations.
Provide guidance and training on work standards and expected outcomes.
Plan and evaluate performance, staff training and development, and recruitment; contribute to pay recommendations as applicable.
Promote a safe working environment through strategies focused on accident reduction, energy minimization, and waste minimization.
Serve as the facility’s SQF Practitioner.
Lead teams on site projects such as waste reduction, validation, and new product launches.