Quality Manager

Eurofins USA Food Testing•Des Moines, IA

13d

About The Position

The Local Quality Manager supports the operational and technical supervisor in ensuring that timelines and quality measures are met and technicians remain on task. The role may have authority over local quality specialists for delegated quality tasks. The manager oversees the application of quality systems and regulatory requirements, document control, employee training records, process controls, audits, non-conformance and complaint resolution, equipment qualification and calibration, result verification, proficiency testing, supplier performance, and quality management reviews. The position also accompanies auditors and coordinates responses to audit findings while maintaining cooperative working relationships and a safe, clean work environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in science or another related degree concentration, or equivalent directly related experience. Two years of directly related industry experience is equivalent to one full-time year of college in a related major.
Authorization to work indefinitely in the United States without restriction or sponsorship.
Willingness to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or Microbiology.
Experience or coursework in laboratory procedures, data analysis, computer operations, mathematics, and technical or business writing.
Previous experience in a production-style laboratory.
In-depth experience in an ISO 17025-accredited testing laboratory and with QC/QA programs.
Strong understanding of food microbiology and corrective action investigation.
Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, with strong attention to detail.
Excellent communication skills.
Self-motivation, drive, and critical-thinking ability in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment.
Responsive problem-solving and action-oriented approach.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate and promote the company vision and maintain regular attendance and punctuality.
Follow relevant management-system requirements, including the Quality Manual, SOPs, Local Work Instructions, and Methods, to ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 17025/AOAC ALACC and applicable government regulations.
Review and distribute new or revised controlled documents and ensure superseded SOPs are properly maintained or disposed of.
Provide laboratory personnel with guidance on applying and interpreting internal quality documents.
Ensure staff are trained on relevant documents and requirements, and regularly review employee training records for completeness and proper filing.
Ensure daily process controls for enumeration and pathogen testing are prepared with client samples, and evaluate data against predefined acceptance criteria.
Conduct an annual self-audit, conduct or coordinate monthly method audits, and generate reports of audit findings.
Ensure non-conformances and complaints are identified and documented within required timelines; monitor trends in non-conformances, root cause analyses, and complaint resolutions; and assist with root cause analysis and corrective actions.
Ensure equipment is qualified and maintained; maintain equipment lists and calibration schedules; ensure timely calibrations; and verify the qualifications of contracted calibration services.
Verify results and submit them in a timely manner, electronically or in hard copy, to the appropriate personnel for transmission.
Maintain the schedule and participate in proficiency testing programs with technical management.
Remain ready and willing to respond to the needs and queries of clients, staff, and coworkers.
Coordinate monitoring and review of quality-critical suppliers and maintain a list of currently approved suppliers.
Conduct a Quality Management Review meeting at least annually in cooperation with laboratory management.
Accompany auditors during laboratory audits and coordinate responses to audit findings.
Maintain cooperative working relationships and communicate orally and in writing with intra- and interdepartmental employees.
Follow health, safety, and environmental regulations for assigned analytical work and help maintain a clean, safe work environment.
Perform other duties as assigned.