Quality Manager

Michigan Milk Producers Assoc • Canton, OH

41d

About The Position

The Michigan Milk Producers Association is a dairy farmer owned cooperative and dairy processor. Founded in 1916, the MMPA serves dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Quality milk and dairy products begin on the farm and continue through every step at Superior Dairy. Michigan Milk Producers Association’s family dairy farmers take pride in producing wholesome, nutritious milk with care and integrity. That commitment to quality carries forward as member milk is bottled and processed at Superior Dairy, MMPA’s wholly owned subsidiary in Canton, Ohio. Founded in 1922, Superior Dairy honors its Great Lakes heritage while delivering trusted dairy products to customers in 44 states.

The Quality Manager is responsible for overseeing Quality Assurance programs and establishing, implementing, and monitoring food safety and quality systems, including regulatory and customer audits. This role ensures the safety and quality of all products produced at the facility.

Key responsibilities include performing inspections of production processes, providing employee training, ensuring compliance with applicable food safety laws and regulations, and verifying food safety plans.

The Quality Manager will also manage the QA laboratory and actively participate in resolving customer complaints. This position is an integral part of the plant leadership team and provides support to Sales and Operations by addressing customer issues, questions, and concerns.

Requirements

• BS Degree in Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry or related field required
• 5-7 years in quality/manufacturing/sanitation management roles working in food manufacturing environments
• Equivalent combination of education and experience
• Leadership skills
• Good communication skills to share ideas/technical information in an easy to understand way
• Basic data analysis skills (collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions)
• Ability to ask questions and maintain accountability
• Be able to interact with employees at levels in the organization
• Shows interest to learn from and share the knowledge with other

Nice To Haves

• PCQI certified and SQF practitioner preferred, but not required
• Demonstrated initiative and desire to learn about the dairy industry

Responsibilities

• Leadership of Quality team at the Plant
• Oversee, implement and maintain quality programs related to vendor certification, raw materials, product mock recall, hold and release, food safety and quality programs
• Data analysis and trending to improve quality
• Work on customer complaint resolution (root cause analysis and development of corrective and preventive actions)
• Ability to work with cross functional teams (Operations, Maintenance, Sales, Supply Chain etc.)
• Development and maintenance of all food safety regulatory programs to meet FDA/USDA/State regulatory requirements
• Oversee employee training for Food safety and GMPs
• Responsible for disposition of all held product, with input from the Plant Manager and Director Quality (as needed)
• Act as a backup for Director of Quality
• Oversee product quality with regards to meeting the specifications, and identification of defects
• Leadership of Plant Laboratory
• Track, report, and review the Quality Performance Indicators on a regular basis to drive continuous improvement
• Manage cost of quality
• Conduct Effective Root Cause Analysis and implement corrective action and preventative action
• Direct management of quality assurance staff and testing laboratory
• Perform other duties, as assigned

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health and wellness benefits with medical coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield, including mental health benefits
• Disability insurance
• Paid time off
• Employer-matched 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Personal and professional growth opportunities
• Employee appreciation events and recognition awards
• Employee wellness initiatives
• Employee feedback and suggestion forums

What This Job Offers

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