Supervisor, Quality Assurance

LASSONDE PAPPAS AND CO INC•Upper Deerfield Township, NJ

2h•$75,000 - $113,000•Onsite

About The Position

This position, based in Seabrook, NJ, reports to the QA Manager and oversees quality assurance and control processes to ensure the highest product standards. Responsibilities include auditing QC activities and documentation, recommending and monitoring process improvements, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. This role collaborates with production teams to uphold quality standards, specifically for beverage and cranberry sauce production, and drives continuous improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Agriculture, or a related field with five plus (5+) years of progressive leadership experience within Quality Assurance and Control within the food industry, preferable with a focus on fruit processing or canning; or equivalent combination of education and experience
Certifications: PCQI, HACCP
Better Processing Certification (BPC) or equivalent or the ability to become BPC certified within 6 months of hire
Strong knowledge of processing and canning operations
Proficiency in laboratory techniques and quality control methodologies
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a strong focus on attention-to-detail
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to partner effectively with cross-functional stakeholders
Must have excellent time management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment
The ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, may be necessary during peak production periods

Nice To Haves

Experience managing customer, USDA, FDA, Organic, and SQF Audits
Experience in report writing
Additional professional certifications in quality such as ASQ certification are preferred

Responsibilities

Implement and maintain quality assurance protocols for cranberry processing (sauce and pressing), ensuring regulatory compliance.
Monitor QA processes through plant audits, paperwork reviews, and process checks.
Conduct monthly Glass and Brittle Plastic audits.
Participate in internal and external audits to ensure adherence to industry standards and customer expectations.
Investigate plant-wide quality issues and provide troubleshooting support.
Oversee rework processes, including mod pallets, dump backs, and finished goods evaluations. Direct rework coordinators and assist with workflow improvements.
Conduct analytical testing of raw materials, including cranberry and presscake, and finished products, evaluating results against specifications.
Retrieve and analyze warehouse samples for customer complaints, missed operator samples, and sales orders.
Manage the hold process by entering items into the QAD system, attaching hold tags, and maintaining hold logs.
Perform product taste testing as needed.
Work closely with processing and production teams to identify and resolve quality issues.
Collaborate with Production Supervisors to drive quality improvements.
Develop and implement process improvements to enhance product quality and efficiency.
Train operators on quality assurance documentation and quality standards.
Maintain accurate documentation of quality activities, including test results, inspections, and non-conformance reports.
Educate production staff on quality assurance practices, food safety, and compliance requirements.
Conduct bi-weekly facility walk-throughs, document housekeeping standards, and share results with management.
Manage calibration and troubleshooting of analytical equipment.
Serve on the Food Safety and Housekeeping Audit Team and SQF Internal Audit Team.
Review and sign off on daily quality assurance paperwork, identifying and addressing quality gaps.
Investigate customer complaints and document findings in the corporate database.
Provide backup coverage for QA Technicians during vacations and absences.
Oversee SQF activities in the absence of the QA Manager.
Maintains staff by recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training employees; maintaining a safe, secure, and legal work environment; developing personal growth opportunities.
Communicates job expectations; planning, monitoring, and assessing job results; coaching, and counseling employees; developing, coordinating, and enforcing systems, procedures, and productivity standards.
Establishes strategic goals; identifying and evaluating trends; choosing a course of action; defining objectives; evaluating outcomes.
Manage direct reports' schedules, timekeeping, and PTO approvals to ensure proper staffing and compliance with attendance policies.
Perform other related duties as required and assigned.