GENERAL SCOPE: Provide leadership and direction for the Quality Assurance department of an innovative, high-growth manufacturer of natural and organic fruit snacks.  The Quality Assurance Manager will champion creative ideas and solutions to drive process improvements.  This position will also interact with all production functions developing on-line testing procedures, and quality training programs.  Contribute as a key partner to plant management on strategy and employee management/development for a $25MM/year plant operating three production lines and three shifts with 150 employees. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Must have the demonstrated ability to carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws, including: interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Develop and control the quality assurance budget.
• Work with product development to qualify suppliers and approve raw materials.
• Monitor all regulatory agency activities and ensure that the plant has adequate controls, programs, and organizational structure in place to comply with all regulations.
• Ensure that appropriate records are maintained and that a well documented tracking and recall programs exists and ensure all employees are trained on all aspects of the program and how to handle a recall.
• Oversee and conduct a mock recall as required by company policy.
• Ensure that managers and staff participate in training activities to stay current with regulatory and industry requirements.
• Provide technical expertise to all departments in the area of training, continuous process improvement, and product development.
• Design and implement adequate tests and procedures to provide statistically significant controls for the safe manufacture of products.
• Write, maintain, and ensure compliance with new product specification.
• Interface with all regulatory agencies and customers ensuring optimum support.
• Travel to other facilities for review of quality procedures.

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:

• Bachelor of Science degree, with an emphasis in Food Science, Microbiology, or Biology.
• 5 years of experience in the food industry, with a broad knowledge of food science, food safety, and food chemistry.
• Demonstrated ability to carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws, including: interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Competent in writing and oversight of HACCP programs.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

·         Strong work ethic

• Sets vision, focus, manages culture of high performance—leads with passion

·         Self-reliant and confident

·         Dedicated/loyal to company

·         High energy with an up-beat/positive attitude

·         Good sense of humor

·         Team player—wants to make those around him/her better

·         Ability to mentor, train and support team members

·         Unquestionable integrity

·         Hands-on leader

·         Disciplined problem solver; effective at leading team solutions.

·         Strong communication skills, both verbal and written

·         Good listener

·         Actively works to ensure messages are understood by all team members.

·         Resolves conflict through open communication

·         Excellent interpersonal skills

·         Ability to build effective working relationships

·         Skilled at motivating others

·         Relates well without regard to level.

·         Flexible/Open minded

·         Patient, willing to provide guidance and support to help others work through and understand new concepts and procedures.