Blue Diamond Jobs in Ripon, CA (NOW HIRING)

Since 1912, when it was started by a group of California walnut growers, Diamond of California was on a mission to bring the bounty from California?s Central Valley walnut orchards to America?s tables. From the beginning, we sought out the very best with the knowledge that Diamond Nuts would be used in treasured and new family recipes. Today, we bring a wider range of nuts from our growers and farms to tables worldwide. Now almost 110 years later, we are still guided by our belief that Diamond Nuts are Made for Homemade.Along with our sister company (National Pecan), Diamond of California is part of Diamond Foods, LLC, headquartered in Stockton, California. Diamond Foods is now owned by Blue Road Capital, a private equity firm based in New York, which is focused on holdings in the agricultural space. With the support of Blue Road Capital, Diamond of California is during a major transformation to create a modern growth brand participating the growing consumer desire to incorporate more plant-based products in their diets, for reasons including health and wellness, taste, texture, and variety.POSITION OVERVIEW:This position manages the staff and procedures of the Quality Assurance Department, providing leadership and instruction in the implementation of programs, policies, and objectives to ensure corporate quality, culture, volume, service, and cost goals are met for Quality Assurance at the plant level. Responsibilities also include making decisions on product QA standards and reviewing programs and processes to ensure compliance with but not limited to regulatory, cGMPs, organic, food safety, etc.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Lead and supervise a team of 25-45 hourly quality technicians. Responsible for scheduling, training, and overseeing adherence to all Diamond Foods Food Safety and Quality Management System (FSQMS).Provides leadership and technical assistance to operations by management of food safety and compliance systems.Instills regulatory awareness and commitment.Responsible for monitoring and maintaining the company food safety programs.Performs and ensures required training is maintained.Writes Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and One Point Lessons (OPL) to facilitate knowledge transfer and enhance regulatory capability and capacity.Must obtain knowledge and be trained as a HACCP Coordinator with certificate.Assist in the implementation of new policies and procedures, and lead efforts to improve quality methods, equipment, SOP, and working conditions.Participate in root cause investigations related to internal quality concern and customer complaint and assist with product traceability.Manages preparation of SQF, HACCP, Kosher, Organic, and any other certification audits.Assist in maintaining the corrective and preventive action program.Responsible to assist in establishing internal sanitation and housekeeping and monitoring them via GMP inspections.Assist in maintaining the recall program, including the execution of mock recalls and any recalls if necessary.Update communication/performance boards, communicate/participate in Safety inspections, GEMBA walks (observe, engage & improve), SQF reviews and other reviews/audits as assigned.Act as document control manager for the facility; oversee document routings, amendments or changes.Ensure all documents are HACCP and SQF ready, to be audited on any day.Perform HACCP/SSOP training for hourly and salaried employees annually or as neededProvide technical expertise around prerequisite programs, verifications and operational inputsResponsible for regulatory updates and how they apply to current production.Support, maintain and write policies and procedures as neededMay perform other duties as assignedQualifications and Competencies Strong understanding of food safety and quality. Preferred experience with the tree nut processing industry.Highly driven individual capable of setting goals and expectations.Strong problem-solving skills and ability to recommend effective solutionsAbility to provide motivation and demonstrate leadership qualities to all regional personnel regarding food safety and quality.Problem solving skills and proven sound decision making skills are required.Experience and ability to train and coach personnel.Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with cross-functional teamsThis position requires a thorough understanding of food safety, microbiology, and FDA regulations.Strong attention to detail and ability to analyze dataAbility to conduct thorough inspections and identify potential hazardsMust be able to work cooperatively with other associates in a fast-paced environment. Must be able to adapt and be flexible for changes in work routine.SkillsStrong communication abilities both written and verbal.Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.Computer software experience in Microsoft Office Education/Training Bachelor?s degree in Food Safety, Microbiology, or Chemistry or equivalent requiredHACCP CertifiedPCQI Trained PreferredSQF Practitioner training preferred3+ year?s quality management experience preferredCommitment to Company Objectives:Employee will commit to support and abide by the Diamond Foods Code of Conduct and Quality Policies. This entails: *Customer satisfaction *Environmental Sensitivity *Integrity in work and treatment of coworkers*Plant Safety, Food Safety, Regulatory Compliance, Quality Assurance, Production Excellence and Continuous Improvement *Achievement through training, monitoring and verification.Salary Range: $75k - $95kBonus Target: 7.5%We offer competitive compensation and an excellent benefits package.Diamond Foods, LLC is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability. Pre-employment drug testing and background check required.Diamond Foods will consider for employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements. Diamond Foods, LLC does not accept unsolicited headhunter and agency resumes. Diamond Foods will not pay fees to any third-party agency or company that does not have a signed agreement with Diamond Foods, LLC.