Quality Assurance Associate Jobs in Appleton, WI

About Dairy Farmers of America:
Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) is a farmerowned cooperative and one of the largest dairy companies in the world. We are committed to producing highquality dairy products while supporting our farmerowners, employees, and the communities where we live and work. Our people are the foundation of our success, and we value teamwork, integrity, safety, and continuous improvement.

At our Green Bay facility, we produce and package dairy and nondairy sauces, including queso, BBQ, icing, and marinara, for our customers across the country. Our team supports both refrigerated and shelfstable products that are made with a focus on quality, safety, and consistency.

Job Details:

• Competitive annual salary based on experience, education, and qualifications
• Job Location: 1552 Lineville Road, Green Bay, WI 54313

Position Summary:

Provide work direction and supervision to quality assurance and laboratory employees responsible for verifying that DFA products are produced, released, and distributed in compliance with food safety, quality, regulatory, and customer requirements. Oversee quality activities across all stages of production to support compliance with departmental procedures, regulatory standards, and certification programs. Partner with the Quality Manager, operations, and plant leadership to identify, investigate, and resolve food safety, quality, supplier, and compliance risks while driving continuous improvement. Coach, mentor, and develop team members while serving as a resource and point of escalation to strengthen accountability, communication, and a culture of food safety and quality within the facility.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist the Quality Manager in developing, implementing, and maintaining facility food safety and quality programs to support regulatory compliance, corporate standards, customer expectations, and DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and sanitation requirements
• Supervise quality assurance personnel, procedures, and processes to meet recognized industry standards for food safety, quality, and process control, including oversight of extended production runs
• Review required quality records including laboratory documentation, CCP, PC, traceability records, and other compliance documentation, and conduct and document traceability exercises for ingredients and packaging materials to support recall readiness, regulatory audits, and ongoing compliance
• Write, review, implement, and support the rollout of quality assurance procedures and material standards with appropriate inspection and control measures to improve product quality and reduce rework or downtime
• Recommend and coordinate upgrades to testing procedures, equipment, and laboratory supplies, including procurement activities, while maintaining oversight of inspection and testing procedures and results to confirm finished product is food safe and meets customer requirements
• Verify products meet product and customer specifications and oversee the Hold and Release process by partnering with plant management to identify, investigate, and resolve food safety or quality issues prior to product release
• Partner with operations and assist the Quality Manager in managing the pathogen environmental monitoring (PEM) program, including swabbing oversight, investigations, corrective actions, and mitigation activities
• Drive continuous improvement by partnering with facility functions to resolve persistent challenges, supporting implementation of new procedures or processes, analyzing quality and supplier performance data, utilizing SPC tools, monitoring trends, managing the Supplier Corrective Action Request (SCAR) process, and investigating quality issues and customer complaints to implement effective remedies
• Participate in internal audits and support corrective actions to maintain ongoing compliance with BRCGS standards; support customer, regulatory, and thirdparty quality and food safety audits; verify completion and effectiveness of corrective actions; and support and maintain certifications such as BRCGS, SQF, Kosher, Halal, and Organic
• Lead and develop quality personnel and supervise hourly employees' activities through proper selection, training, coaching, performance evaluation, timekeeping review, promotions, transfers, and the establishment of clear expectations, while fostering retention, maintaining effective business communication practices, and promoting a positive and compliant work culture
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

Education and Experience:

• Undergraduate degree in food science, biological sciences, or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• 2 to 5 years of quality assurance, manufacturing, or related experience, preferably in a food, beverage, or similar facility
• Demonstrated leadership attributes or team leadership experience; supervisor experience preferred
• Certification and/or License - PCQI, HACCP, SQF Practitioner certifications preferred; may be required during course of employment

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of both laboratory and plant current good manufacturing practices (cGMPs)
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management
• Skill in leadership and coaching
• Able to complete basic arithmetic as needed
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to work in collaboration effectively and foster good teamwork
• Able to take appropriate steps to find solutions to problems
• Able to present options and ideas to current processes or procedures
• Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism
• Able to respond courteously and efficiently to inquiries, complaints, and requests
• Able to interpret and apply company policies
• Able to adapt and manage to change effectively
• Able to take initiative in performing job and seek increased responsibilities
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

Benefits and Perks:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Companyprovided shortterm disability, longterm disability, and life insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Generous vacation time and sick time
• 7 paid holidays annually
• Career advancement and training opportunities within a stable, growing organization
• Paid uniforms, safety toe shoes, and prescription safety eyewear
• Benefits available following eligibility requirements

Conditions of Employment:

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of post-offer, pre-employment requirements, which may include a background check, employment and education verification, and a drug screen, as permitted by law. Verification of eligibility to work in the United States is required. Dairy Farmers of America complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding pre-employment screening and employment eligibility.

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans