Quality Assurance Manager

We have an exciting opportunity for a Quality Assurance Manager at our facility in Lena, IL.This position coordinates all Plant Food Safety and Quality activities for Savencia Cheese USA LLC. This position is responsible for ensuring that the production and distribution of products meets or exceeds all quality standards. This person also has responsibility for communicating quality results and the transfer of knowledge to the workforce.The Quality Assurance Manager is an integral member of the plant management team and reports to the U.S. Director of Quality Assurance, Regulatory Compliance & CSR.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for product safety and quality while meeting Company and regulatory standards and has oversight responsibility for a continuous quality improvement program that includes quality control and quality assurance.
• Provides Direction and Support to the Sanitation Supervisor
• Manages the operation of the plant laboratory, including ensuring supplies and equipment are available.
• Ensures product safety, regulatory compliance, and compliance with company standards as stated in the Quality Manual, Laboratory Manual, and Company Policy and Programs by inspecting and auditing the product, process and all systems.
• Helps drive Continuous Improvement efforts in product quality/performance and process optimization.
• Provides leadership in coaching, education, and training of plant employees (new hires) and refresher training for GMPs and PRPs.
• Provides Direction and support to the QA Supervisor and Lab Team
• Active member of HACCP/FSP team.
• Provides Customer inputs into portals provided as required, and views/monitors postings to ensure all requirements are met.
• Reviews all product labels used in the facility and ensures adherence to regulatory and Company standards.
• Maintains or ensures the maintenance of the all QA related Database Systems for the facility (LIMS, etc.).
• Ensures adherence to appropriate regulations and Company standards for ingredient and finished product quality.
• Supervises the appropriate chemical, bacteriological, sensory and utilization tests on raw materials and finished products.
• Communicates quality metric and inspection results to appropriate Supervisors and others in leadership positions including, but not limited to daily, weekly or monthly KPI reporting to Corporate.
• Ensures that proper sanitation procedures are utilized and that adequate sanitation tests are performed; provides “troubleshooting” efforts in the event of sanitation system failure.
• Develops and maintains documentation of all required quality tests and activities.
• Leads local, state, customer/third party, group and federal audits and inspections.
• Responsible for QA lab budgetary control, including labor and “Cost of Quality” utilizing Continuous Improvement techniques.
• Ensures adherence to all contract packaging quality requirements.
• Leads by example with the Savencia Cheese USA Code of Ethics. This includes following Company policies, standards and specifications.
• Daily tasting, evaluating product holds, and product releases.

Supervisory Responsibility: This position manages Quality Supervisor and employees in the Quality lab and is responsible for the performance management and hiring of the employees within the department.

Travel: This position requires up to 10% travel.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Science or a science-based area of study with a focus on microbiology
• Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience
• Possess a working knowledge of sanitation systems, techniques, and procedures
• Solid experience with Good Manufacturing Practices
• Experience leading and following Safety/Security Policies and Procedures
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and computer-based applications
• Excellent verbal/written communication skills
• Strong team player and leader with the ability to work across multiple functions and disciplines
• Ability to adapt to changing organizational and operational needs; ability to lead others through change
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to follow all Sanitation and Quality Policies and Procedures, and report and follow through on any deficiencies
• Knowledgeable in FSMA rules and regulations including Preventive Controls for Human Food, Sanitary Transportation Rule, Food Defense, Food Fraud, and Foreign Supplier Verification Programs
• Current Food Handlers Certificate (has up to 30 days to obtain)

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Food Science or Biology
• Dairy experience
• Sensory experience
• Experience in Continuous Improvement (CI) Processes
• Imports
• Previous experience as a lead auditor
• Experience in soft ripened cheese or cream cheese applications

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
• HSA with company seed money
• 40(k) with company match
• Company-Paid Life Insurance at 2 times base pay
• Optional Life Insurance options
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Vacation Time
• 10 Paid Major Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Wellness Program
• Educational Assistance Reimbursement Program
• Free and discounted product