Food Safety & Quality Manager

POSITION SUMMARY: The Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for the establishment, training, and maintenance of the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Systems, Sanitation, GMP & HACCP programs, as well as analytical/microbiological testing, and organic/kosher certifications for handheld food production. Additional duties include overseeing the development, implementation, certification, and maintenance of the Safe Quality Foods (SQF) audit scheme under SAI Global.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead a team of 10 in QA and 25 in sanitation with two direct reports. The team is collectively responsible for microbiological and other quality control testing of handheld food production items.
• Develop and implement SOPs, plant policies, HACCP, GMP's, pest control, allergen control, QA documentation, traceability/recall, crises management, Positive Release, net weight content, Organic/Kosher Compliance, statistical process control, and other Food Safety and quality elements required.
• Establish, monitor, and maintain all appropriate quality programs and procedures, testing methodologies, and test equipment to assure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations for all products.
• Ensure established systems, procedures, and protocols are adequate to provide consistent Food Safety, product quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Responsible for evaluation and resolution of customer/consumer product quality issues.
• Maintains clear and consistent communication with the plant manager and other cross-functional groups such as R&D and Operations.
• Coordinate resolution of all quality management issues including the reporting of KPI's, corrective action plans, analytical/microbiological issues, held inventory disposition, etc.
• Develop and implement training programs required for the company's quality assurance programs and production operations.
• Review, approve, and audit processing and product specifications for all finished products and ingredients.
• Participate in the internal production facility audit programs to verify adherence to company programs and specifications and government regulations. Coordinate required follow-up actions.
• Provide technical support in product recalls/withdrawals.

REQUIRED SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• Minimum of 6 years in food manufacturing operations with a minimum of 4+ years of factory QA supervisory or management experience.
• Must have prior experience as a supervisor, manager, or lead Food Safety practitioner.
• Minimum BS / BA degree: Biology, Chemistry, Food Science / Food Technology or related fields.
• Knowledgeable in FDA, USDA, EPA, and GMP guidelines for food manufacturing facilities.
• Have a solid grasp of manufacturing and plant management.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of Food Safety / HACCP, GMP's, sanitary design/controls, pest control, food regulations, specifications, and basic food technology.
• Statistical analysis experience is preferred.
• Must be proficient with traceability requirements and with conducting a trace of raw materials, packaging materials, and finished products.
• PC proficiency in Windows-based applications: Word, Excel, SharePoint (preferred).

COMPENSATION

Base salary up to $95K, with annual bonus, 401K matching, full medical and two stock incentive plans.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Up to 10%