Quality Assurance Manager

JOB TITLE:Quality Assurance Manager
LOCATION: Clayton, Wisconsin
POSITION SUMMARY:
This position is responsible for quality and laboratory programs in accordance with regulatory requirements and company policies and procedures.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. The essential functions of this job include, but are not limited to:

• Managing and directing quality programs and preventive controls.
• Maintaining SQF certification and all regulatory requirements including a FSMA approved food safety plan.
• Communicating out of spec results to appropriate personnel and assisting in investigations as necessary.
• Overseeing the environmental sampling program, including, investigating all positives, identifying root causes and implementing corrections and corrective actions.
• Investigating all customer complaints, including leading cross-functional team to determine root cause and appropriate corrections and corrective actions. Providing professional communication to customer.
• Monitoring quality key measures and trends for adherence to targets. When events occur, working with plant manager to lead team in problem solving and investigation to identify root causes and appropriate corrections and corrective actions.
• Ensuring compliance with all regulations and company policies regarding employee safety.
• Ensuring that the Laboratory Supervisor or QC Coordinator is properly trained to perform essential duties as necessary to back up Quality Assurance Manager in the case of absence.
• Regular and punctual attendance and physical presence in the workplace.
• Timely and accurate completion of duties.
• Occasional travel for work, up to 33% of the time.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:
The following are required competencies of the position that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job:

• Computer Skills: Ability to operate all information technology related business systems, programs and applications in a manner that achieves efficiency, accuracy, and relevancy of information processing and reporting as it applies to this position.
• Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as dictated letters or memoranda, invoices, company policies and various documentation, paying particular attention to grammar. Ability to process routine reports and correspondences. Ability to communicate effectively with employees, customers and others. Ability to effectively present information to other employees of the organization. Requires excellent telephone skills. Requires excellent oral and written communication skills
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to correctly add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to correctly compute rate, ratio, and percent. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and statistics.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations. Ability to analyze data for trends and lead a team in problem solving exercises.
• Other Skills & Abilities: SQF practitioner certification, PCQI certification, HACCP certification, Appendix N Certified Industry Supervisor, Pasteurizer Operator certification (these certifications must be attained within 12 months of date of hire). Ability to calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment including infrared and near infrared technology. Requires the ability to operate a variety of standard business machines and the ability to drive a motor vehicle, and maintaining a valid driver's license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical Demands - Employee is continually (more than 67% of time) required to: use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects, tools, or controls, sit; to verbally communicate; and to hear. The employee is frequently (up to up to 66% of the time) required to walk and stand. The employee must continually (more than 67% of the time) lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally (up to 33% of the time), lift up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work Environment - Employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne participles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Protective Equipment - Appropriate personal protective equipment is required, based on the job being performed.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
This position requires a Bachelor Degree in dairy science or related field, knowledge related to the job and three to five years of job-related experience. A Bachelor Degree in dairy science or related field, knowledge related to the job and five to ten years of job-related experience is preferred.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position directly supervises the laboratory function, including one QC supervisor, to ensure the accurate and timely testing of raw materials, in-process, and finished products to meet customer and company specifications. Maintain all laboratory certifications and monitor technicians for accuracy and precision. Supervisor responsibilities also include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
AAP/EEO STATEMENT:
It is the policy of Foremost Farms USA to provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disabilities, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
ABOUT US:
Foremost Farms USA, headquartered in Baraboo, Wis., is a farmer-owned milk processing and marketing cooperative with annual sales of $1.5 billion. The nation's eighth-largest cooperative and number 28 in annual sales among the Top 100 U.S. dairy processors, Foremost Farms is a leading manufacturer and marketer of cheese, specialty whey ingredients, butter and bulk fluid milk to customers around the world.
We're looking for employees who challenge the status quo, innovate and aim for excellence. Because we're working to be the world's best - to Be Foremost - we'll bring out the best in you. We're already one of the nation's top 10 dairy cooperatives, making Wisconsin cheese and dairy ingredients for the global marketplace. But we're not satisfied. Are you?