Regional Quality Assurance Manager

Job Description: Regional Quality Assurance Manager

Position Overview: As the Regional Quality Assurance Manager at JustFoodForDog’s, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the highest standards of product quality, safety, and compliance. Your responsibilities will encompass overseeing and implementing Quality Assurance and food safety programs, working closely with a team of quality control professionals at our contract manufacturing locations and warehouse (3PL) network. You will be collaborating with cross-functional teams to maintain and improve product excellence. You will be instrumental in identifying areas for improvement, implementing corrective actions, and guaranteeing that all processes meet regulatory requirements and adhere to our company's quality standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Contract Manufacturing Quality Assurance Leadership: Partner with local Quality Assurance professionals, setting clear objectives, providing guidance, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and quality excellence.

Quality Systems Implementation: Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of robust quality systems, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Food Safety Plans & Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and GFSI code requirements

Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that the contract manufacturing food production plant and 3PL warehouses adhere to all relevant food safety regulations, guidelines, and industry standards. Collaborate with local teams and regulatory agencies, assist the sites with managing audits and inspections.

Quality Audits and Inspections: Conduct internal quality audits to identify non-compliance issues, corrective actions, and preventive measures. Ensure readiness for external audits and inspections.

Product Quality Control: Establish and maintain rigorous product quality control measures, including inspection protocols, testing methods, and quality checkpoints throughout the production process.

Data Analysis and Reporting: Create and analyze quality metrics and performance data to identify trends, potential issues, and areas for improvement. Generate regular reports for management and other stakeholders.

JustFoodForDogs Retail Kitchen Audits: perform audits, partner with local leadership to formulate corrective actions, ensuring completion of said actions.

Supplier Quality Management: Collaborate with the supply chain team to evaluate and select suppliers, ensuring they meet quality standards and conduct regular supplier audits.

Inbound Material Quality: work directly with the CoMan quality team and the 3PL sites to ensure we are following our inbound material food safety and quality programs

Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, safety, and operational efficiency. Facilitate root cause analysis and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.

Employee Training: Organize and conduct training sessions on Quality Assurance, food safety, and relevant regulatory requirements for plant employees.

Risk Management: Identify potential risks related to product quality and safety and develop strategies to mitigate these risks effectively.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with other departments, such as Production, R&D, and Engineering, to ensure seamless coordination and alignment on quality-related matters.

New Product Development Support: Provide quality input and guidance during new product development, ensuring that quality considerations are incorporated from the early stages.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Quality Assurance, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Proven experience as a Quality Assurance Manager or similar role in the food production industry, with a track record of successful quality management.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations and quality standards (e.g., FDA, USDA, GFSI, ISO).
• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and inspire teams to achieve quality objectives.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with a data-driven and detail-oriented approach.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in conducting internal and external audits and managing regulatory inspections.
• Familiarity with quality management tools and methodologies, such as Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing, is advantageous.
• High ethical standards and commitment to maintaining the highest levels of food safety and quality.

Our Core Values - TEAMwork

Transparency – From the ingredients to monthly company hosted townhall meetings; JustFoodForDogs is committed to transparency.

Evolution with Empathy – JustFoodForDogs is committed to adapting as the needs of pet’s change. We view evolution as necessary growth. We’re relentlessly dedicated pioneers of health and wellness for pets and we will never, under any circumstances, stop asking our founding question: “Is there a better way?” for pets, customers, employees & partners

Advocates for pet health – JustFoodForDogs is committed to honoring pet life through support of rescue efforts & driving positive change within the pet food industry

Mission driven decision making – We’ve made it our mission at JustFoodForDogs to improve the length and quality of life for as many pets as possible—through real food and nutrition

JUSTFOODFORDOGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. JUSTFOODFORDOGS does not discriminate due to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital or parental status, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, veteran or military status, age, disability, unemployment status or any other legally protected basis, and to the extent permitted by law. Qualified candidates of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Quality Assurance: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person