Darigold is seeking an experienced and driven Senior Quality Assurance Manager to be a part of Darigold’s team. The Senior Quality Assurance Manager must possess the desire and ability to plan, organize, and direct quality assurance personnel and programs to assure that plant products conform to Darigold defined product quality standards, as well as Federal, State, and local standards of product identity, safety, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s). As a member of the Quality Assurance team the Senior Quality Manager will be a true strategic partner in the Operations Division. The Senior Quality Manager’s role is to serve as a leader and partner for the plant in the areas of quality culture, testing, GMP’s, sanitation, and quality program administration.

This role will be based in the Tri-Cities, WA region and will directly support the construction, planning, startup, and operation of a new $500M dairy plant processing premium milk powder for infant consumption and premium grade butter products.

What You Will Do

• Partner with plant leadership to drive a robust culture of quality based on recognition and accountability.
• Monitor and report on plant sanitation efforts. Make appropriate recommendations to management.
• Develop and partner to enforce GMP zoning, facility/equipment design standards, cleaning procedures, and environmental monitoring.
• Develop and partner to build a robust Food Defense program.
• Responsible for implementing and auditing in-plant quality programs including, but not limited to: GMPs, HACCP, prerequisite programs, weight control, master sanitation schedule, pest control, Appendix N, and sanitation. Makes recommendations for improvement.
• Assist in complying with regulatory requirements related to product safety and quality.
• Partner with plant personnel and direct reports to resolve customer concerns and root cause analysis for off spec production
• Manage quality leaders from the powder processing plant and the dairy/butter processing plant.
• Supervise the operation of the plant laboratory. Recommend proper staffing of QA personnel, and the proper equipment needed and calibration of plant laboratory.
• Ensure that proper laboratory procedures are followed as outlined by Darigold Corporate Quality Dept.
• Provides management and Corporate Quality Personnel with regular and complete reports on all matters pertaining to quality issues and standards.
• Develop critical to quality standards and leading/lagging quality indicators for the facility.
• Perform FMEA analysis for facility during construction and during plant operation; implement mitigation strategies cross-functionally with other project team members.
• Maintain a professional working relationship with plant management, customers and vendors.
• Work cross-functionally to develop and maintain robust electronic quality systems. (inventory control, release, track and trace, etc.)
• Work closely with vendors, regulatory authorities, and customers on product quality reports and audits.
• Organize process auditing and process auditing controls to bring visibility to process control adherence.
• Possess a high degree of initiative and flexibility.
• Work closely with the Site Director in other areas including, but not limited to involvement in R & D projects, and other projects and assignments as needed.
• Perform additional assignments made by the corporate Quality Director / Site Director.

What You Bring:

• B.S. in Dairy, Food Science, or Science related field.
• Minimum of 5 years combined experience in dairy/food/beverage quality control and sanitation in a Management role. 
• Experience with high-care milk powder production a plus.
• Experience working with auditors required. 
• Experience working with large CPG firms in clinical/ infant nutrition space preferred. 
• Complete understanding of computer driven process controls for a dairy/food/beverage manufacturing facility, and PC literate.

Nice to Have’s

• Excellent communication, interpersonal and writing skills.
• Ability to work effectively with all plant employees and build effective solutions.
• Good technical understanding of manufactured dairy products.
• Ability to troubleshoot quality issues in a manufacturing environment.

Benefits of Working at Darigold

We understand that as an employee, benefits that support you and your family in and out of

work are important. We are proud to offer eligible positions a competitive total rewards package – that includes:

• Employer 401K contribution of up to 9%
• Comprehensive medical, dental & vision benefits
• Employer paid life & disability coverage
• Paid time off and paid Holidays
• 8 weeks paid paternal Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Community giving through matching donations
• Relocation benefits
• Annual compensation range: $97,202- $145,802 (individual wage based on previous experience, knowledge, and skills)

Our Commitment to Diversity 

Achieving our vision to Lead Dairy Forward requires cultivating and supporting a team with varying backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We are committed to providing a workplace based on mutual respect where all employees feel included and can bring their best and authentic selves to work every day. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and Affirmative Action Employer. We welcome all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, marital status, creed, religion, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Note:

As a condition of employment applicants offered a role will be required to successfully pass our pre-employment background screen, receive a negative drug screen result & confirm eligibility to work in the U.S. We participate in E-Verify.