Scope:

The Operational Quality Manager coordinates and executes all activities in accordance with current regulation and policy. Responsibilities include the management of quality and quality systems for internal, external manufacturing and third party manufacturing, recall / traceability, management of customer complaints, verification of corrective and preventive actions, and driving adherence to corporate standards. This position is required to consult and provide expertise to company personnel on a broad range of products, technologies and issues.

Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities:

• Maintains a work environment committed to sustainable safety by enforcing safety rules, setting a safe example, and coaching and communicating to associates the reasons for safe operations.
• Coordinates Quality activities related to internal and external manufacturers and third parties by ensuring that requirements are incorporated into the quality system, communicated within the organization and requests are addressed quickly and accurately.

• Leads risk assessment and quality improvement projects.
• Developing or revising corporate standards where needed and ensuring compliance to these standards across the company.
• Responsible for the Customer Connect platform and management of customer and consumer complaint metrics, investigation and response (when applicable).

• Responsible for the corrective and preventive action program including – development, training, implementation and verification the program is functioning effectively. Establishes appropriate metrics and routinely reports on the health of the program.
• Leads and owns the implementation and effectiveness of the management of change program.
• Drives utilization, automation and enhancement of the Food Safety Plans and Quality Monitoring Scheme (QMS).

• Drives traceability in the supply chain by establishing recall procedures to align with requirements (FDA/customer) including running trace exercises and maintaining knowledgebase and resources to perform tasks efficiently and effectively.
• Act as back up for colleagues on the corporate quality team.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology or related field with minimum 5-10 years of relevant food manufacturing experience is required.
• Familiarity with current good manufacturing practices and food regulation is required.
• Previous experience with low acid canned food regulations and aseptic processing and packaging is a plus.
• Previous experience with internal auditing desired.
• Six Sigma or process improvement experience and SQF practitioner certification desired.
• Must be able to manage multiple and sometimes conflicting priorities efficiently.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Previous experience working with customers is a plus.
• Process improvement skills (e.g. Six Sigma).

• Proficient command of English and strong communication skills required – both verbal and written.

• Must work well in a team environment and have strong communication skills.
• Must have the ability to perform under pressure and communicate well with all departments.
• Must have good computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to physically perform the functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions
• Must be able to work seated using a computer and phone for long periods of time.

• Must be available to work during extended or off-hours

• Must possess visual acuity to document company records
• Continuous walking throughout plant and distribution center.
• Lifting up to 40 pounds