Description

Job Description

This role will lead our contract manufacturing and ingredient suppliers for Plum, PBC (“Plum”). The Associate Director of Quality Assurance for Plum partners with contract manufacturers, and our Procurement, Supply Chain, Research and Development, Marketing, and Innovation business teams to support business initiatives and Plum’s relationship with co-manufacturers and suppliers. This individual will support product and process start-up activities and provide problem-solving assistance as required. The role also supports and provides food safety and regulatory guidance to our R&D department during product development. The Associate Director of Quality Assurance for Plum develops and maintains Plum’s quality standards, conducts routine audits, collaborates with business partners, and implements continuous improvement and process improvement initiatives. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively are crucial for success in this role. The ideal candidate will be an effective communicator, influential, confident, assertive, and a team player. 

Scope of Responsibilities 

· Support customer and supplier compliance programs.

· Develop, implement, and maintain stringent quality standards and procedures to meet Plum’s quality expectations and relevant regulations.

· Maintain accurate documentation of quality control processes, inspection results, and corrective actions.

· Conduct routine audits and technical visits to ensure contract manufacturing partners and ingredient suppliers meet quality expectations.

· Set and maintain quality expectations with contract manufacturers to ensure they meet quality requirements, evaluate performance, and address deviations.

· Drive continuous improvement initiatives in co-manufacturing processes for enhanced performance.

· Investigate and resolve quality-related issues promptly, implementing corrective and preventive actions.

· Utilize data analysis tools to monitor and analyze quality metrics for proactive intervention.

· Manage contract manufacturing product reviews, retention samples, and quality assurance monitoring programs.

· Keep informed about industry regulations and ensure compliance with relevant standards and legal requirements.

· Foster transparent and collaborative quality management environments through effective communication.

Requirements

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree preferable in Food Science, Food Microbiology or another relevant field. 
• Minimum 7 years of experience in leading in quality and audit programs.
• FSMA-compliant PCQI and HACCP certification; Better Process Control School Certification; FSVP Certification, familiarity with GFSI audits and regulatory inspections. 
• Broad understanding of industry standards and best practices. Preferred knowledge in Canned and Acidified foods, Bakery and Extrusion. 
• Ability to build strong rapport with co-manufacturers, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of management.
• Experience in project management, leading multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated experience in driving growth and awareness of supplier and co-manufacturer compliance programs.
• Strong understanding of quality assurance principles and procedures in the food industry.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office programs, including Word and Excel.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Experience in communicating with regulatory agencies is preferred. 
• Previous experience with hot-fill-hold and retort products preferred.
• Ability to travel 25-50%