Manager, Quality Assurance

Join the California Dairies, Inc. (CDI) team, a farmer-owned cooperative dedicated to sustainably producing the highest quality dairy products while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. CDI products are delivered locally and around the world. Situated in Stanislaus County, our Turlock South manufacturing plant specializes in the production of butter and milk powder. We encourage you to be part of our team that's shaping the future of dairy, right from the heart of California!

Our commitment to CDI employees:
We believe in valuing our team with a total rewards package that goes beyond the basics. You'll find we offer competitive pay and incentive programs designed to recognize and reward your contributions. Competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous paid time off, sick days & holidays, retirement plans designed to secure your future. We don't stop there. We've also cultivated a variety of valuable programs focused on your personal well-being and professional growth, ensuring you have the support you need to both inside and outside of work.

Job Summary

Oversee and maintain the company Quality Systems programs at the manufacturing plant. Support and enforce SQF / QA, GMP, Safety policies and procedures, and production needs. “Food Safety and Quality” are the responsibilities of this position. Responsible for ensuring that products meet standards set by both CDI and regulatory authorities. Develop and review quality and food safety policies and manage audits by third-party inspectors. Manage and train quality assurance employees and oversee manufacturing and production processes.

Essential Functions

• Review microbiology test results daily and further investigate high counts.
• Review load-out data and double check that all loads are within specifications.
• Review list and track of any out-of-spec. product and distribute to Plant Manager and Assistant Plant Manager.
• Review daily HACCP sheets for compliance.
• Oversee GMP, HACCP pre-requisite programs, and Preventive Controls for compliance.
• Responsible for training new hires on GMP, HACCP, BIO-SECURITY, and ALLERGEN programs.
• Responsible for the annual refresher training on GMP, HACCP, BIO-SECURITY, and ALLERGEN programs with all employees.
• Review the daily in-process sheets from the fluid, butter, powder, and packaging departments.
• Check each department daily. Issues are reported to the Site Director and Plant Manager(s).
• Review the daily in-process sheets from the butter, powder, and packaging departments.
• Check employee GMP’s.
• Accompany State, USDA, FDA inspectors, and other external auditors during surveys or audits.
• Assist State Inspector with equipment checks.
• Audit all State seals and verify that any broken seals have been reported.
• Fax/email broken seal reports to USDA and State.
• Review/audit Quality Assurance Technicians for proper testing techniques and procedures.
• Oversee Equipment Calibrations.
• Audit sampling techniques.
• Check wastewater facility daily.
• Oversee wastewater sampling as required by permit.
• Maintain documentation as required by NPDES permit.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports as required by permit.
• Ensure that calibration of thermometers is done on a scheduled frequency.
• Oversee the review of CIP records daily - investigate and report any cleaning problems to the Plant Manager and/or Assistant Plant Manager.
• Perform random equipment checks during cleaning.
• Oversee overall job training for new Quality Assurance Technicians.
• Oversee technicians sampling techniques and sanitation practices.
• Provide training and performance reviews.
• Generate Lab Technicians Schedule and organize duties.
• Maintain proper inventories of all laboratory items by ordering in a timely manner.
• Oversee calibration of all product testing equipment in the plant.
• Environmental-Oversee the Environmental Microbiological Monitoring program in accordance with Quality Manual 3.10.
• Must have the ability to troubleshoot problems and be persistent until a solution is found.
• Must be willing to ask for assistance when the process is unclear.
• Follow and enforce all safety and working rules.
• Must have the ability to get along with co-workers, management personnel, customers, vendors, and employees in accordance with the company policies and working rules while ensuring a harmonious and conducive work environment.
• Maintain a positive attitude and contribute towards a quality environment.
• Excellent regular full time attendance in support of company objectives.
• Use initiative and judgement in making decisions, keeping with the companies best interests.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Lead:

• Clearly communicate the company's vision & goals and how the team's work contributes to them.
• Set a positive example through their own work ethic, attitude, and commitment to quality.
• Develop and empower team members by delegating tasks effectively and providing opportunities for growth and development.

Guide:

• Provide clear instructions and expectations, along with the “why”, for tasks and projects.
• Offer regular feedback and coaching to help team members improve their skills and performance.
• Foster a sense of teamwork and shared purpose, emphasizing that the team is stronger together.

Support:

• Recognize and celebrate team accomplishments and individual contributions.
• Advocate for the team's needs and concerns, up, down, and across the organization.
• Encourage and support the team to challenge the status quo, to identify and suggest process improvements, and to embrace innovation.

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Excellent understanding and demonstrated ability to develop and implement quality processes, quality testing programs, and quality testing specifications to manufacturing processes.
• Excellent understanding and demonstrated ability to comply with OSHA requirements.
• Excellent understanding and demonstrated ability to utilize lab equipment
• History of developing new processes, implementing new processes, and training team members on new processes.
• Ability to effectively problem solve.
• Able to communicate effectively with all levels inside and outside of the organization.
• Excellent leadership skills and a desire to serve others.
• Must demonstrate good judgement when carrying out duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience
A BS degree in Dairy or Food Science or other related field and four years of experience in a leadership role; or an equivalent combination of education and experience are required.

• College level verbal and written communication skills. Must be able to communicate with upper management on a daily basis.
• Leadership, team development, coaching, and / or teaching experience.
• Good math and statistical skills.
• Excellent computer skills for data input, report writing, program tracking.
• Excellent organizational and follow through skills.

Language Skills
English is required as the written and spoken language.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Various quality assurance certifications preferred. Must possess or acquire Appendix N certification from state of CA.

Driving Requirements: N/A
Equipment
Personal protective equipment including, but not limited to hearing protection, bump caps, hair and beard nets, gloves, and safety glasses must be used in the performance of duties. Proper lifting techniques must be employed at all times.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The company will make reasonable accommodations that do not cause an undue hardship if such an accommodation enables individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
ADA/FEHA
The Company will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.
EEO
The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.
Physical Demands
The physical requirements outlined here represent those necessary for successful performance of this position's core responsibilities. Upon request, the company will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these fundamental job duties, provided such accommodations do not create an undue burden on the organization.

• Sitting/Standing/Walking: Stands, walks and sits during completion of job responsibilities.
• Lifting/Carrying: Occasional lifting requirements as job demands. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 lbs. on an occasional basis.
• Pushing/Pulling: Occasional pushing or pulling requirements.
• Bending/Stooping: Occasional bending and stooping requirements.
• Squatting/Kneeling/Crawling: Occasional kneeling or crawling requirements.
• Twisting/Turning: Ongoing twisting or turning requirements.
• Climbing/Balancing: Climbing and balancing is required during plant inspections, and other related job requirements.
• Reaching: Ongoing reaching requirements associated with job requirements.
• Grasping/Manipulating: Grasping and manipulating of papers, objects, and equipment will be required. Ability to keyboard for data input will be required on an ongoing basis.

Fraudulent Recruiting Scam Disclaimer
To all applicants: We take your safety and privacy seriously at California Dairies Inc. All job applicants are directed to apply only through the official career pages. Please be aware that our talent team will never ask for any form of payment, financial account details, or sensitive personal information such as social security numbers. If you receive any suspicious messages claiming to be from California Dairies Inc., please contact us at talent@californiadaires.com. U.S. residents can get more information from the FTC at https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams.

The pay range is listed below and represents a good faith estimate upon hire. The final offer will depend on factors such as the candidates experience, skills, and qualifications.