Assistant Quality Assurance and Food Safety Manager

Summary:

The Assistant Quality Assurance and Food Safety Manager will provide leadership, direction and management support to the Quality Assurance and Food Safety Manager at the plant level. Under the direction of the CFO, works with the QA Team and Plant Management to help ensure that the facility operations are in compliance with government food safety regulations as well as Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), RFG and customer requirements. Delivers continuous improvement around Quality and Food Safety. Acts as a subject matter expert in Quality and Food Safety for the plant.

Responsibilities:

· Manage and implement the plant Quality Management System according to directives and expectations. Collaborate with the plant management team to maintain, modify, and improve the Quality System.

· Anticipate and respond to regulatory agency requirements and reports related to food safety.

· Make collaborative food safety and quality decisions regarding ingredients, in-process product and finished product conformance.

· Conduct mock plant internal audit functions and activities in order to be Primus GFS audit ready.

· Serve as a member of the facility Food Safety Team, and develop Hazard Analyses, HACCP/Preventive Control plans, and ensures compliance with HACCP, FSMA, and all regulatory requirements.

· Manage sample retention and evaluation program.

· Publish regular and ad hoc reports on key Quality and Food Safety metrics. Analyzes data for process improvement opportunities.

· Serve as a backup to the other Quality Manager and Assistant Quality Assurance Managers, as needed. Work schedule times and days may vary, including weekends.

· Facilitate investigation and corrective actions in response to customer and consumer product quality and food safety-related questions and complaints. Assist with related corrective action plans and implementation as necessary.

· Provide training to QA Leads and technicians, as well as other members of the plant team, under the direction of the QA Manager.

· Research opportunities to reduce system costs as appropriate.

· Ensure that any issues are addressed and corrected in a timely manner.

· Other duties as assigned.

Requirements and Specialized Skills:

· Bachelor’s or associate degree in food technology, Food Science, Microbiology or other related field.

· Minimum of 3 years in Quality and Food Safety Management in a food manufacturing environment.

· USDA-inspected operations experience is strongly preferred.

· WORK ENVIRONMENT Significant time in cold or hot working environment in warehouse area.

· Compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).

· Understanding basic concepts of food borne illness and prevention.

· Must obtain HACCP Certification upon hire.

· Must obtain PCQI Certification upon hire.

· Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus.