Fort Benton, MT

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer

Who We Are:

IND HEMP, LLC is an agriculturally based business producing safe, high-quality industrial hemp products for a variety of industries and consumers. We strive to create value in the industrial hemp supply chain as a profitable and sustainable company while encouraging personal relationships with all those with whom we interact. Developed as an opportunity to help farming communities, IND HEMP focuses on relationships with their employees, farmers, and customers, all the while maintaining an environmentally conscious company grounded in integrity and hard work.

Fort Benton, Montana is home to IND HEMP's two processing facilities: one dedicated to the processing of hemp oilseed and the other focused on industrial hemp fiber products. Each operation is purpose-build to provide industrial hemp food, feed and fiber products across a variety of applications and industries while providing our farmers with multiple revenue stream and contract production opportunities.

Position Summary:

The Quality Assurance Manager will be responsible for leading and completing quality and food safety projects in accordance with HACCP, SQF and GMP standards and practices. The Quality Assurance Manager will work with all levels of the organization to gather information, problem solve, complete corrective actions and internal audits. The QA Manager will be the point person for presenting quality and food safety concerns and plans for corrective action, as necessary. This position will also be responsible for coordinating and collecting samples for third party testing and analyzing the results to ensure the product meets quality specifications.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, update, and implement procedures and policies relating to quality and food safety.
• Work with outside laboratories to coordinate testing and appropriate testing methods.
• Manage the quality assurance team to help collect and analyze data regarding product specifications and testing.
• Assist in internal training and support other staff members to maintain quality programs and generate buy in for companywide food safety culture.
• Conducts verification and/or maintenance of the Food Safety and Quality Systems, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point, Sanitation Standard Operating Procedure, prerequisite programs, manufacturing processes, plant environment, and finished product.
• Work closely with production and sales teams to understand product quality and develop additional products as they become available.
• Respond to customers complaints, initiate corrective actions and preventative measures when necessary.
• Communicate and ensure all personnel are following policies and procedures relating to quality and food safety.
• Investigates and follow up on food safety incidents that occur in the plant to ensure they are reported, and that corrective action and permanent corrections are taken.
• Manage a company-wide SQF program that engages with all levels across the organization and helps maintain SQF standards and lead to successful audits.
• Manages quality assurance staff job results by coaching, counseling, and disciplining employees.
• Collaborates with other members of management to develop new product and engineering designs and manufacturing and training methods.
• Prepares product and process quality reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.
• Achieves financial objectives by preparing the quality assurance budget, scheduling expenditures, analyzing variances, and initiating corrective actions.
• Manage, lead and complete projects to support HACCP, GMP, NASC certification and SQF.
• Manage and lead internal and third-party audits.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Working knowledge and understanding of HACCP, GMP, SQF and other regulated standards regarding food safety and quality.
• A BS in Food Science, Food manufacturing or other Science related degree and 2 years of food processing or manufacturing experience OR 5 years of quality assurance/food safety experience in food-manufacturing. A combination of experience and education will be considered.
• Experience with third party laboratories.
• Strong computer skills and Microsoft Office experience.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail are necessary to identify risks, opportunities, and gaps in the Company's Quality Management Plan.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills are important for effectively communicating with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• FSMA knowledge and/or PCQI certification strongly preferred.
• Experience with leading a team through SQF certification and annual audits strongly preferred.

As a Certified B Corporation®, IND HEMP, LLC uses its business as a force for good, and its passionate support of regenerative agriculture, sustainable business practices, and local community have always been hallmarks of our business. IND HEMP is a proud equal opportunity employer. We value and embrace diversity for the benefit of our employees, our consumers, our products, our community and the planet. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace for everyone.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other factors prohibited by law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

IND HEMP offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, retirement and leave of absence plans. This position requires completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check.