Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager

POSITION SUMMARY :

Our client is seeking a Manager of Food Safety & Quality Assurance to join their management team. The Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager will fulfill a critical operational role by managing and coordinating the activities of the Quality department.

S / he will assure consistent quality of production by developing and enforcing good manufacturing practice (GMP) systems, validating processes, providing documentation, and adhering to third-party audit regulations.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

Leadership, Training & Communication :

• Understand and perform employee training on all company GMPs, SSOP’s, SOP’s, safety procedures and all other quality processes.
• Develop, enhance, and implement new and / or existing SSOP’s.
• Spend time on the plant floor evaluating processes, inspecting equipment, and building relationships with the team.
• Maintain a no job too big, no job too small attitude.
• Build a strong respect and rapport with the team, at all levels of the organization, and foster a strong food safety and quality culture.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees and managers, including the ability to supervise, provide guidance, effective training, and counsel others.
• Exhibit poise and professionalism in stressful situations and make appropriate decisions.
• Maintain and perform Food Safety Training for all employees.
• Assist with training Quality Control personnel to maintain compliance with quality control standards.
• Coordinate work activities with area supervisors as they pertain to FSQ tasks.

Quality, Food Safety & Sanitation :

• Monitor pre-operational inspections and equipment ATP swabbing.
• Ensure appropriate wet cleaning (including CIP systems) and dry-cleaning methodologies are applied.
• Develop uniformed product and quality specifications, and preventative control programs and other food safety control system programs.
• Review, understand and communicate technical, regulatory, or scientific materials to team members.
• Monitor the status of all lab operations with a focus on maintaining quality standards.
• Monitor the testing of ingredients.
• Monitor and ensure quality standards set by the company for all products being processed.
• Support off-shift questions during breakdowns or any food safety related questions.
• Understand and identify sanitation issues (if any) in relation to the equipment and finished product.
• Ensure that sanitation activities are followed adequately, and all procedures are followed in accordance with company sanitation procedures.
• Manage sanitation activities and establish / improve master sanitation schedule working with the sanitation supervisor.

Compliance, Documentation & Regulations :

• Lead & manage regulatory, third-party, and customer audits.
• Responsible for maintaining all requisite sanitation documentation for successful third-party audits.
• Maintain the Food Safety Programs including, but not limited to, Hazard Analysis Critical, Control Point (HACCP / HARPC), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs) and GMPs.
• Ensure accurate record keeping and document control practices.
• Monitor and ensure compliance to all MDA, FDA, and EEOC requirements.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS :

Education & Experience :

• Bachelor of Science degree, with an emphasis in Food Science, Microbiology, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Dairy Science, or another related field
• 3+ years of experience in a dairy plant or related experience in the food and beverage industry
• Working knowledge of dairy manufacturing operations
• Knowledge of Michigan statutes, laboratory certification requirements, and code of federal regulations
• Knowledge of food microbiology testing and ability to interpret results
• Experience with environmental monitoring programs and effective corrective actions

Certifications & Skills :

• GFSI Certification experience in FSSC 22000 or familiarity with ISO standards is a plus
• Trained in HACCP and PCQI-certified is a plus
• Proficient on computer programs and software required (i.e QT9, Nexcor Kleanz & CAMs)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.)

Physical Requirements :

• Ability to travel to both facilities located in Detroit, MI and to attend industry conferences and visit customers and suppliers, when needed.
• Ability to perform work that requires walking and / or climbing in wet, hot, cold, or dusty environments.
• Able and willing to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays for the 24 / 7 operation.
21 days ago