Our client, a leader in quality organic food products in the vicinity of Chico, CA is seeking a Quality Systems Manager. For over 20 years we have had the privilege of recruiting a variety of positions for this firm. Our client is recognized for valuing its employees & offers an excellent compensation package.
The individual in this position will have expertise in applying progressive quality systems & tools including: FMEA, Six Sigma, SPC, Lean, ISO, Process Audits & other proactive quality management practices, & will be the primary champion for roll-out of these systems company-wide. The efforts of this key individual will enable our client to establish world class quality systems functioning in all areas of support & operations, & be recognized as a leader in their industry.
Responsibilities:
Manage all quality assurance, sanitation, technical services & laboratory functions for the company. Oversee the maintenance of all quality, sanitation, pest control & other pertinent records, including testing, reporting & corrective actions within all production processes.
Provide direction & influence for the development, implementation & continuous improvement of all quality systems.
Assure that all products produced by & for the company are safe for consumption & conform to the intended product design. This includes being responsible for change management & process improvement as the Quality Champion. It also includes certifying co-packers’ & ingredient suppliers’ quality management systems on at least an annual basis.
In partnership with the Manufacturing Division & New Product Team, support the implementation of all new products, line extensions & continuous quality improvement projects including the effective execution of line trials & execution of process capability evaluations.
Oversee compliance with all third party st&ards the company participates in, including but not limited to: organic certification (domestic & foreign), Non-GMO Project, AIB, FDA, USDA, DHS, food labeling laws (domestic & foreign), etc.
Provide technical support & training to production & support departments as they develop, implement & sustain quality systems for their own department’s function.
Provide data analysis of in-process, finished product, & consumer complaints issues & implement corrective & preventive actions. Present quality trend data on a team level for the purpose of informing & problem solving. Take the lead role in improvement opportunities.
Perform process capability & process improvement studies as well as assist in the implementation of corporate driven quality st&ards.
Coach, & support process improvement teams/individuals & department Team Members.
Investigate raw material issues, assure documentation of non-conformities, & review & approve monthly non-conformance report. Assist in the improvement & implementation of the raw material inspection program.
Serve as the Team Leader of the company’s Product Recall Team, including maintaining & updating the recall plan on a regular basis, as well as conducting at least semi-annual mock recalls.
Oversee staff’s safety, security, morale & direction with the aid of the Human Resources Manager & Safety Manager. Ensure that rules & regulations are followed as outlined in the Employee Policies & Procedures Manual, Injury Illness Prevention Plan, & other policies established by the company, as well as conduct meetings regarding same. Adhere to safety programs in order to provide a safe & clean workplace for employees within the regulations of all OSHA local & state regulations. Maintain the safety of equipment, providing preventive maintenance & training programs & oversee all necessary repairs as needed.
Serve as back-up to Vice President of Administration for the Company’s Crisis Communication Program.
Develop operating & capital budgets & establish long-range operating goals. Monitor & operate within the budget.
Skills, Knowledge & Ability:
Bachelor’s Degree in related field, such as Food Science, Quality Management, or similar experience.
Possess excellent managerial, leadership & communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills & ability to teach, coach & implement quality programs are essential. Must be able to communicate at all levels in the organization via oral & written reports.
Certified in Six Sigma, Lean &/or ISO. ASQ Certified Quality Manager preferred.
Min.of 10 years in Quality Systems management.
Extensive knowledge in related food quality st&ards, food production management experience, & HACCP & food safety management.
Knowledge of & experience in trace/recall, critical process measurement, hazard analysis, & product design/specifications.
Excellent problem solving abilities.
Microsoft Office Suite experience required