Quality Assurance Manager

Summary:
Reporting directly to the Regional Manager of Quality Assurance, the Quality Assurance Manager will work closely with Operations, Sales, Logistics and Engineering/ Maintenance departments, providing leadership and maintaining the facility Food Safety program, ensuring our products meet or exceed the quality standards and food safety requirements of the Company and our Customers. The QA Manager will lead and mentor QA and Sanitation team members, in order to implement, monitor and follow-up of Quality Assurance strategies and programs required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

- Design, implement, maintain and monitor HAACP program and GFSI Certification (via BRC audit + McDonald’s Addendum).
- Keep Production and Maintenance departments aware of weaknesses and provide plan of action (updates)
- Internal audit to be performed on a monthly basis and presented during weekly managerial meetings
- Maintain and improve quality systems.
- Continuous improvement of HACCP and Food Safety Program (BRC)
- Monitor CCP’s and QA check points - quality checks dictated by customer requirements
- Write and review SOP’s and SSOP’s as per BRC requirements
- Supplier Approval systems - at set frequency, to send out micro analysis of raw ingredients; and monitor suppliers
- Send out, at set frequency, finished product and environmental plates; swabs etc. for micro trending
- Provide immediate feedback to management and supervisors of issues found
- Ensure all finished products meet specifications.
- Monitor customer requirements/specifications by updating in Company software
- Implement and maintain product recall systems.
- Mock recalls done annually
- Identify food safety gaps and provide solutions
- Maintain contact with regulatory agencies and third party auditors.
- Stay up to date with any changes to Regulatory requirements and audit updates
- Keep auditors informed of corrective actions implementation after audits
- Ensure premises meet and exceed sanitation requirements.
- Review current and provide new SSOP’s for sanitation/production
- Monitor cleaning frequencies & trend
- Feedback from Sanitizing suppliers (e.g. ZEP)
- Keep up to date with WHMIS training; MSDS forms re: Sanitizing chemicals
- Work with Production Supervisors to maintain/improve Sanitation procedures (SSOP’s) and make frequent inspections on the line.
- Maintain pest control program and procedures.
- Review report on weekly basis and attain feedback from IPM (integrated pest management) contractor
- Ensure requests are reasonable and practical for implementation
- Direct Pest control technician on trouble areas
- Provide supervision, and assistance for production Staff
- Provide strong leadership and awareness from the Quality Assurance department.
- Provide training for production staff on GMP and HACCP programs.
- Motivate and recognize employees
- Communication of Customers/Consumers complaints to appropriate departments
- Monitor & Investigate Consumer complaints (internal & external)
- Provide company feedback to customer complaints
- Attend Weekly Management Meetings presenting QA issues and work with team on troubleshooting
- Keep Regional QA Manager aware of any problems/issues/concerns
- Other duties and projects as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements:
Education/Certifications:

- Post-secondary education in food science, chemistry or related fields

**Experience**:

- 3-5 years of managerial experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

- Sound knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and GFSI principles and programs
- Excellent computer skills (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Statistical software)
- Good working knowledge of Statistical Process Control in an industrial environment.
- Fast learner, able to multi-task, self-motivated, excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and accuracy of information.
- Positive attitude and professional approach. Positively interact with all plant employees - promote productive relationships based on credibility and trust
- Ability to multi-task and work in a highly organized fashion with attention to
- detail and accuracy.
- Good understanding of production - plant and office procedures.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

- Work involves daily exposure to unusual elements such as dirt, dust, fumes, darkness and/or noise. Seasonal exposure to weather elements include, but are not limited to, extreme temperatures, wetness and humidity.
- Work environment involves daily exposure to physical risks such as working around mechanical equipment, forklifts, chemical hazards, and electrical hazards.
- Position requires the ability to be on your feet for a long extended part of your day, moving equipment up to 50 pounds; reaching and kneeling on a daily basis.
- Requires the ability to see, hear and communicate with associates as well as others by utilizing professional etiquette.
- Personal protective equipment, as defined by C.H. Guenther and Son, will be provided

Expectations:

- Wi