Director of Quality Assurance (Food Manufacturing)

Tasty Brands/TRACCO is a well-established, fast growing national company that is focused on providing great tasting, nutritious food for K12 school foodservice customers and private brands of selected retailers. With a focus on collaboration, best practices, and continuous improvement, we are looking for people who want to join us for a long career and be part of a great success story. Our most successful people are self-starters, work well in collaboration with others, see the big picture and like to win.

We have an outstanding team of motivated professionals who work well together in a fun and team spirit type atmosphere. Our mission is driven by our core values – urgency, accountability, proactivity, teamwork, and integrity. We are looking for the next “great fit” to join our growing team!

Overview

The Director of Quality Assurance will be responsible for managing the plant's Quality Control and Quality Assurance programs and ensuring compliance with company, customer and government procedures. This role will be inspecting and auditing the operation in all phases of quality performance (raw materials, production, packaging, distribution, HACCP, GMP’s, etc.)

The Director of Quality Assurance must have a thorough knowledge and understanding of food manufacturing, processes, and procedures, and thorough knowledge and understanding of microbiology and raw material programs to assess and make appropriate decisions in a fast-paced environment. Strong ability to demonstrate leadership skills for building a strong department as well as supporting existing programs and creating new ones.

Essential Duties and responsibilities

• Carry out QC policies, procedures, and directives in the development of and compliance with company, customer, and government expectations while providing feedback and required follow up to ensure proper corrective action.
• Guide the plant's SQF certification program.
• Develop and maintain HACCP plan and train plant personnel on quality programs.
• Communicates to USDA regarding preoperational or operational inspections.
• Develop and maintain quality control systems/programs such as Pest Control, Self-Inspection, Supplier Management, Safety, Microbio Testing and Defense.
• Conduct pre-shipment review, CCP’s, validation studies, report on deficiencies for GMP’s, HACCP and SSOP’s.
• Perform microbiological tests on finished products, environmental and direct food contact surfaces.
• Apply total quality management tools and approaches to analytical and reporting processes within each department.
• Direct inspection and testing activities to ensure continuous control over materials, facilities, and products.
• Investigate and responds to Customer complaints. Implement changes (if necessary) and write corrective actions for complaints.
• Work with Plant manager and Sanitation manager to ensure proper housekeeping and maintenance of facility, equipment, and grounds.
• Work with vendors to ensure quality of all purchased product, associated equipment and materials meet established quality standards.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Computer skills, analytical, equipment and food-processing equipment.
• Knowledge of quality control processes related to the food-processing industry.
• Knowledge of quality process control and HACCP, SSOP and SOP.
• Experience working with SQF facilities and Ready to eat (RTE) items a must and meat processing preferred.
• Knowledge of USDA and FDA standards.
• Self-starter, motivator, goal-oriented and a strategic thinker.
• Good organizational and communication skills both verbally and written.
• Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from four-year accredited College or university
• Five plus years of quality control experience; in a food-manufacturing environment
• HACCP Certified (preferred)
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local laws.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), 401(k) match, Aflac, PTO, Free life insurance, Paid Holidays, and more.