Director of Quality Assurance

On behalf of our client, Smith Provision Co., Inc., located in Erie, Pennsylvania, Decision Associates is seeking applicants for the position of Director of Quality Assurance. Smith Provision Co., Inc. produces premium quality wieners, sausages, deli meats, bacon, and award-winning hams. Founded in 1927, Smith Provision Co., Inc. is a 4th generation, family owned and operated USDA inspected meat processing manufacturing facility which employs 59 full-time individuals.

Working at their manufacturing facility in Erie, the Director of Quality Assurance is a vital position for ensuring established food quality and food safety standards are consistently upheld. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the QA department, supervising the Quality Assurance Technician, and collaborating with the management and production teams.

This position is 100% on-site and would require the successful candidate to relocate to the Erie area if not already residing within commuting distance. 

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, direct, and enforce food safety/food quality standards
• Act as liaison between Smith’s and USDA/FSIS, SQF, and other quality assurance auditors and inspectors
• Responsible for Global Food Safety initiatives (GFSI) and all associated programs (SQF, HAACP, etc.), recordkeeping, audit preparation and engagement, and maintaining the integrity of these programs
• Develop and deliver all employee training related to food quality/food safety
• Monitor all pre-operational and operational processes and procedures to ensure good manufacturing practices
• Direct and coordinate quality specifications for raw materials while also assisting with purchasing/receiving of raw materials
• Analyze and develop product specifications and recommends necessary changes
• Manage, coach, and develop Quality Assurance Technician and other employees in production facility while also creating cross-training opportunities for those with an interest in QA function

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a science or food safety/quality related discipline and will possess a minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar role.
• HACCP Certification required, SQF Certification required, SQF Practitioner or the ability to obtain this credential
• Excellent critical thinking skills and written/verbal communication skills, highly organized and detail-oriented
• Strong analysis/mathematical skills related to interpreting data and applying knowledge gained, adept at working with pathogen modeling software
• Experience with data logging software and Microsoft Office suite is required
• Physical requirements include ability to use hands/fingers, reaching, tasting, smelling, up-close vision, color vision, and ability to focus vision. Employee is required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as well as periodically sitting, climbing, or balancing. Occasional lifting or moving of items up to 10 lbs. required

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• 401k with company contribution
• Life insurance
• Short-term disability
• Paid time off/paid holidays
• Cell phone reimbursement

Smith Provision Co., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.