Duties of Position 

• Assures that all materials used for new and already confirmed products have needed requirements met and are of the highest possible quality;
• Improve, develop, implement, and maintain an effective Quality Assurance program to include comprehensive GMP program: Chemical Control Program, Allergen Control, Kosher, Operational Methods and Personnel Practices, Cleaning and sanitation practices, preventive Maintenance and Repair, etc.;
• Assists in making decisions when product quality and food safety issues are encountered. As necessary, helps determine the need for and assist in product recalls;
• Lead in developing and maintaining Preventive Controls program and Food Safety Plan;
• Oversees daily/weekly/monthly/annual analytical testing of products to develop QC spec parameters and analyses is current—utilizing outside laboratories when necessary;
• Supports cross functional team and manages product scrutinization, sensory evaluation, and reformulation of current products;
• Assists in product, packaging, label, and website QA related reviews;
• Assists in training new and current team members;
• Fostering company culture in decisions and trainings;
• Coordinates, supports and trains QA staff members so that they are prepared to achieve success in all areas of their given functions;
• Is mindful of raw material management, its cost and value and its aging process;
• Primarily responsible for Raw Material and pre-ship approval;
• Maintains awareness of the business context and company profitability, including budgetary control issues;
• Helps assess the product specifications of the company, its suppliers, and compares and assesses changing customer requirements;
• Responsible for Organic program, oversees maintenance of organic products and certification;
• Works with purchasing staff to establish quality requirements and product specifications from external suppliers and ensuring all required documentation is maintained;
• Assists when needed with compliance on domestic, international, and other certification and legislation standards;
• Maintains awareness of new or changing industry and regulatory initiatives and requirements and works with upper management or necessary personnel to apply changes and requirements;
• Defines and documents quality procedures in conjunction with staff;
• Ensures tests and procedures are properly understood, administered and evaluated and that product modifications are investigated if necessary;
• Primary contact for QA related customer complaints;
• Inclined to continuous improvement, drives results and assists in problem solving/root cause investigations of quality and food safety related production problems;
• Foster and promote safe working environment for self and others;
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Become knowledgeable of ALL products produced at the company.
• Competing products in the market.
• Project Management
• Strategic planning and execution
• Change Management

Skills

• Communicates (verbally, and written) with a high level of professionalism. 
• Multi-Tasking with strong time-management skills.
• Highly organized.
• Identify and resolve conflicts in a timely manner.

Abilities

• Recommends new approaches, policies, and procedures which that are beneficial to the QA function.
• Solves complex issues and works effectively under tight deadlines.
• Ability to manage QA technicians assigned to them.
• Interfaces with all levels of employees within the organization.
• Able to work both independently and within a team environment.
• Work within established organizational policies and regulations.
• Work safely without endangering self or others.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None at this time

Working Conditions

This position requires employee to work in multiple environments which include office and warehouse. Must be able to lift a minimum of 20lbs. At times, employee will be subject to extended sitting and or standing.  In the warehouse setting, employee will be required to use all applicable safety equipment which include but are not limited to eye safety glasses, hearing protectors, etc. Ability to use equipment such as scales, thermometers, and other relevant laboratory equipment.

Education/Training & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or directly related field.
• Two (2) to three (3) years of proven and relevant work experience, preferably in a food manufacturing setting.
• Extensive experience with FDA, AIB, HACCP , HARPC, SQF
• Proficient with MS Office
• X-3 Software

Certifications/Licenses

• PCQI certification required or complete with 1 year of joining
• FSVP certification required or complete with 1 year of joining