Job description
Position Summary:
The Director of Quality Assurance is responsible for developing and implementing Quality Assurance initiatives to support the Company’s operations and goals. This includes providing content, structure, and formalized implementation of the Food Safety and Quality programs needed to produce a safe and quality product.
Responsibilities:
1) Perform independent GMP and Food Safety reviews of Company’s copackers and suppliers. Review and validate Third-Party Audit documentation from co-packers and suppliers to assure compliance with industry best practices, regulatory requirements, and Global Food Safety Standards.
2) Work under direction of SVP Culinary Operations to develop and implement detailed Finished Product Specifications. Sampling and quality evaluation of finished food products will be conducted on a standardized and regular basis.
3) Work with copackers to manage ongoing copacker supplier performance under a formal Supplier Certification Program, including qualification or disqualification of copacker vendors and detailed quality performance metrics.
4) Manage multiple Identity-Preserved Programs related to the Company’s finished products. Ongoing liaison with key Third Party Certifiers and detailed recordkeeping will be key to maintaining the integrity of these programs.
5) Evaluate co-packer non-conformance related to ingredients, process specifications and finished products to identify root causes and make recommendations to improve designs and processes. Follow-through to assure continuous improvement and corrective actions will be a key to this position, in conjunction with regular onsite evaluation of copacker performance.
6) Design and implement Standard Operating Procedures to assure control and documentation of protocols and procedures throughout the Distribution Supply Chain.
7) In close teamwork with SVP Culinary Operations, perform capability assessments of suppliers and co-packers related to their ability to meet specifications, volume, and other Company-specific criteria.
8) Review current food safety documentation and literature, and advise management on all issues associated with regulatory, quality and food safety compliance.
9) Design, test and maintain formal product recall policies and procedures for the Company.
10) Assist SVP Culinary Operations with other key technical functions such as product Nutrition Facts Panels, Ingredient Decks, regulatory compliance of food labels, etc.
Desired Skills and Experience
The ideal candidate has at least 5 years’ experience with manufacturing frozen or refrigerated food products for retail, and is a detail-oriented, self-starter with the ability to work independently. Candidate must be a skilled communicator who is able to convey information, ideas, and policy to all levels within the organization. BS in Food Science or related degree required, with a minimum of two years’ Quality Assurance experience in USDA-inspected facilities. Additional experience with SQF, BRC, or similar food safety systems a plus. This position reports to the Senior Vice President of Culinary Operations.
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