Director - Quality Assurance - Kerry - Affton

Job description
The position reports jointly to the Operations leader for the Sweet business unit and the global Quality, Health and Safety (QHSE) Officer for Kerry. The position can be located in either Beloit, WI or Affton, MO.

The position requires willingness to travel up to 35%
Accountabilities Manage Quality initiatives across the Sweet business and special projects within the BU and across North America as assigned. Accountable for implementing Global Quality programs that are aligned with the Center of Excellence. Projects may include PSQ analysis and reduction and specification alignment.
• Work with the QA Managers to evaluate/improve workflow, division of responsibilities, and create a resource development plan to support continuing growth.
• Provide Commercialization, product transfer, and ECOR support as needed.
• Oversee PSQ process for business unit, becoming a Subject Matter Expert in analyzing the data and using CAPA on KKM, while demonstrating robust root cause analysis
• Apply statistical tools (CQE)

• Develop subject matter expertise in GQMS, LIMS and PSQ (complaint) reporting portal
• Instill robust corrective action tracking and proactively identify gaps in quality system to minimize customer quality concerns.
• Provide oversight for the successful, aligned implementation of LIMS, and establish a change control process for the future.
• Develop a strong talent development plan for the QA function to support growth.
• Support other quality and food safety initiatives as needed.
Authority
• Lead investigation of root cause on selected high profile or complex customer complaints where dedicated leadership beyond site QA Manager is needed for fast and thorough resolution.
• Resolve difference in specifications between sites and raw material differences. Optimize raw material QC testing based on risk assessment.
• The position has the authority to observe and review quality activities across all Cereal sites to improve workflow, strengthen the team, and establish best practices that extend to other locations.
• The position has the authority to develop, implement and audit programs directly related to projects throughout the Business Unit as assigned by the Senior Director of Quality.

Desired Skills and Experience
Requirements for this position
•Bachelor’s Degree in a Science field required; Masters preferred
•7-10 years Quality experience in food/beverage industry with Direct experience in food chemistry, sensory, microbiology, food packaging systems and/or food engineering
• ASQ Quality Engineer certification (CQE) or equivalent preferred. Candidates must be able to demonstrate competency with statistical analysis.
• Six sigma and/or lean manufacturing experience is desirable
• Proven success in communicating with customers and responding effectively to quality concerns.
• Ability to drive continuous improvement and change management initiatives
• Excellent written and verbal skills
• Organized
• Proficient at Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Must have strong critical thinking ability along with analytical and problem solving skills
• Strong Interpersonal, communication, coaching and conflict management skills
• Ability to travel and build rapport with plant management at multiple sites
Practical experience with the following:
• Quality Systems, HACCP, SOPS, GMPs.
• Root cause analysis, corrective action systems, process mapping, laboratory methods
• Proficient in food safety and environmental monitoring.
Experience with GFSI certifications (SQF, BRC or FS22000)
• Writing and implementing quality policies and procedures
• Sensory evaluation
• Leading and developing a growing QA/QC team

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