Quality Manager

Job Summary Reporting to the COO, the Quality Manager will ensure all quality standards and current procedures meet or exceed regulations for GMPs as well as the standards set by the USDA and our Contract Manufacturing clients. Responsibilities Ensures quality and productivity goals are met on a daily basis Manages and leads the activities of the Quality Department to ensure the highest level of quality. Ensures that all manufacturing, packaging, testing, storage and distribution activities are performed in conformance to USDA, SQF, Customer Specific and company policies and/or standard operating procedures. Writes, maintains, and self-audits the quality management system to ensure compliance and change management. Promotes quality achievement and performance improvement across the organization through the establishment and maintenance of KPIs. Maintains a constant awareness of the business context and company profitability. Understands and participates in budgeting, manpower planning and forecasting and managing expenditures. Responsible for interviewing, hiring, training, development, coaching, disciplining and performance appraisals for employees within the department. Ensures workforce is well trained to provide seamless and timely delivery of service. Oversees quality investigations for root cause and CAPA determination. Accountable for troubleshooting problems through to resolution, escalating as necessary. Works closely with all departments to ensure staff are working in compliance with internal policies and procedures, external client expectations and GMPs. Hosts regulatory and client audits and assumes responsibility for ensuring that stakeholders are included in proposals for corrective actions. Communicates with and responds to Customer inquiries. Verifies contractor quality requirements are specified to vendors and contractor documentation submittals. Works with Project Managers to develop project schedules and resource allocation models for QA related projects and other activities. Fulfills the duties of a Manager under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, including, safety, violence and harassment laws. Manages confidential information/documentation as required by policies. Reviews records, reports, documents to comply with Company operational expectations. Identifies initiatives to improve team work, morale, cost savings, shift performance and reduced labor cost. Assume additional related responsibilities as required. Education and Experience A Bachelor's Degree in Science or Engineering or relevant experience in Food Packaging/Manufacturing. Minimum 5+ years' Quality Management Experience in a Food Manufacturing Environment. 5+ years of experience in Quality Assurance methodologies and policies. 5+ years of experience as a manager and strong leadership skills. Previous audit experience and/or lead auditor training. Working knowledge of applicable USDA, GMP and 3rd Party Auditing Standards.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Proven track record in driving Continuous Quality Improvement in a food manufacturing environment. Experience in developing and monitoring Quality Department budgets. Comfortable with being directly involved in a fast-paced production environment. Proven ability to delegate and follow-up on tasks assigned to Team Members. Strong interpersonal and communication skills - both written and verbal with the ability to develop relationships at all levels in the organization. Strong organizational, administrative and analytical skills - sound business judgment and a proactive approach to problem solving. Goal focused with demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks/projects in a fast-paced environment with a high attention to detail. Able to troubleshoot issues, anticipate problems and make logical decisions. Ability to interpret financial spreadsheet information. Previous experience with warehouse systems such as Red Prairie and Pack Manager an asset. Comfortable working within strict deadlines and under pressure while maintain a professional demeanor. Able to lift 50 pounds. Able to work normal and/or extended (evenings, nights, weekends, holidays) office hours to meet established deadlines. Able to travel independently to support Company objectives and personal development.