Director of Quality

Job Overview

• Direct and manage the Quality Assurance (QA), Quality Control (QC), and Laboratory departments to ensure consistent adherence to meet the demands of a busy production environment without any process interruptions and 24/7 compliance with regulatory and organizational standards.
• Develop and communicate strategic direction for the department in anticipation of evolving FDA/GFSI regulatory requirements.
• Responsible for maintaining certification standards by updating and maintaining the Food Safety & Quality System by training, auditing, and maintenance of QA related documents, as well as reassessment and validation of policies and procedures. Additional responsibility is to ensure that all facilities are clean, sanitized and Food safety & Quality compliant.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Initiates, defines, implements, maintains, and enforces manufacturing procedures, HACCP manual, GMP's and SOP's to continuously improve manufacturing quality, sanitation, and safety.
• Acts as the backup SQF Practitioner with responsibility to lead the development and implementation of food safety & Quality fundamentals and the food safety plan and food quality plan.
• Acts as the backup Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) with responsibility to oversee or perform preparation of the Food Safety & Quality Plan, validation of the preventive controls, records review, reanalysis of the Food Safety & Quality Plan, and other activities as appropriate to the food.
• Oversee the development, implementation, review, maintenance and ensure the integrity of the SQF system.
• Report food safety and quality issues to Plant management and SQF
• Follow PIM Brands GMP rules.
• Monitor fellow employees for adherence to GMP?s.
• Evaluate and authorize packaging deviations, as well as approve finished product and bulk material specifications.
• Provide leadership and oversight for the Colors and Flavor Production Department, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance with quality standards.
• Serve as the Redzone (Integrated Production Management System) Administrator for the Compliance Module, ensuring accurate data governance and system integrity.
• Act as the business-side lead for SAP Quality Management System (QMS) implementation and upgrade initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with Welch Foods Inc., PIM corporate headquarters, and internal cross functional teams to reduce consumer complaints through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Promote food safety & quality achievement and performance improvement throughout the manufacturing process.
• Ensure product safety & quality compliance objectives and ensure that target is met throughout the entire process.
• Identify relevant food safety & quality-related training needs.
• Interface with licensees ensuring compliance with customer specifications and/or execution of corrective plan.
• Review QC and manufacturing reports for compliance with specifications.
• Assist R&D and manufacturing with project management oversight as needed.
• Monitor, lead and maintain all QC procedures in conjunction with production staff.
• Support sanitation department in validation and review of programs. Responsible for air and water monitoring program.
• Carry out all QC/QA directives as they pertain to plant cleaning and sanitation.
• Ability to work additional hours as needed.

Education, Experience, and Training

• Bachelor's degree in biological science chemistry, microbiology, food science or manufacturing strongly preferred.
• Master?s Degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years? experience in QA/QC, food laboratory and/or food and beverage production required.
• Experience in the implementation of SQF Program.
• HACCP and SQF Certified.
• Food industry experience required.
• Computer proficiency and skills in EXCEL, Word, Microsoft Office and other software programs
• Must possess excellent analytical, problem solving and organizational skills.
• Willing to be trained.
• Ability to read, speak, and write English is essential, fluent in Spanish and/or English are preferred.

Work Environment

Office setting. When on the plant floor it is representative of a large, busy manufacturing operation. Noisy, active, objects on the floor, constant movement and traffic flow of motorized equipment. Hair net, beard net, assigned work uniform, protective eye wear and gloves are among the GMP required apparel that must be worn, if indicated, on the plant floor.

Physical Demands/Essential Job Functions

Standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, kneeling and crouching. Manual dexterity of hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, and controls. Lifting and moving of objects weighing at least 30 lbs. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated and considered to enable an individual to perform the essential job functions.