Opportunity-our client a major private label baking and snack food company located in the Midwest has an opening for a progressive QA leadercapable of raising the overall consciousness level of quality and food safety throughout the company.

SUMMARY:
 
This position will report directly to the VP of Operations and be responsible for all quality components and standards within the facility and lead R&D / new product development projects.  This includes the facilitation and standardization of all quality processes such as raw  material verification, in-process quality inspection, formula validation, quality assurance, etc.  The position will be responsible for Quality Control Personnel across three shifts and lead improvement initiatives in all aspects as it relates to quality.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead improvement of the current quality assurance process. This includes quality systems review process (QSR), standard operating procedures (SOP's), incoming ingredient inspections, product scoring, addressing field complaints, and developing standardized work instructions.
  
  
• Work with Food Safety Manager to execute SQF Plans to achieve/maintain SQF Level 3 Certification at the facility and to meet all the company’s requirements related to quality program.
  
  
• Create, monitor, and improve current product formulas.
  
• Responsible for improvement of quality department and relating metrics including DPPM, DPMO, waste, and others.
  
  
• Establish departmental goals and execute improvement initiatives to achieve said goals that align with current business objectives. 
  
  
• Manage finished product evaluation system and provide leadership to drive improvements in key customer/consumer Quality attributes.
  
  
• Train personnel and maintain all training records on critical quality requirements. 
• Document and maintain training registry for all employees at the facility.
  
  
• Work closely with production to lead any R&D efforts including the formulation of product and evaluating or creating standard work instructions for the proper production of new items.
  
  
• Oversee monitoring, verification, and validation activities to ensure that all products leaving the facility meet the facility Food Safety and Quality Plans.
  
  
• Provide guidance and leadership in situations where deviations have occurred or a potential risk has been identified related to quality attributes. 
  Implement lean and six sigma tools and teach affected personnel in order to continually evolve department and achieve further success.
  
  
• In the Event of an Absence
  The Sanitation/Food Safety Manager will proceed with doing the essential functions of the job.

REQUIREMENTS:

• MUST have a Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry or related field.  M.S. a (significant plus).
  
  
• MUST have 4+ years of food processing experience.
  
  
• MUST have 3+ years in a Quality Management role with similar responsibilities
  Proven leadership skills and ability to improve cohesion of quality department with other areas.
  
  
• 1+ year experience in new product development in any industry.
  
  
• Ability to initiate and implement improvements with limited resources.
  
  
• Ability to analyze processes for Biological, Chemical, and Physical hazards with a thorough understanding of the science and support behind each type of hazard and each step of a production process.
  
  
• Six Sigma black belt (significant plus).
  
  
• Good problem solving skills and corrective action/resolution skills.  Experience with Corrective Action Systems and must possess very good organizational skills.
  
• Strong computer skills with experience using Word, Excel, Access, Power Point. 
  
• Proven record working as a business partner in a lean manufacturing environment.  (Preferred)
  
  
• Experience in working with decision- makers on business strategies and objectives. (Preferred)
  
  
• Experience with ERP implementation and integration of current quality processes.  (Preferred)

 
In return, the company can offer a competitive benefits package including relocation. This is a bonus eligible position.