We are working with an international food manufacturer in the Central Valley that is looking for a high-level Sr. Quality Assurance Manager. This role is for someone with a highly technical quality assurance background, strong leadership skills and a solid foundation in dairy processing.  Relocation and a comprehensive and competitive benefits plan is offered!

Location: Tulare County, CA

Job Responsibilities:

• Builds, maintains, and improves the quality management systems
• Assesses food safety/quality risks & recommends mitigation strategies in collaboration with production, sanitation, and plant R/D.
• Utilizes best practices of quality-in-operation by building a strong knowledge of all production processes.
• Assists plant management in developing and implementing plant quality programs and processes.
• Maintains appropriate records that support a robust food safety and other documentation to support compliance with policies and procedures.
• Conducts effective root cause analysis on food safety and quality issues, implements corrective and preventative actions.
• Implements process control limits and applies in-process corrective actions when needed.
• Ensures the performance of service providers such as pest control, uniforms, laundry, etc. are up to standard.
• Oversees environmental control program and ensures correct sampling procedures are implemented.
• Ensures plant programs (sensory, hold/release, shelf life, equipment calibration etc.) are in place and progress is tracked and recorded.
• Prepares the yearly Quality capex document
• Reviews and maintains all product specifications in collaboration with other plant management
• Establishes and enforces quality standards and specifications with vendors in collaboration with Purchasing, R&D, and Corporate Quality.
• Reviews CPM and works cross-functionally to lower them.
• Primary interface with routine & non-routine regulatory agency representatives at the facility.
• Communicates with employees and plant management on regulation changes related to Quality and Food Safety. Ensures a timely and effective regulatory response.
• Ensures there is appropriate documentation and development of local policies to support compliance with policies and procedures.
• Responsible for ensuring the plant is audit ready. Develops and trains a team of internal auditors.  Completes necessary CAPAs and reports post audit.
• Oversees the plant laboratory. Maintains a close working relationship with the Corporate lab partners. Partners with the Lab Manager to ensure all micro and analytical tests are being carried out in a timely manner. Ensures all lab calibrations are in place. Keeps a close working relationship with the external laboratory.
• Partners cross-functionally to ensure appropriate exchange of information between departments and quality employees to ensure quality compliance.
• Collaborates with Corporate Quality in development of plant KPIs and scorecard. Maintains a connection with Groupe Quality Department & Corporate Quality to maintain and gain technical knowledge.
• Manage, train, and develop direct reporting team members through mentoring, coaching and coordination of individual development plans. Provide performance feedback on an ongoing basis. Partner with HR on employee relations issues.

Required Skills/Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, food science, dairy science, or life sciences.   
• 8+ years related experience.  Experience in dairy manufacturing is required
• 5+ years experience leading direct-reporting team members.
• Proficiency with computer software, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Solid knowledge of GFSI, HACCP, US food regulations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, specifically Excel. 
• Demonstrated analytic, problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong organizational skills with proven attention to detail.
• Strong team player and leader with the ability to work with all levels of an organization.
• Strong communication abilities; both written and verbal.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions in a manner consistent with company values and quality principles and regulations.
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) with the ability to influence all levels of the organization. 
• Flexibility to support 24/7 operation
• Travel and/or extended/off-work hours