Quality Assurance Manager

Location:Visalia 12310 Avenue 368 | Visalia | CA | 93291

Compensation:$90,000 - $103,000 annually and bonus potential

Job Summary

The QA Manager - Visalia will ensure compliance with Quality programs with Safe Quality Food certification as well as conformance to all product specifications and processes. Management of the Fruit QA Supervisor and the team of juice technicians and oil technicians and Plant Hygienist. In the absence of the QA Manager, the Director of Quality will be responsible for their job tasks

What you will do in your role

• Food Safety is the responsibility of all Ventura Coastal manufacturing employees. All Ventura Coastal manufacturing employees must be aware of CCPs in their area and how to document them appropriately. All staff must report food safety and quality problems to their immediate supervisor or the supervisor in charge during their shift.
• Responsible for CCP #1 (Pasteurization) review of documentation and a secondary check on compliance with critical limits.
• Responsible for CCP #2 (Filtration) review of documentation.
• Responsible for CCP #3 (Tanker Inspection) review of documentation and a secondary check on compliance with JPA guidelines.
• Responsible for CCP #4 (Packaging) review of documentation.
• Maintain daily process of SQF systems at the Visalia facility
• Develop a daily process for inspecting and reviewing lab and plant cleanliness, order, GMPs, paperwork, etc.
• Manage HACCP, Kosher, and Halal paperwork and assist with certifications
• Maintain all daily activities of the quality systems as required, such as: HACCP, Recall Plan, GMP's, Pre-Op inspections, Supplier Development, Raw and Finished Product specifications, Food Security, Glass and Brittle Plastic Policy, Rework Policy, Hold Program, Customer Complaint Program, Allergen Control, etc.
• Utilize the MRP program, SAGE, which houses all the production and quality data for the company; pull reports and gain knowledge from evaluating and ensuring the accuracy of the data.
• Respond back to internal departments regarding their inquiries and requests for documentation
• Investigate customer complaints, document and follow up with corrective actions.
• Manage the Fruit QA Supervisor and assist in development of the entire team
• Work closely with Plant Hygienist and Production Management to drive changes throughout the organization regarding ever more superior quality
• Develop a strong Quality review program to include COA's, testing, Hold/Release, accuracy, etc.
• With the Director, Quality Assurance, respond to any regulatory agency such as FDA, Tulare County Public Health or State agency about food safety or audits.
• Drive consistent and reliable results throughout the Tipton quality organization
• Utilize Statistical Process Control methods of looking at data to drive improvement
• Participate in monthly GMP inspections and internal audits with the Plant Hygienist; Prepare and distribute results; follow up with corrective actions
• Ability to effectively organize and lead RCA sessions for quality investigations
• Promote a safety culture and participate in Safety inspections as scheduled
• Demonstrate reliable attendance, consistent punctuality, and a positive attitude always.
• Act professionally towards customers, auditors, visitors, vendors, and co-workers.
• Perform other duties as required and assigned.

What you will bring to the role

• Undergraduate degree in food science, microbiology, chemistry, or a related field is required for this position, and an advance degree would be considered an asset.
• Minimum of 5-8 years of increasing responsibility and effectiveness in Quality in the food manufacturing sector of which at least 4 years in a management role.
• Must have experience in successfully implementing SQF in a food manufacturing business with certification achieved.
• Must be HACCP Certified, preferably SQF
• Must be SQF Practitioner Certified
• Strong organization, prioritization and attention to detail skills are required. Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and adapt to changing organizational and operational priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills appropriate to build consensus throughout the entire Quality team. Must be able to communicate and train employees on new requirements.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Products: Outlook Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.

The physical requirements of the role

• The ability to meet flexible and changing priorities and the ability to work under pressure is a must. Standing, walking, climbing ladders 30% of the time in a normal citrus manufacturing plant environment. Normal laboratory environment 30% of the time. Computer and desk work 40% of the time.
• Some lifting of 25lbs may be required.
• Travel is expected approximately 10% of the time.