Quality Assurance Manager

As employees of a farmer-owned cooperative, we come to work every day trying to honor the tireless effort and care these farming families put in every day, all day, 365 days a year. Our farmer-owners tend to think in generations, with some of our farms being run by the same families for over a century. We carry this approach into our business, knowing that each and every one of us makes a difference in allowing these generational traditions to continue, taking pride in knowing that we nourish our friends, neighbors, nation, and even the world with healthy and delicious dairy products. Our products include milk, flavored milk, yogurt, dip, sour cream, cottage cheese, Italian cheese, and ice cream mix marketed under the Upstate Farms®, Bison®, Milk for Life®, and Intense Milk® brands.

SUMMARY

Will manage all Plant Quality Assurance activities to assure compliance with both Upstate Niagara Cooperative Inc. and regulatory requirements. Responsible for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Sanitation Practices (GSP), quality of conformity, and quality of services. Position reports directly to the Manager Corporate Quality Assurance with functional reporting to the Plant Manager. Participates as a member of the Plant’s management team and will represent Corporate Quality Assurance at the Plant level.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Local Responsibilities (For Plant):

1. Together with Plant Manager and Plant Management Team will develop and implement a Plant Quality Plan. Plan should include defined role of the quality function within the facility and communication of that role to all facility associates to assure continuous improvement.
2. Will assume the responsibility of facility SQF Practitioner. Will be responsible for maintaining SQF Level 3 certification and managing continuous improvement programs.
3. Will continually review and audit manufacturing procedures to ensure that all operations are in compliance with established practices and procedures. Will immediately bring any nonconformances to the attention of the appropriate individuals and assure that corrective actions are taken and are effective.
4. Will be familiar with Federal and State regulatory requirements and will be responsible for ensuring that the facility is in compliance. Should be continually aware of new requirements and regulations. Will be responsible for representing the facility during inspections and audits with customers and regulatory agencies.
5. Will maintain, update, and enforce all Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines through coordination with Plant Management and Corporate Quality Assurance.
6. To work effectively with Plant Management and Corporate Quality Assurance to establish and validate all sanitation practices and perform periodic audits to assure compliance. May assist in the evaluation of new products and techniques which may be more effective for the company.
7. Will review and maintain all product specifications. Will establish systems for controlling and documenting release, holds and disposition of all products manufactured at the facility.
8. To provide overall leadership for the facility laboratory. Will work closely with the Laboratory Associates and Lab Supervisor to assure that all personnel are appropriately trained and supervised. May be required to perform analyses and participate in routine laboratory activities as necessary.
9. Work with Production Associates to establish procedures for quality assessments of incoming goods and raw materials. Will work with Purchasing personnel to establish and enforce quality standards and specifications on such goods with vendors.
10. To establish Quality Department budget with support documentation. Will be required to periodically analyze and report on budget status for Quality Department.
11. Will establish and continually monitor the effectiveness of training programs for Operations and Quality personnel.

* In the absence of QA Manager, the Assistant QA Manager will assume his/her duties

Global Responsibilities (For Corporate Quality Assurance):

1. Implement programs in support of Upstate Niagara Commitment To Product Excellence
2. Establishment of Plant Quality Metrics in cooperation with Corporate Quality Assurance.
3. Issuance of weekly Plant Quality report.
4. Represent Plant in weekly and quarterly Quality Committee meetings.
5. Establish and maintain log of concessions and provide effective communication of concessions to Corporate Quality.
6. Design and implement quality programs as required by Corporate Quality. Such programs include Hold Policy, Recall Policy, Pathogen Testing Program, Customer Complaint Resolution Program, HACCP Program.

Supervisor Responsibilities:

Manages all Plant Quality Assurance personnel to assure compliance with both Upstate Niagara and regulatory requirements. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of this unit. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; addressing complaints and resolving issues.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from a four-year college or university in Food, Dairy, or Natural Sciences; and five to seven years related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education (Minimum AAS) and experience. Experience should include active involvement in Quality Programs in the Food and Beverage industry. Knowledge of ISO Quality Management Systems, HACCP, and statistical process control is desired. Previous supervisory experience required and strong personal computer skills are preferred.

Language Skills:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from group managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is frequently required to speak or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, reach with hands and arms, and climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 55 pounds. Specific vision abilities of this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Pay:

$71,000 to $100,000.00 per year

*The salary range indicated in this posting represents the minimum and maximum of the salary range for this position. Actual salary will vary depending on factors including, but not limited to, budget available, prior experience, knowledge, skill and education as they relate to the position’s qualifications, in addition to internal equity. The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.