Director of Quality Assurance

State Garden Inc. has been a leader in the produce business for over 75 years, known for our commitment to high-quality products. From our roots as a family-run celery business, we have grown into a top supplier of organic and conventional tender leaf greens, spinach, and celery hearts. Our brands, Simple Beginnings and Olivia's Organics, reflect our dedication to providing convenient and wholesome products for all consumers. The Director of Quality will facilitate efficient operations by planning, leading, and implementing quality assurance (QA) programs. This position is responsible for maintaining and providing documentation such as Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), manuals, policies, procedures, and trainings for food safety and quality requirements. This position oversees the Quality Assurance (QA) department and has in-depth knowledge of Food Defense, and Safe Quality Food (SQF) practices. Duties Assures quality processes are established and followed. Maintains, adheres and enforces that all employees adhere to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regarding GMPs, SQF, and HACCP. Understands and monitors the various aspects of the production process to ensure food safety and product integrity. Works with the QA team to satisfy the requirements of the SQF 2000 code. Creates and maintains the SQF registers. Works cross-functionally with the Training department to conduct routine training sessions as needed. Ensure annual refresher training is updated, maintained, and completed (i.e. GMP, Food Safety, Food Defense, HACCP Training, department specific job-related training, and sanitation). Drives the Annual Document Control Review, which includes document creation, document approval process (i.e. Change Control), uploading documents to SharePoint, and managing all documents. Assists in writing and implementing appropriate policies to improve manufacturing process, the quality of goods produced, standard operating procedures, and OPLs; Helps in the development and implementation of departmental training programs and any training programs related to Quality Control/Food Safety functions. Trains and verifies training effectiveness of all QA personnel. Leads, mentors, and develops QA managerial and supervisory staff, to ensure all QA duties are properly executed on a routine basis. Manages employee relations situations and brings them to an appropriate endpoint in a timely manner. Works with QA managers and supervisors to develop the QA staffing schedule; ensures all shifts are appropriately staffed and covered daily; Communicates staffing needs to Agencies or SG Human Resources as scoped and needed. Reviews and approves team members request for PTO and HOLBK; Reviews timecards and punches for accuracy; prepares time for payroll. Leads HACCP Team, Food Defense Team, and Food Safety Team to develop, review, and verify plans, and internal audits. Plan, manage, and coordinate quality related activities. Helps to maintain an audit-ready facility. Documents and corrects any unusual occurrences and/or deviations. Actively participates and is a member for the Innovations and New Customers Team. May collect and evaluate production samples, ensuring that materials and products meet acceptable quality and integrity standards. Maintains records of test results, defects identified, and other key metrics related to quality control. Facilitates communication amongst the QA, production, shipping and receiving departments, as well as management. Guides documentation of critical quality data and maintains logs, records, and other documentation of testing procedures, methodologies, and criteria. Analyzes quality control results and offers feedback and interpretations of those results to production management or staff. Monitors and periodically reports on production quality, nonconformance, trends, and underlying causes of defects in products or processes. Ceases production when serious product defects or risks arise. Maintains knowledge of trends, developments, and technological advances in the applicable industry and in the quality control field. Implements in-process product inspection standards and develop testing methods and procedures. Collaborates and establishes standards for the disposition of finished product by developing evaluation methods, and procedures. Institutes rewrap standards by devising inspection and physical testing methods and procedures. Creates product quality documentation system by writing and updating quality assurance procedures. Collaborates with other members of management to develop new product and engineering designs and manufacturing and training methods. Achieves financial objectives by preparing the quality assurance budget, scheduling expenditures, analyzing variances, and initiating corrective actions. Performs other related duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities Directly responsible for supervising 3 to 6 direct reports Hiring of QA staff. Oversees the daily workflow and schedules of the department. Manages performance; Conducts performance evaluations that are constructive. Handles discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policy. Qualifications Bachelors degree in related industrial, scientific, or business field required; Masters degree preferred. At least five to ten years of related experience in food manufacturing and production required. HACCP certification and food defense training required. Experience working with USDA, FDA, and local health officials required. Experience working with a Global Food Safety/Quality Management System. SQF Practitioner level preferred or required to successfully complete SQF Practitioner course. Job Type: Fulltime Pay: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year 401(k) Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Paid time off Seniority level Director Employment type Fulltime Job function Quality Assurance Industries Food and Beverage Manufacturing #J-18808-Ljbffr