Quality Assurance Manager (National Frozen Foods) - Chehalis, WA

Reports to: Plant Manager

Annual Salary: $90,000 - $100,000 depending on experience

Benefits: Permanent, fulltime position benefits include medical, dental, and vision on the first of the month following 30 days of employment. Upon qualifying, eligible for paid vacation, 10 paid holidays, paid sick leave, jury duty, bereavement leave, 401k + matching, and Life Insurance. Employee Assistance Program and paid sick leave are available from the start of employment.

Position Description:

This position directs and coordinates the Quality Assurance department to ensure consistent quality production of all products in compliance with Company and customer standards and Federal/State regulations. Supervises Quality Control and Microbiological staff to evaluate and certify the quality of processed/packaged products. Assists, organizes and audits product quality and food safety programs throughout entire process. Oversees complete and accurate recordkeeping of all facets of the quality program. Monitors production methods, in-process product quality, product risk-management and product safety. Investigates and responds to customer complaints.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for implementation, review and maintenance of the Quality Programs.
• To ensure compliance and stay current with policies of Federal and State regulatory agencies, as well as NOP, Kosher, and HALAL compliances.
• Schedules and participates in audits by government, buyers and independent agencies.
• Ensures compliance and complies with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Ensures compliance and complies with GMP, BRC and company guidelines to produce a safe and quality product.
• Serves on the Safety and Food Safety Committees and as HACCP Team Coordinator. Conducts and initiates inspections of all plant areas for sanitation and safety purposes under HACCP guidelines.
• Direct and supervise the quality grading lab, receiving lab and microbiological lab for all raw/ processed/packaged products to assure specifications are met within the desired levels of productivity, safety and quality.
• Develops and updates all grading procedures and specifications used by lab technicians.
• Monitors completion of job assignments to ensure compliance with standards and instructions and revises instructions and time frames as necessary.
• Receives and reviews all quality control records. Maintains proper filing for data recall.
• Develops, reviews and maintains Quality Systems Manual for accurate and complete information while updating documentation within required frequencies.
• Responsible for acquiring equipment/supplies for QC, Receiving and Microbiological laboratories.
• Inventory control and management of interplant movements, product usage, quality holds, and distressed products.
• Works with customers to complete supplier document requirements.
• Communicates and works with all departments to ensure sanitary design.
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.
• Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
• Oversees all aspects of training and compliance, ensures that needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the QA departments are provided.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on the principles, practices and new developments in assigned work areas.
• Assists in, or recommends hiring or department transfers.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications and Competencies:

• Bachelor's degree in food science preferred or equivalent related experience
• Two years of experience managing or supervising employees, including coaching to develop skills or resolve conflicts
• Thorough knowledge of USDA grading standards
• HACCP and PCQI certified preferred
• Integrity, ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks
• Possess strong communication skills at plant level, corporate office and with customers
• Ability to prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and skill under the pressure of production environment and time sensitive deadlines to effectively manage down time situations