Quality Services Manager

There has never been a more exciting time to join Request Foods. We’ve been selling products to many of the world’s leading food companies, retailers and restaurants for over 35 years. A privately owned and financially sound company, we do our best to run our business based on Christian values. Whether it’s cooking up great tasting food, assisting in customer support, providing quality and production leadership, or supporting administrative or technical activities, a career at Request Foods is a great opportunity. At Request, we’ve achieved success by treating our employees with integrity, trust and respect. If you’re passionate about food, and the people who help produce it, then Request Foods might just be for you.

Request Foods is seeking a Quality Services Manager who will beresponsible for ensuring that all products meet the highest standards of food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. This role involves developing and implementing quality control programs at the facility, verifying proper execution of program expectations, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to address quality and food safety issues. The manager also oversees training programs for staff on quality control procedures and expectations, manages customer communication regarding facility quality and food safety, and drives continuous improvement initiatives. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, training, and a deep understanding of food safety regulations are essential for success in this role.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Partner with plant management to lead by example and provide the resources to drive a food safety culture throughout the facility.
• Develop Quality Control Team Leads to empower them to make quick and effective decisions during operations.
• Develop and implement methods for monitoring key food safety aspects at the facility.
• Lead the Food Defense team
• Partner with other functional areas to enhance overall business solutions (food safety, operations, maintenance, procurement, sales, logistics, human resources) while integrating quality and food safety excellence into all aspects of the business process (measure success in terms of their success).
• Monitor and analyze quality performance metrics, develop solutions where there is room for improvement, and present findings with solutions to senior management.
• Intentionally develop Quality Control Team Leaders, and departmental team members.
• Develop and implement quality assurance policies and procedures to ensure compliance with food safety regulations (e.g., FDA, USDA) and industry standards. Facilitate the GFSI audit at each facility.
• Assure that QA/QC programs, reporting and documents are reviewed and followed up appropriately.
• Assure elements of programs are being followed (e.g. x-ray validations, CN scale calibrations, product shipments at infrequent intervals, etc.) to meet and exceed customer requirements.
• Conduct regular audits and inspections of the production process, raw materials, and finished products to identify areas for improvement and ensure adherence to quality standards.
• Oversee the calibration and maintenance of quality inspection equipment and ensure proper functioning.
• Implement appropriate KPIs to lead the quality team toward future goals and objectives.

Key Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in food science, Biology, Chemistry or a related field accompanied by a proven track record in quality assurance and quality control in the food manufacturing industry.
• 10+ years of experience in food manufacturing
• 5+ active years in an influential leadership role with demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional and cross-cultural teams. A people over profit relationship-based leadership style.
• Experience in strategic objective goal setting to drive increased operational performance.
• Advanced analytical, problem solving, negotiating, and communicating skills.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to balance multiple tasks with tight timeframes along with a high level of personal initiative and motivation.
• Knowledge of current USDA/FDA regulations and can research resources to best understand regulatory changes.
• Possess food safety related certifications: HACCP, PCQI 2.0, Food Defense Coordinator, etc.
• Experience managing external audits with GFSI, customer, vendors and regulatory agencies.
• Having a keen attention to detail, ability to prioritize, follow instructions and follow through on projects to achieve wanted results.

Benefits and Perks:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401k
• Paid Paternity Leave
• Wellbeing programs
• Immediate Holiday Pay
• Paid Time Off
• Profit Sharing