Quality Assurance Manager/R&D

Position start date: March 1, 2012.
Salary: $50,000-$60,000

MINIMUM REQUIRMENTS:
Must have a BS degree in food science/technology or related field and a minimum of 2 years experience in food processing, quality control and microbiology.

Must have a strong background in and knowledge of food quality and safety protocols including HACCP, USDA, FDA, GMPÕs, SSOPÕs, Food Safety Audits, Labeling and Micro testing
Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills: Ability to communicate in Spanish is a plus.

This position supports operations by developing and maintaining systems that are inherent to the quality, identity, and food safety of company products and provides leadership and instruction in the implementation of programs, policies, and objectives to ensure corporate quality, food safety, culture, volume, service, and cost goals are met.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops, maintains, and improves quality and food safety management systems (including but not limited to finished product specifications, statistical process control systems, gluten-free certification, kosher certification, organic certification, lot traceability, HACCP, and consumer complaint investigations).
• Develops, maintains, and improves QA test methods, technologies, and programs that meet or exceed industry standards
• Investigates and responds to food safety related complaints.
• Conducts inspections and reviews programs, records, and product to insure compliance.
• Generates, designs, and maintains reports, databases, and spreadsheets to analyze data, communicate to Management Teams and peers.
• Adheres to GMPÕs, Standard Operating Procedures, and Safety Regulations consistently.
• Communicates with staff regarding changes in procedures, problem areas to promote consistency throughout staff and shifts.
• Communicates with Warehouse, Production, Supply Chain, and R&D to help move quality, food safety agendas, and projects.
• Communicates with USDA, OU, Organic Certifiers, Analytical Labs, and vendors regularly.
• Assures that all shipped products meet the product specifications, food safety issue and regulatory issues
• Performs audits to monitor for compliance to GMP standards
• Maintain all certifications for products produced in the facility
• Maintain compliance with all regulatory agencies
• Responsible for all product labeling: Must be knowledgeable about labeling regulations in U.S. and Canada
• Responsible for on-going micro testing, including testing for presence of gluten
• Develop effective sample check/sample testing program
• Update and maintain product formulations, specifications and supplier Certificates of Analysis and Specification sheets
• Ensure that facility can meet requirements of a 3^rd party audit
• Assume a part-time roll in R&D for Product Development and Product Improvement
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Basic knowledge of Food Labeling laws in U.S. and Canada
• GMPÕs, Standard Operating Procedures, and Safety Regulations.
• Knowledge of recognized food safety standards
• Food science knowledge.
• Food processing techniques and processes.
• Managerial practices for planning, reporting, administration, and supervision.
• Effective English language literacy; oral and written communication skills
• Interpersonal and team skills for working with employees at all levels within the company and with external customers.
• Prioritizing, organizing, delegating and using time efficiently.
• Task analyzing, problem solving, and decision-making at both a strategic and functional level.
• Effective presentation and facilitation skills for leading meetings and teams
• Conflict Resolution skills.
• Effective math skills.
• Effective computer skills using MS Office products and required technical software.
• Write in a technical format and articulate to a broad audience.
• Manage multiple projects at once while meeting tight deadlines.
• Flexible and positive in a fast-paced environment that changes quickly.
• Perform tasks with a high level of confidentiality.
• Perform tasks independently and as part of a team to accomplish company goals.

Please email resume and cover letter to:
Yvonne@glutenfreeda.com