Quality Assurance Manager

Join the California Dairies, Inc. (CDI) team, a farmer-owned cooperative dedicated to sustainably producing the highest quality dairy products while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. CDI products are delivered locally and around the world.Strategically located along Highway 99, our Fresno facility produces bulk butter, processed fluids, and milk powder.We encourage you to be part of our team that's shaping the future of dairy, right from the heart of California! We offer a generous total rewards package that includes: Salary Range$94,253 - $138,237Family medical/dental/visionGenerous company contributions to 401kRelocation Assistance11 Paid holidaysPaid vacationTuition reimbursementJob SummaryOversee and maintain the company Quality Systems programs at the Fresno plant. Support and enforce SQF / QA, GMP, Safety policies and procedures, and production needs."Food Safety and Quality" are the responsibilities of this position. Responsible for ensuring that products meet standards set by both CDI and regulatory authorities. Develop and review quality and food safety policies and manage audits by third-party inspectors. Manage and train quality assurance employees and oversee manufacturing and production processes.In the absence of the Quality Assurance Manager, responsibilities will be covered by the Quality Assurance Supervisor with the assistance of the Director of Manufacturing QualityEssential Functions Review microbiology test results daily and further investigate high counts.Review load-out data and double check that all loads are within specifications. Review list and track of any out-of-spec. product and distribute to Plant Manager and Assistant Plant Manager.Review powder C of A's. Approve powder to be shipped, release powder on computer inventory, re-class powder as necessary in the absence of the Hold and Release Quality Assurance Technician.Review butter C of A's. Follow-up with butter department on all out-of-spec. butter.Review daily HACCP sheets for compliance.Oversee GMP, HACCP pre-requisite programs, and Preventive Controls for compliance.Responsible for training new hires on GMP, HACCP, BIO-SECURITY, and ALLERGEN programs.Responsible for the annual refresher training on GMP, HACCP, BIO-SECURITY, and ALLERGEN programs with all employees.Review the daily in-process sheets from the fluid, butter, powder, and packaging departments.Check each department daily. Issues are reported to the Plant Manager and/or Assistant Plant Manager.Review the daily in-process sheets from the butter, powder, and packaging departments.Check employee GMP's.Accompany State, USDA, FDA inspectors, and other external auditors during surveys or audits.Assist State Inspector with equipment checks.Audit all State seals and verify that any broken seals have been reported.Fax/email broken seal reports to USDA and State.Review/audit Quality Assurance Technicians for proper testing techniques and procedures.Oversee Equipment Calibrations.Audit sampling techniques.Check wastewater facility daily.Oversee wastewater sampling as required by permit.Maintain documentation as required by NPDES permit.Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports as required by permit.Ensure that calibration of thermometers is done on a scheduled frequency.Oversee the review of CIP records daily - investigate and report any cleaning problems to the Plant Manager and/or Assistant Plant Manager.Perform random equipment checks during cleaning.Oversee overall job training for new Quality Assurance Technicians.Oversee technicians sampling techniques and sanitation practices.Provide training and performance reviews.Generate Lab Technicians Schedule and organize duties.Maintain proper inventories of all laboratory items by ordering in a timely manner.Oversee calibration of all product testing equipment in the plant.Environmental-Oversee the Environmental Microbiological Monitoring program in accordance with Quality Manual 3.10.Must have the ability to troubleshoot problems and be persistent until a solution is found.Must be willing to ask for assistance when the process is unclear.Follow and enforce all safety and working rules.Must have the ability to get along with co-workers, management personnel, customers, vendors, and employees in accordance with the company policies and working rules while ensuring a harmonious and conducive work environment.Maintain a positive attitude and contribute towards a quality environment.Excellent regular full time attendance in support of company objectives.Use initiative and judgment in making decisions, keeping with California Dairies, Inc. best interests.Perform other duties as assigned by management.Supervisory ResponsibilitiesThis position has management and employee supervisory responsibilities in the area of hiring, firing, discipline, performance evaluations, On the Job Training Forms, Incident Reports, and any other documentation.Coordinate on the job training.Oversee adherence to company policies and procedures.Oversee scheduling of employees and temporary labor.Have the responsibility of reviewing time sheets and addressing overtime.QualificationsTo 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 the essential functions.Education and/or ExperienceA BS degree in Dairy or Food Science or other related field and four years of experience in a leadership role; or an equivalent combination of education and experience are required.College level verbal and written communication skills. Must be able to communicate with upper management on a daily basis.Leadership, team development, coaching, and / or teaching experience.Good math and statistical skills.Excellent computer skills for data input, report writing, program tracking.Excellent organizational and follow through skills.Language SkillsEnglish is required as the spoken language. A well-modulated tonal volume is required with excellent diction skills needed.Reasoning AbilityMust have the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions given in written, oral, or diagram form. Must have the ability to discern when issues may require input from levels of authority within the corporation.Certificates, Licenses, RegistrationsMust possess a certification from the State as a Certified Industry Supervisor for Appendix N drug residue testing.ADA/FEHA: The Company will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and California's Fair Employment and Housing Act.EEO: The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.Physical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The company will make reasonable accommodations that do not cause an undue hardship if such an accommodation enables individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.Sitting/Standing/Walking: Sits frequently to answer calls, fill out paperwork, attend meetings, answer emails, etc..Stands and walks on uneven concrete and tiles surfaces during shift.Lifting/Carrying: Lifts up to 10 pounds during shift.Pushing/Pulling: Some pushing or pulling is required on an occasional basis.Bending/Stooping: Bends and stoops on an occasional basis.Squatting/Kneeling/Crawling: Assumes any combination of these positions on an occasional basis.Twisting/Turning: Assumes any combination of these positions on an occasional basis.Climbing/Balancing: Climbing and balancing is required.Involved in the inspection of processing equipment, which could involve climbing over 100 steps to the top of the dryers and evaporators.Reaching: Reaches at or above shoulder level during shift.Grasping/Manipulating: Grasping and manipulating of papers, objects, and equipment will be required.Ability to use keyboard for data input will be required on an ongoing basis.Equipment: pH meter, conductivity meter, dissolved oxygen meter, C.O.D meter, C.E.M., Foss NIRs, CHARM Rosa reader,cryoscope, Mettler TA, Perten DA 7200/7250, pipettors, phosphate reader, centrifuge, food quantifier, L.U.M.- T reader, CO2 tester, refractometer, salt meter, scales, and thermometers.Work EnvironmentThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The company will make reasonable accommodations that do not cause an undue hardship if such an accommodation enables individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Employees will be subject to temperatures associated with an air-cooled room to temperatures in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit while working in proximity to dryer and to wet environments (hot or cold) during cleaning-in-place (CIP) operations. Employee may be required to enter confined spaces to perform equipment inspections.Employee may come into contact with the following: ammonia, acids, caustics, chlorines, and other related chemicals. Personal protective equipment including, but not limited to: hearing protection, bump caps, hair and beard nets, gloves, and safety glasses must be used in the performance of duties. Proper lifting techniques must be employed at all times.This job description will be updated if duties and responsibilities change significantly. Job functions are subject to modification based on business necessity.