Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager

Chairmans Foods specializes in producing a wide range of high quality, consistent customer solutions - main courses, side dishes, queso, ready-to-eat protein salads custom solutions for foodservice operators and retail stores. Chairmans has succeeded over the years with open communication, integrity, and with a deep commitment to southern hospitality. Driven by our mission, vision and values, employee and food safety are always our top priority. www.chairmansfoods.com Job Summary : The Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager provides leadership and support for the development and implementation of Quality Assurance policies and procedures. The Quality Assurance Manager will plan and direct the overall quality assurance program and ensure that the quality system is place meets all requirements of FSIS, SQF, HACCP, SSOP programs and all written procedures. The Quality Assurance Manager will maintain that the company is producing a quality, safe food product while complying with customer and regulatory requirements. Position Duties/ Responsibilities : Ensures processes needed for the quality system are established, implemented and maintained Ensures product safety, regulatory compliance, and compliance with company standards as stated in the Food Safety Modernization Act. Drives Continuous Improvement efforts in product quality/performance and process optimization. Provides leadership in coaching, education and training of management staff and plant employees for Quality Assurance; seeks assistance as needed from other resources Develops, facilitates and maintains the HACCP, FDA, and USDA requirements and programs. Ensures compliance with all SQF / BRC audit requirements. Reports to top management on quality system performance and provides suggestions for improvement Manages, supervises and supports the quality control inspectors as needed for both in process and incoming quality control inspection Manage the completion of corrective and preventative actions Work with engineering and manufacturing to establish and maintain effective inspection criteria Supervises the appropriate chemical, bacteriological, sensory and utilization tests on raw materials and finished goods. Communicates quality metric and inspection results to appropriate managers and others in leadership positions including, but not limited to daily, weekly or monthly KPI reporting to Corporate. Monitors production line to ensure running efficiently and abiding by QA policies/procedures Observe and follow up with employees to ensure duties/responsibilities are done accurately Assures food safety standards with regards to GMP’s and HACCP plan are followed at all times Coach, mentor and guide employees regarding company policies, procedures, and work responsibilities Designated as SQF practitioner by Senior Management to fulfill responsibilities and duties pertaining to the maintenance of the SQF systems Will be expected to perform other related duties and assignments requested or directed Education/Experience A bachelor’s degree in food science or related field Five (5) years' experience working as QA manager in food manufacturing setting required Food Safety Modernization Act knowledge and application. SQF Practitioner and/or GFSI certified Process Control Qualified Individual Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Knowledge of food safety guidelines and regulations Knowledge of production / manufacturing process Possesses a working knowledge of sanitation systems, clean in place techniques and procedures. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. Excellent verbal/written communication skills. Possesses understanding of the basics of change management and document control. Ability to adapt to changing organizational and operational needs; ability to lead others through change. Excellent leadership ability and interpersonal skills Critical thinking ability: able to solve complex problems, evaluate options and implement solutions Must be able to multi-task and work under deadlines Flexibility with work scheduled required Must be willing to work outside of normal business hours to meet the needs of the plant Work Environment: Will work in office setting and production floor Varied temperature environments ranging from freezing to refrigerated (34-36 degrees) to ambient (60-80 degrees) Protective gear such as gloves, work boots, and smocks required at all times. Will work around moving machinery and walk on wet floors. Physical Demands: Light to moderate Regularly required to walk, reach, bend and stand for long periods of time throughout the day Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs Chairmans Foods is an EEO employer and conducts background checks and drug testing as part of the hiring process.