Director of Food Safety & Quality Assurance

Oversee 2 Sites in Greater St. Louis Metro Area - Reports Directly to CEO Family Owned - Food Production Client - Specialty Products About Our Client Our Client is a family owned Food Manufacturing organization with a focus on specialty cured meat products. v Job Description Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Achieve quality assurance operational objectives by: Contributing information and analysis to strategic plans and reviews Preparing and completing action plans including training and education Implementing production, productivity, and quality initiatives/changes Managing plants' sanitation services Identifying and resolving problems in a timely manner Ensuring completion of internal and external audits Determining and executing system improvements Executing food safety and quality training Meet quality assurance financial objectives by: Estimating requirements Preparing an annual budget Scheduling and approving expenditures Analyzing variances Initiating corrective actions Develop quality assurance plans by: Conducting hazard analyses Identifying critical control points and preventive measures Establishing critical limits, monitoring procedures, corrective actions, and verification procedures Maintaining QC equipment inventory Writing and updating quality assurance procedures Collecting, analyzing and summarizing information and trends including failed processes, stability studies, sanitation validations, recalls, corrective actions and re-validations Assure consistent quality of production by: Developing, enforcing, and validating good manufacturing practice (GMP) systems Establishing product specifications and quality attributes Directing, administering, and monitoring the SQF system Instill quality assurance in the production lines and processes used Measuring production and documenting evidence Determining operational and performance qualifications Ensure rigid regulatory compliance by: Building professional relationships with USDA representatives Building professional relationships with Universities and Trade Associations Maintaining a current working knowledge of all regulations Passing all audits and performing necessary testing Responding promptly and completely to non-compliance reports through corrective action or appeals in the best interest of the Company Determining operational and performance qualifications Conducting appropriate environmental testing and enforcing controls Maintain and improve product quality by: Completing product, company, system, compliance, and surveillance audits Investigating customer complaints Collaborating with other members of management to develop new products, manufacturing and training methods Establishing vendor relations to develop and create products that meet label requirements. Maintaining microbiological and organoleptic shelf life studies and support Facilitate new product research and development by: Working closely with Sales & Marketing to initiate, create, develop, and test products through to production Advocating for continuous improvement of process development Establishing criteria for the approved supplier program Promote a collaborative team environment by: Maintaining constructive working relationships with every element of the Company Showing respect for all team members Supporting a team environment within and outside of the department Establishing effective communications Perform other duties as required. MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants. The Successful Applicant Candidate Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree required, Master's degree preferred in Meat Science, Food Science or Related Field 10 years experience in food processing, preferably meat-related (dry-cure meat experience would be a plus) Knowledge of muscle biology, dry-cured meat processing, food microbiology preferred. Experience interacting regularly with USDA personnel. Detail-oriented, with excellent organizational and task management capabilities. Self-starter that embraces individual accountability Analytical and process-oriented Customer-focused Results-driven In-depth knowledge of all products, processes, equipment, and GMP, SOP, SSOP, SQF, HACCP, and USDA requirements Ability to communicate effectively and patiently, both verbally and written (English required). Strong computer skills, and excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite products What's on Offer Director level leadership role Directly reports into the CEO Position oversees 2 Manufacturing Sites in the St. Louis Metropolitan area Sites operate 5 days/week (Monday through Friday) with a 1st & 2nd Shift only 120 SKU's Generous Compensation Plan - base salary, annual bonus, PTO, health care, 401K plan Contact Brooke Gautier Quote job ref JN-112024-6595565