Position Summary:

The Quality Assurance Supervisor (QA Supervisor) is responsible for all and quality related initiatives, with a primary focus on production, warehousing, and logistic operations of the Russell Stover Chocolate site. This includes developing, implementing, and monitoring programs to manage and improve product quality, as well as supervising all QA Technicians on all shifts. The Quality Supervisor is also responsible for leading the Daily QA PCS, and for supporting the FS&Q Manager on related initiatives.

Reports To:      Site Quality Assurance Manager

Direct Reports: Quality Technicians

Overarching Responsibilities:

1. Verification of quality programs performed by the different departments and individuals at the site. 
2. Lead Quality Technicians and Quality initiatives. 
3. Support for food safety and quality audits. 

Individual Competencies:

• Detail oriented
• Ability to manage multiple project/initiatives at one time
• Leads by example
• Champion for food safety & quality
• Collaboration with other departments and people
• Clear written and verbal communications
• Drives for timely results

Ensure Quality Standards

• Maintain and implement quality standards and procedures to meet Russell Stover Standards. Conduct process and procedure audits and implement corrective actions to ensure compliance.
• Perform inspections on packaging materials, semi-finished and finished products, and in case of deviations, lead improvement initiatives, partnering with other departments such as Procurement, Operations, Industrial Performance, Research and Development.
• Responsible for making impromptu decisions regarding manufacturing defects, packaging defects, and overall quality issues that arise on a daily basis, providing daily and weekly reports to management.
• Partner with all stakeholders in the management of potential (product or process) non-conformances, including but not limited to, isolating and securing potentially non-conforming product, following HOLD procedures, investigating the issue, providing a disposition and documenting the entire process for traceability.

General

• Support QA department on meeting all standards and requirements including AIB, FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act), local and federal regulations as well as the industry’s best practices.
• Cross training in the related Quality positions to assist in backshift receiving and analytical activities, as well as supporting quality and food safety functions, providing quality training to other departments.
• Maintain systems for all inspection/audit records and ensure all product information remains accurate, complete, consistent and timely.
• Document and communicate quality issues, trend analysis, and provide corrective action for the resolution of quality issues.
• Responsible for supervising, coaching, and developing all QA Technicians in all shifts.

Lindt production Way (LPW)

• Participate in LPW pillars and teams and support continuous improvement initiatives as needed.
• Follow LPW methodology (TPM) in order to monitor and report production (PCS) and continuously improve processes to reduce defects, applying lean methodology using tools such as 5S, 5 Why, Kaizen, etc

Qualifications & Requirements:

Experience:

Required

• Minimum 3 years of experience in Food Safety & Quality experience in a food production environment.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Strong people management skills. Ability to lead, coach and mentor direct reports.
• Proficient in MS Office applications and productivity tools
• Working knowledge of regulatory and quality system requirements – Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001), AIB, HACCP, Good Manufacturing Process (GMP).
• Statistical Process Control
• Strong problem solving/trouble shooting skills. Use of continuous improvement tools such as Failure Mode and Defect Analysis (FMDA), Root Cause Analysis and project management
• Understanding of sanitation and related practices
• Solid understanding of a production/manufacturing environment
• Strong auditing / assessment skills
• Able to manage multiple projects and multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, and detail oriented

Education:

Required

• BS degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Engineering, Nutrition, Biology, or related field (Or an equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Formal training in basic to intermediary food safety/regulatory, and Preventive Control Certified Individual (PCQI)

Other Requirements:

• Flexibility of work hours. * Required to work weekends occasionally
• The role is classified essential on site.