The Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for leading and developing the local QA Managers while driving the Russell Stover’s food safety and quality strategy through the implementation of policy and procedures to support the vision and mission. 
 

The key responsibilities of this role include but are not limited to:

• Back-up to the Senior Director of Food Safety and Quality
• Assist in product recall or other company crisis
• Educating and developing the local quality managers and their team teams
• Drafting and implementing the quality policies, procedures, and standards for the organization then helping roll them out at the plant level
• Helping to problem solve and get to root cause.
• Leading the QA Managers and helping support quality initiatives within the organization
• Providing direction on deviations and assisting with investigation
• Subject matter expert for food safety and quality, including microbiology, sanitation, FSMA, HACCP, GFSI, allergens, SPC, suppliers, etc.
• Internal resources to help change and improvements for the business
• Ensure that manufactured products are produced in compliance with company specifications, policies, and government regulations
• Participates in food tasting and product evaluation to ensure quality controls are met and nuances in the flavor profile are detected to protect the taste profile
• Effectively implement and/or utilize approved analytical methods to ensure the quality of raw materials, semi-finished products, finished products and packaging materials
• Establish a sustainable and proactive quality assurance function
• Manage and conduct as needed, food safety and quality audits of raw material, packaging, co-manufacturers, and 3rd party warehouses to ensure quality standards are maintained and to establish a mutually effective partnership
• Oversee the microbiological testing program, can interpret results, and provide recommendations for improvements
• Lead, interpret, initiate, and investigate consumer data
• Assist the R&D department with projects as assigned
• Complete customer quality surveys as required
• Helping to identify and implement best practices between the facilities
• Works comfortably across all stakeholders and levels of leadership in the business in a collaborative approach
• Develops advanced concepts, strategy, and solutions to problems of unusual complexity which require a high degree of creativity and innovativeness.  In other words, the ability to navigate and work in “the gray”.
• The ability to be punctual, accountable, and positive approach to meeting, projects, and work environment

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Microbiology, or other related science
• 5 to 10 years food safety, quality, sanitation, and/or microbiological experience
• 5 years of progressive and demonstrated managerial experience, preferable remote supervision
• 3 years supervisory experience with direct supervisory experience of a team of at least 2 people
• Proven knowledge of food quality standards, including federal (FDA) regulations
• Formal training and demonstrated competencies in HACCP, FSMA, sanitation, food safety, regulatory compliance, and GFSI
• Strong understanding of GMP, HACCP, SPC, IPM, analytical testing and food microbiology
• Knowledge of quality management systems
• Excellent computer skills with a working knowledge of MS Office
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Frequent ability to twist, squat, bend, stooping, stretch and reach above shoulder level

Preferred Qualifications

• QMS training (GFSI, ISO, SQF, etc.)
• Strong interpersonal, managerial and leadership skills required with the ability to teach and develop others in the organization (up, down, and across)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work with and teach individuals at all levels within the organization both in groups and independently
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Proven problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Excellent organization and prioritization skills