Quality Assurance Manager

The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for evaluating, leading, and improving internal and external systems, policies, and procedures on behalf of Chelsea Milling Company. The goal is to ensure that all products meet our quality standards based on customer and consumer expectations. The Quality Assurance Manager will implement Quality Assurance strategies, programs, policies, and procedures to ensure the fulfillment of the Company’s vision and mission. This position provides leadership and technical assistance to the Company by proactively managing Quality Systems, promoting quality awareness, and maintaining a culture of commitment to process improvement. Acts as the focal point for any compliance issues that may arise.

The goal of this position is to ensure that–through effective planning, organizing, and control–the Company always complies with the processes that we, our customers, or regulatory partners have identified as best for our business. This includes staying abreast of current and pending requirements, maintaining internal policies and procedures, and managing ongoing compliance.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

• Manage the Quality Assurance function, working with department managers to ensure highly disciplined compliance with all product and process quality parameters and standards, including formulation, specifications, approved methods, procedures, practices, and systems.
• Manage the process of quality to maintain consistency, reduce costs, bring about process improvement, and maximize equipment capability.
• Maintain a “quality culture” within the Company to achieve a customer conscious/quality conscious workforce.
• Perform all functions necessary to maintain quality management systems that assure a foundation for product excellence and provide a basis for long-term continuous improvement.
• Assist in effective communication and education of CMC personnel in all internal and external quality requirements.
• Perform root cause analyses (RCAs) on quality incidents and implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
• Manage day-to-day issues and deviations from policies and procedures.
• Oversee and manage the Hold Process for all nonconforming materials.
• Oversee Quality Laboratory processes, equipment, and personnel.
• Maintain and improve quality management systems, including SOPs, training documentation, data integrity controls, and traceability systems.
• Be a coach to Quality team members, by understanding what results are expected, suggesting options for resolution, evaluating solutions, helping resolve problems and providing feedback towards an agreed upon objective.
• Be a mentor to Quality team members, by understanding what results are expected, providing feedback on process gaps, being available and maintaining a balance between application and direction.
• Utilize digital platforms (e.g., Plex, TraceGains) to manage quality data, including lot codes, hold checklists, expiration dates, and COAs.
• Actively participate in multiple teams to support Food Safety, Food Defense, and Company Culture.
• Perform external audits of material suppliers/vendors to ensure compliance with regulatory and CMC requirements.
• Assist in implementing controls in various key points throughout the operation and aid in the training of Company personnel to use these tools. Use various quality tools to identify and eliminate sources of scrap, downtime, and variability.
• Collaborate with other departments to meet Company goals. Utilizes expertise throughout the organization to accomplish objectives.
• Embody CMC leadership characteristics in performance of duties.
• Network with similar companies and industry experts to clarify interpretation and best practices.
• Interact with all CMC teammates to positively influence behavior toward compliance and accountability.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The minimum qualifications for this position include:

• 7-10 years of experience in quality assurance management within the food processing industry. Experience managing quality for a supplier of the food service industry preferred.
• Ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in food science, food engineering, chemistry or biological sciences preferred, but comparable tested experience in the food industry will be considered.
• Experience managing people preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of quality systems, procedures, and policies.
• Experience implementing quality/compliance systems.
• Highly committed to quality assurance and has proven results in good judgment, prioritizing, and contributing in a collaborative/interdependent culture.
• Working knowledge of TQM (Total Quality Management) principles, GMP’s (Good Manufacturing Practices), HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point), food security regulations, sanitation, pest control, kosher requirements, and other appropriate industry and government agency guidelines and regulations.
• Use of appropriate systems thinking and linkages among business functions for an integrated approach to quality.
• Excellent computer skills in a Windows based environment; excellent Microsoft Office skills.
• High sense of urgency and ability to achieve priorities.
• Strong problem solving and investigation skills.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills.

This position is on premises; however, Chelsea Milling Company offers a reasonable work schedule that supports work/life balance. All postings are for positions at the Chelsea, Michigan based “JIFFY” Mix location unless noted otherwise.

Please forward your resume to [email protected].

Equal Opportunity Employer.