Quality Assurance Supervisor-SQF Practitioner

Job Description:

We are seeking a very detail-oriented and motivated person to ensure Quality Assurance as a part of the company’s management team. The ideal candidate joining our team will play a key role in ensuring our products' safety, quality, and compliance throughout the production process. Good interpersonal skills with a forward and positive outlook. This position requires a strong understanding of food safety regulations and systems, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills. Needs to be a self-starter and eager to solve problems by implementing solutions.

About the company:

We are a small and passionate team committed to crafting delicious snacking solutions free from common allergens and sourcing the highest-quality ingredients. Additionally, our snacks are free from artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives, and hydrogenated oils because food should be fun, delicious, safe, and compassionate. We believe everyone deserves to eat fearlessly and live brilliantly. Now, you are free to enjoy and free to share with everyone!

What we Offer:

• Competitive pay scale
• Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• 401k
• Paid holidays, time off, and sick leave

Essential Functions

• Self-starter, able to keep all projects organized and moving independently.
• Coordinate the continuous improvement of our SQF systems and supporting prerequisite programs.
• Designated site SQF Practitioner.
• Lead the development, implementation, continuous improvement, and continuing education in the areas of Food Safety and quality and regulatory compliance through self-audit activities to ensure that the company’s objective for food safety, regulatory requirements, and compliance meets or exceeds standards.
• Maintain documentation for regulatory compliance, including labeling approvals and laboratory analysis demonstrating regulatory compliance.
• Manage and maintain all HACCP, FSMA, and Quality Management Systems to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Conduct ongoing/annual review of; Food Safety Plans, systems and policies, and HACCP. Including verification and validation activities, good manufacturing practices (GMPs) audit materials, and Prerequisite Programs.
• Stay in the know regarding changes to FDA regulations and policies, upcoming SQF standards changes, industry trends, and innovative technologies.
• Bringing recommendations to management and consistently implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work closely with the operations team and production supervisors to maintain all food safety objectives and meet regulatory standards.
• Facilitate and manage internal, customer, and third-party audits and direct/lead corrective actions.
• Mentor, give guidance and direction to team regarding food safety and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain application and methodology of analytical, microbiological, or bacteriological testing protocols and implement direct Quality Assurance protocol.
• Manage and maintain all product certifications, including; gluten-free, non-GMO project, Kosher and Organic.
• Perform any special assignments as directed by upper management.
• Food Safety Training Coordinator: Ensure training requirements are met by all employees as required quarterly/annually.
• Maintain food safety training and other records.
• Document all food safety-related incidents and implement corrective and preventative actions as necessary.
• Ensuring production team members practice GMPs and enforcing good manufacturing practices in the facilities.
• Participate in company team building, safety programs, and activities.
• Conduct shelf-life studies as needed.
• External and internal audit training and compliance.
• Consumer complaint follow-up/corrective actions.

Competencies

• Able to work humbly with respect for people from different cultures/languages.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work late hours if needed in an emergency.
• A communication and work style consistent with Free2b Foods Guiding Principles
• Loves details and cares about getting them right every time.
• Excellent teamwork skills and a commitment to work to build great work relationships.
• Flexible and willing to adjust as needed.
• High level of interest in learning new things or how to do familiar things better.
• Willing to get through the learning phase.
• Welcomes feedback when offered and often seeks feedback to improve performance.
• Work to resolve conflicts or challenges quickly.
• Demonstrates pride in work accuracy and organization and thrives in a production environment.
• Responsible and dependable

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here represent those encountered by an employee while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently stand, walk, talk, and hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and peripheral vision. There are two facilities here, and you need to be able to easily walk around and between them regularly.

Position Type/Expected Hours of WorkThis is a full-time position. The work hours are Monday through Friday, generally 40 hours per week. Weekend and off-hours availability are needed in rare cases and/or emergencies. Must be able to work overtime as needed to complete workload.

TravelThis position will be at our facilities in Lawrence, KS. Two buildings across the parking lot from each other. Travel may be required rarely. Higher possibility in the first few months of the position if needed for certifications/qualifications, and then it will be on an as-needed basis to ensure all required certifications have been obtained.Education and Previous Work Experience

• BS degree in microbiology, food science, agriculture, or related science
• No degree is required if the candidate has 5 years of QA and Supervisory experience.
• Preference of 2 years of QA experience in the food industry
• Must have knowledge of food safety programs; HACCP, FSMA, GMPs, and sanitation practices in the food industry. Bonus if broader understanding; hygienist, pest control, Organic, Kosher, and Gluten intolerance guidelines, and allergen control.
• HACCP Certified (Must complete within a brief period)
• PCQI Certified (Must complete within a brief period)
• SQF Practitioner (Must complete within a brief period)

On the Job Training:Workplace Orientation, Workplace Safety, Food Safety, GMP Training, Allergen Control Training, Food Fraud Training, OSHA Training.

Essential Food Safety Responsibilities

• Supervise staff in food handling to ensure compliance with Food Safety regulations.
• Manage the business’ Food Safety Plan and Food Safety Program.
• If away, ensure the business is/will be protected and that high food safety standards are maintained.
• Serves as the Internal Audit Lead
• Develop, maintain, and implement operational plans, policies, procedures, and strategies to improve and maintain efficiency and effectiveness for the Food Safety Team.
• Deputize as appropriate.
• Document all food-related incidents and implement corrective actions as necessary.

Other DutiesPlease note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Equal OpportunityFree2b Foods is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sex, ancestry, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, or military status.