Director, Quality Assurance Programs

The Director of Quality Assurance Programs has the responsibility for implementing and maintaining the internal corporate Quality Assurance Programs at Actus Nutrition. This includes Actus owned facilities, toll manufacturers and key suppliers. This role is responsible for ensuring that all products meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance. The Director of Quality Assurance Programs will develop and implement strategies to improve product quality, lead quality control teams, and work collaboratively across departments to foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Essential Responsibilities

• Monitor and evaluate product quality, conducting regular tests, inspections, and audits. Identify areas for improvement and develop corrective actions to address quality issues proactively.
• Lead the supplier management program to ensure that raw materials and ingredients meet the company’s quality standards. Monitor and audit supplier performance and sites regularly.
• Analyze production data, consumer feedback, and industry trends to drive continuous improvement initiatives and ensure that quality standards are met or exceeded.
• Own the external manufacturer relationships for the enterprise and build the toll quality program through auditing, partnership building and reporting.
• Establish Quality Assurance Specifications for all products and ingredients when requested and ensure that these specifications are met and meet the cost-effective requirements for ease of manufacture and responsibility.
• Support sales and business with key customer meetings, visits/audits and ensure follow up by the plant on any required quality/food safety action items. Ensure the internal and external manufacturing sites can deliver on the expectations set forth in customer agreement, product formulations and finished good specifications. Communicate any potential gaps.
• Monitor trends in data that may lead to rejection or non-compliance. Put preventive programs in place as needed.
• Produce timely reports on quality related issues including topics discussed in periodic quality assurance and management meetings.
• Remain current with federal and state regulations as they relate to the Company’s products, GMP’s and analytical requirements, and ensure that analytical requirements are met.
• Develop and maintain the SOPs as related to the Corporate Quality Assurance function.
• Accept a challenging environment where solving problems, continuous learning, and a high technical aptitude is the norm, not the exception.
• Establish and drive forward the corporate plant internal audit process with on-site audits, CAPAs and cross-functional plant improvements.
• Perform special projects and other responsibilities as needed.
• Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
  
  

Position Requirements

• Associate's degree in food science biological science or related field required. Bachelor's degree Preferred.
• 7 years of previous experience operating at a Senior Manager or Director-level Quality Assurance/Operations role in a multi-plant food manufacturing company both at the Plant and Corporate level.
• 7 years of supervisory experience successfully leading team and driving strong team performance.
• Dairy industry and PMO experience is preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment across functions, all levels of management, facilities, regulatory agencies, and customers.
• Ability to understand and analyze issues involving food manufacturing, natural sciences, mathematics (including statistics), technical and legal documents.
• Ability to understand issues in relation to product manufacturing operations and their impact.
• Ability to help develop and/or execute strategic plans to meet departmental and organizational goals while complying with regulatory and customer requirements.
• Experience with application of FDA current Good Manufacturing Practices with a proven track record of business performance improvement and strong operational knowledge of SQF.
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities.
• A team player who wants to contribute to a thriving culture.
• Self-motivated, proactive individual who will constantly seek improvement opportunities.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and ERP systems.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and analytical skills and possess an acute attention to detail.
• Ability to work with a sense of urgency in a fast-paced organization and handle multiple projects to meet deadlines.
• Service and continuous improvement oriented.
• Outstanding customer-centric skills; adept to communicating effectively both written and verbal to a variety of audiences.
• Experience in designing and implementing quality systems.
• Strong operational knowledge of Corporate and Plant Quality Systems.
• Strong knowledge of laboratory testing procedures and computer software applications.
• Travel required.
  
  

Actus Nutrition prides itself on advancement opportunities for our current workforce to promote from within. We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision and life insurance as well as a healthy 401(k) company match program. The starting annual base salary range for this position is between $120,000—$140,000 USD with initial eligibility consideration for our Discretionary Incentive Plan. Applicable pay within the posted range may vary based on factors including, but not limited to education, skill set and depth of experience. Additional Compensation offered to eligible employees: Mobile Device Reimbursement and Travel Reimbursement.