Director of Quality

Position: Quality Leader (Director or VP Level) Location: Onsite South NJ

TO BE CONSIDERED CANDIDATES MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE IN FOOD MANUFACTURING

Our client is the leader in premium food manufacturing. They are an award winning company with a focus on organic products. They are 4th generation company creating bold new flavors that reflect America's changing tastes, and turning ordinary meals into something extraordinary.

We are seeking an individual who is driven by & to excellence. Responsibilities will include but not be limited to planning, organizing and directing the quality, sanitation and food safety activities of the Quality Department. Ensure that our client’s production operations from raw materials to finished products, meet the quality, integrity, and efficiency standards set by the company.

Overview of Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain and grow the quality and food safety culture throughout the organization by providing the necessary training, development, and tools.
• Deliver an audit ready, at all times, facility as it relates to quality standards, documentation and housekeeping.
• Assure and maintain product quality and processes by establishing and enforcing quality standards and testing materials and products.
• Establish quality and reliability standards by studying product and consumer requirements with other members of management and production staff.
• Implement and improve in-process product inspection standards by studying manufacturing methods and devising testing methods and procedures.
• Prepare product and process quality reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends and utilizes results to drive improvement in process control.
• Maintain other records necessary for the preparation and distribution of accurate and timely reports and in compliance with regulatory oversight and reviews.
• Develop meaningful KPIs to monitor performance and drive quality improvements at all levels of the organization.
• Lead improvements to supplier/raw material quality through testing, procedures, data analysis, and site audits.
• Monitor consumer and customer feedback by identifying issues and trends and leading timely corrective action and feedback, leading customer discussions as required.
• Oversee key areas of the system: sanitation, pest control, allergen management, HACCP, GMP, and internal auditing.
• Participate in regular GMP, sanitation and safety inspections throughout the production departments and corrects, or issues work orders to correct, any identified deficiencies.
• Manage/supervise departmental workforce including providing direction, setting deadlines, and resolving problems. Including administering corrective action according to company guidelines.
• Update skills matrix of department staff and develop & execute on training programs with the support of HR.
• Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills.
• Stays current with developments within the quality field and shares expertise with others.
• Meets with vendors, customers and quality representatives and other company staff to discuss and resolve quality issues

Overview of Desired Skills & Experiences

• In depth knowledge & application of statistical process control, quality assurance techniques and tools and quality management principles in a food manufacturing environment
• Strong knowledge of FDA regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP, food allergens and pest control.
• Demonstrable analytical and problem-solving skills with a disposition to achieve results.
• Proven knowledge of efficient and safe manufacturing operations to include product and associate safety, OSHA standards, product quality (success rates), and cost control (minimizing downtime and waste, optimizing yield).
• Excellent and effective verbal & written communication skills including the ability to present ideas, and/or facts and recommendations effectively.
• Experience, ability & desire to direct, coach, & train associates as well as plan, monitor and schedule work.
• Highly collaborative person, comfortable with conflict and debate normally associated with change002E
• Ability to apply fundamental problem-solving concepts to project work and identify issues to provide root cause analysis and issue resolution
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing and Safety Systems.
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Excellent follow-up and organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and manage many projects at one time.
• Experience developing and executing SOP’s.
• Able to handle pressure
• Experience with conflict resolution
• Strong creative problem solving and prioritization skills

Overview of Education, Work Experience & Qualifications

• 5 years’ experience as a Quality professional (minimum Sr Manager position) with an emphasis on food manufacturing in the consumer-packaged goods industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering or other related field.
• Knowledge of quality assurance measurement and testing equipment.
• Working knowledge of quality systems required.
• Quality Assurance Certification in SQF (or GFSI equivalent) and HACCP