Quality Assurance Manager

Job Title: Quality Assurance Manager

Date Revised: 08/14/2024

Department: Quality Assurance

Designee: CEO

Reports To: Director of Quality Assurance or designee

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt Position

About Rubicon Bakers, Lucky Spoon Bakery & Just Desserts:

Rubicon Bakers and Just Desserts are esteemed brands in the San Francisco Bay Area that have united their efforts to create a powerful impact. Lucky Spoon Bakery out of Salt Lake City, Utah, merged with these two companies in 2024 to expand their portfolio to include Gluten Free baked goods. With a shared mission to "Bake a Better World," our focus lies in providing opportunities, training, and support to individuals seeking a fresh start. As a rapidly expanding company, we operate with a strong commitment to professionalism, data-driven strategies, and unwavering passion for our products, customers, and team. Our wide range of products are sold at thousands of stores nationwide. To learn more about our company, please visit rubiconbakers.com, luckyspoon.com, and justdesserts.com.

Overview:

The Quality Assurance Manager assures compliance with all regulatory standards and requirements and also assures consistent quality of production by developing and enforcing good manufacturing practice (GMP) policies, adherence to certification standards (GFCO, Kosher, etc.); validating processes; providing documentation.

Description/Essential Job Functions

● Managing all aspects of Quality Assurance for the plant and storage facility

● Serving as a member of the leadership in a collaborative and goal oriented team

● Responsible for validating changes to food safety fundamentals and food safety plans that have an impact on the company’s ability to deliver safe food.

● Develops quality assurance plans by conducting hazard analyses; identifying critical control points and preventive measures; establishing critical limits, monitoring procedures, corrective actions, and verification procedures; monitoring inventories.

● Validates quality processes by establishing product specifications and quality attributes; measuring production; documenting evidence; determining operational and performance qualification; writing and updating quality assurance procedures.

● Maintains and improves product quality by completing product, company, system, compliance, and surveillance audits.

● Prepares quality documentation and reports by collecting, analyzing and summarizing information and trends including failed processes, stability studies, recalls, corrective actions, and re-validations.

● Coordinates with Research and Development on matters pertaining to QA in the commercialization process and/or existing product modifications.

● Coordinates with production management on issues of product quality and sanitation/GMP practices in the facility.

● Acts as company representative on matters pertaining to regulatory compliance and on-site regulatory audits.

● Assist in customer and 3rd Party audit preparation.

● Perform physical, chemical, and organoleptic evaluation using laboratory equipment.

● Responsible for the identification and isolation of non-conforming materials as well as issuing hold orders as appropriate.

● Monitor and enforce company and government regulations pertaining to Good Manufacturing Practices and sanitation requirements.

● Perform and document periodic GMP inspections.

● Perform and document sensory evaluation.

● Support established pest control program.

● Inspect rooms to ensure they are clean/sanitized and ready for production.

● Perform pre-operational and environmental swabbing to ensure cleanliness.

● Assist in compiling quality and statistical data

● Responsible for equipment calibrations.

● Gather and assess quality and statistical data through multiple software applications including Microsoft Word and Excel.

● Inspect incoming raw and packaging materials and review supplier approval process and documentation control on raw materials

● Gather aseptic samples for internal and external testing.

● Inspect product to ensure it is made according to specifications.

● Prepare gold standards of products and ingredients and assist in preparation of visual standards.

● Assist in internal and external complaint investigation and reports findings to Management.

● Assist in preparing training materials and conducting training on quality related topics.

● Perform all duties in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices and ensure adherence to all Food Safety (HACCP, FSMA, PCQI) requirements.

● Audits HACCP, production and other quality paperwork.

● Implementation of future regulatory or third-party certifications relating to QA, such as SQF

● Adheres to all safety rules.

● Performs all other related duties as required.

Requirements/Other Skills/Abilities

● Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Works well in-group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

● Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.

● Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills.

● Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Gives and welcomes feedback; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

● Ethics - Treats people with respect; Works with integrity and ethically; upholds organizational values.

● Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Supports organization's goals and values.

● Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.

● Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time.

● Innovation - Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas.

● Ensure finished product meets or exceeds all regulatory, industry, and customer requirements for food safety and quality. Maintain all systems in place relating to these activities which include but are not limited to: FSMA plan, PCQI, HACCP, GMPs, GFCO Certification, Kosher Certification

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field or a high school diploma with at least 5 years related experience in food manufacturing.

HACCP and SQF Certified is a job requirement. SQF Practitioner, preferred.

Previous management or supervisory level experience

Language Skills:

Able to read, write and speak English.

Other Skills and Abilities:

Technically proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office and various quality management software

Background knowledge in food industry regulations, FDA requirements and food labeling, HACCP, SQF

Working knowledge of applicable analytical methods and statistical analysis.

Physical Demands:

Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time

Work Environment:

Works mainly in an office environment. However, periodic exposure to heat, cold, and wet conditions may be required.

Job Demands and physical conditions: Sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, bending at waist, twisting, kneeling, crouching, reaching, use of hand, use of fingers, talking, hearing, vision near and far, depth perception, field of vision, and color vision. Chart for frequency available upon request.

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older. All employees must be able to take a background check. Lucky Spoon Bakery is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $1,000 - $85,000