Quality Assurance Manager

Description

• Quality Assurance Leadership:
  • Develop, implement, and manage facility-wide Quality Assurance programs, policies, and procedures across multiple locations.
  • Establish and maintain compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements, including USDA Organic, FDA, and EPA standards.
  • Lead the development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent product quality and food safety across all sites.
• Regulatory and Certification Compliance:
  • Ensure all facilities comply with certifications such as HACCP, FSMA, SQF, ISO 22000, or equivalent.
  • Manage compliance with organic fertilizer standards and ensure adherence to National Organic Program (NOP) requirements.
  • Oversee the facility's compliance with organic certification standards, including handling periodic inspections and recertification processes.
• Training and Development:
  • Train employees across all locations on quality standards, food safety certifications, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
  • Establish QA expectations and provide ongoing education to foster a culture of continuous improvement at all sites.
  • Empower managers and employees with the knowledge to implement and uphold QA standards while holding them accountable for execution.
• Process Improvement and Execution:
  • Collaborate with operations, R&D, and other teams to identify opportunities for improving production processes, product quality, and operational efficiency across multiple facilities.
  • Use Lean Six Sigma principles to analyze data, reduce waste, and enhance throughput.
  • Execute quality assurance strategies effectively to ensure alignment and consistency of QA processes across all locations.
• Auditing and Monitoring:
  • Conduct regular audits across all facilities to ensure adherence to established SOPs and quality standards.
  • Hold manufacturing departments accountable for maintaining compliance and promptly addressing non-conformities.
  • Develop and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to quality and compliance at each site.
  • Prepare and present reports to the Senior Operations Director on quality performance, audit results, and continuous improvement initiatives across multiple facilities.
• Environmental Compliance:
  • Monitor compliance with environmental air quality board standards relevant to organic fertilizer production.
  • Work with operations and environmental teams to ensure adherence to air quality regulations and maintain environmental sustainability.
  • Collaborate with teams to monitor soil health, nutrient runoff, and overall environmental impact of operations.
• Organic Certification and Traceability:
  • Ensure all inputs, processes, and outputs meet organic certification standards and maintain meticulous documentation for audits.
  • Implement and manage systems to ensure full traceability of all inputs and products, a key requirement in organic production.
  • Develop and oversee pest management strategies that comply with organic standards.
  • Lead recall procedures when necessary, ensuring timely and effective communication, traceability, and resolution.
• Product Labeling Compliance:
  • Ensure all product labeling meets organic certification and regulatory standards, including proper ingredient disclosures and use of organic seals.
• Material Approval and Supplier Verification:
  • Verify and approve suppliers of raw materials to ensure compliance with organic standards.
  • Conduct supplier audits to ensure consistency in quality and adherence to organic regulations.
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Management:
  • Maintain and oversee the management of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all materials used in production.
  • Approve and ensure accurate documentation of SDS in compliance with regulatory and company standards.
• Budget Management:
  • Develop, manage, and adhere to the Quality Assurance department's budget.
  • Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining compliance and quality standards.
• Sustainability Initiatives:
  • Support the company’s sustainability goals by identifying and implementing eco-friendly production practices that align with organic principles.
• Customer and Supplier Relations:
  • Address customer inquiries related to product quality and ensured prompt resolution of quality issues.
  • Collaborate with suppliers to ensure raw materials meet established quality standards.
• Other duties as assigned by manager.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Quality Management, Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in Quality Assurance, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role.
• Prior experience in managing QA functions across multi-site, multi-state locations preferred.
• Experience in agriculture, or food manufacturing environment is highly preferred.
• Proven experience managing product recalls, including communication, traceability, and resolution.
• HACCP Certification (required).
• FSMA Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) Certification (preferred).
• SQF Practitioner Certification or equivalent.
• ISO 22000 or FSSC 22000 Certification (preferred).
• Strong understanding of quality systems, regulatory compliance, and organic certification standards.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills with the ability to enforce accountability across departments/plant locations.
• Results-driven and assertive, with the ability to make firm decisions and ensure follow-through.
• Highly organized with a methodical approach to establishing and maintaining quality processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to address performance gaps constructively and drive improvement.
• Passion for organic and agricultural products, with a commitment to sustainability and innovation.
• Proficient in quality management software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Embrace our G.R.E.A.T. core values: Always Growing, Relentless Solutions, Excellence with Empathy, Ambitious Adaptability, and Trustworthy Team spirit.

Salary : $96,000 - $135,000