Senior Quality Assurance Manager

About Us:

Willamette Valley Pie Company can be described as a 25-year-old startup! All the fun of an entrepreneurial startup with the stability of an established, 100% family owned, company based in the heart of the Willamette Valley of Oregon! In 1999 our founder Gerald Roth started flash freezing berries that had been grown on his multi-generational family farm. Shortly thereafter, Willamette Valley Pie Company was formed. We quickly expanded from fruit processing to pie manufacturing and now a full line of premium, scratch made, all-natural desserts. WVPC is rapidly expanding nationwide as a premium private label and branded dessert manufacturer!

Our Culture:

-  FAMILY FIRST: We make a way for you to be there when it counts. Many of us have young families and are trying to balance home and work. We get it. If you’re trying to be a rock star in both places, you’re going to fit.

-  GRIT: We rest at the end, not in the middle. We believe in working hard and finishing the job. If you are proud of your work ethic and going home with a job “half done” bothers you, you’re going to fit.

-  GROWTH: Failure happens, own it and grow. We are obsessed with learning and want to be better every single day. If perhaps this job is a little outside your comfort zone but you’re willing to grind it out and learn, you’re going to fit.

-  BUY-IN: Everyone that’s here, wants to be here. We believe if you love where you work, you will be the best version of yourself everywhere else. If this job is your top choice, you’re going to fit.

Summary:

We’re looking for a blend of technical expertise and obsession with making the perfect pie! Our Sr. Manager of QA will be a member of the senior leadership team and drive strategic direction for our Quality Assurance team. This leader will drive continuous improvement throughout our process and ensure we maintain world class quality standards. This role also oversees the management, implementation, and continuous improvement of our SQF and Food Safety System.

What You’ll Do:

LEADERSHIP

·       Create, communicate, and execute the company's long-range quality & food safety strategy.

·       Talent management/development including coaching direct reports and other leaders. 

·       Drive & implement systems and process improvement through other teams.

·       Problem Solving on an interdisciplinary team.

QUALITY SYSTEMS

• Responsible for maintaining quality standards, providing technical information and improving processes in support of the company-wide strategic initiatives.
• Create vision and direction for the quality team focused on continuous improvement to improve quality processes to improve customer satisfaction and enhance margin.
• Provide technical expertise as needed to support Plant Operations, Executive and Sales & Marketing teams, Customers and Consumers, including developing and providing specifications, guarantees, certificates, response letters, affidavits, etc. as needed.
• Drive the implementation of our electronic QMS Software (SafetyChain)
• Serve as recall coordinator and participate in crisis management discussions and decision.
• Facilitate State, Federal, Customer and Third-party audits (GFSI – SQF Level II) and monitor corrective action plans for completion.
• Routinely review performance via departmental meetings, reassigning/rebalancing responsibilities based on priority and workload.
• Partner with leadership to perform consumer research and gain consumer insights. Utilizing the W.V. Pie retail store and outside partners to collect feedback.
• Final review and approval of all packaging materials prior to printing for compliance with FDA regulations, nutritional labeling regulations and international regulations, as applicable.

Skills, Requirements and Minimum Education Level

-       Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science/Food Technology or related field is required; (experience may be considered in lieu of degree)

-       5 years of management experience in a food manufacturing environment

-       5-8 years in QA, product development, innovation, or culinary development (baking/pastry industry preferred)

-       Innovative- an out of the box thinker who strives for excellence.

-       Technically competent- bakery technology and can build process and technical capability.

-       Entrepreneurial/Start-Up Mentality – be pressure tested and able to thrive in environments of uncertainty and pressure.

-       Previous professional experience across food / beverage formulation & processing.

-       PCQI Certification

-       SQF System Experience

-       Solid knowledge in scientific/technology field.

-       Competent in all areas of the trial management process.

-       Strong understanding of project management in R&D and basic project management skills.

-       Understanding of Consumer Insight and Research Methodologies, Finance, and Marketing.'

Direct Reports

QA Supervisor

Benefits

We pride ourselves in providing an employee-friendly work environment that includes: 

•      A competitive annual salary based on experience and market demands.

•      Employer supported medical plan for employees and their dependents.

•      401K retirement savings plan 4% match.

•      15 PTO days.

•      6 Company paid holidays.

•      Business casual atmosphere.

Work Environment

Business casual environment. Maintain a business professional appearance during external meetings.

Physical Demands

Must maintain a valid US-state based driver’s license.

Ability to lift 30 lbs.

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without