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Quality Manager - Dairy
The Quality Manager is responsible for managing the Food Safety and Quality Department of the site. This position is accountable for the Quality Lab, all food safety Audits required by Land O' Lakes and Food safety/Security of the facility. The Quality Manager will ensure that quality standards are maintained as required by the quality system, management and external regulations. Supervises and coordinates the activities of the QC and Sanitation staff engaged in performing tests required for quality control of processes and products.
This position will be accountable for focusing on the reduction of consumer complaints and process improvement of the team. Support quality/food safety mission statement, company quality/food safety policy and implement continuous improvement under the guidance and direction of the Plant Manager. The Quality Manager will ensure that all equipment in the facility has Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures in place that can be validated.
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's in Food Science, Biology or Dairy Technology or related field
Minimum of 5 years hands-on plant experience in the dairy plant or food industry operations, with a 3 plus years of people leadership supervisory experience
Ability to interact with regulatory personnel, including practical audit experience
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication skills both verbal and written
Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative management style to create an engaged, motivated and high performing team
Experience working in a 24/5 operation.
Essential Functions:
Manage QA and Sanitation Supervisors and Technicians at the facility.
Direct, train, and advise personnel in test procedures and ensure compliance with quality/food safety system requirements to deliver safe and quality food products.
Provide technical support to relevant employees on new projects and products as necessary
Investigate and respond to all quality assurance related consumer complaints; exception report, track complaints to determine if trends are developing.
Analyze monthly consumer complaints analysis and implement timely corrective actions to effectively reduce complaints.
Design, oversee, update, and review HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) plan to SQF level.
Provide leadership coordinating Safe Quality Food (SQF) standards (Acts as the SQF Practitioner) certification & maintenance process.
Recommend procedures to correct quality deficiencies at the facility.
Research and recommend new equipment, process and technology to meet with 'industry best practices' for improved control of raw materials, in process and finished goods. Train Lab personnel and Sanitation team members on new equipment as needed.
Develop SOP to operate lab equipment and maintain records. Maintain calibration programs to ensure lab equipment, weighing scales, kettles, temp controllers, gages and other equipment.
Maintain the Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS) and update as needed.
Oversee external lab testing and reports as required by SQF and LQMS quality system. Items for external testing include milk, water, LOL products, environmental samples, ingredients, new products and other.
Interact with suppliers on quality issues. Manage SIT process.
Accountable for regular sanitation inspections of site equipment to ensure equipment meet Land O' Lakes' food safety requirements.
Develop and provide quality assurance KPI, scorecards and reports.
Ensure that all associates adhere to established FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and food safety policies and procedures.
Establish and monitor laboratory safety programs; review all accident investigations and recommend safety improvement.
Order and manage laboratory supplies.
Inspect and audit suppliers as directed.
Perform monthly Plant audits and follow up on corrective actions until completed.
Coordinate customer and all other third-party audits, effective implementation of corrective actions and timely closing of all open items.
Review audits observations, findings, nonconformity. Develop and implement sustainable corrective actions. Maintain complete records for both internal and external records.
In charge of HOLD program for nonconforming product, its disposition and record maintenance.
Will oversee the Pest Control Program, that is managed by a third party.
Develop and manage associate training program, help achieve their goals and career advancement.
Support and contribute to continuous improvement as well as process improvement efforts.
Implement methods to auto-record test results for improved reliability and e records maintenance.
Follow HACCP principles and Good Manufacturing Practices.
Meet all Food, Personal safety, and Regulatory requirements.
Other duties, as assigned to support quality mission statement.
Ensure that all documents are always in a state of readiness and that all records are kept electronically on our site's SharePoint site
Ensure that all aspects of food safety are adhered to as new products are trialed and introduced at the plant.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Traits:
Experience in the food industry preferable
Extensive knowledge of food systems, food safety and security
Training and experience in Food Science or Food Technology
Certification in HACCP, maintain certification
SQF codes
Ability to follow up and verification of effective corrective action implementation
Ability to see the matter prior to becoming an issue
Report to management on regular basis
Ability to work within a team environment.
Ability to lead with agility in a continuously changing environment
Experience and career history with "Fortune 500" type companies strongly desired
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Direct Responsibility for QC and Sanitation Supervisors and Staff. Indirect responsibility for all Manufacturing Staff.
Physical Requirements for production positions regularly include:
Frequent movement including walking, standing, bending/stooping, turning, twisting, pushing, pulling, raising arms, lifting, climbing and other active movements
Performing duties while wearing personal protective equipment
Working across temperature zones that may include cold and/or hot environments for extended periods and may include work in environments where dust is present
Shift schedules that include days, nights, and weekends, some holidays and periodic overtime
Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including pre- and post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.
Neither Land O'Lakes, nor its search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.
Land O'Lakes endeavors to make Landolakesinc.com accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact the HR Solution Center at 844-LOL-HR4U (844-565-4748) M-F 8:00am-4:30pm CT.
