Purpose of the Position

Develops, implements, and maintains the strategic and tactical plans, at the assigned plant(s), for the Simmons' Quality Systems end-user. Ensures that end-user computers, including tablets and fixed stations, are built, deployed, and updated according to Simmons' defined standards, and in many cases, leads the development of those standards. Collaborates closely with the broader Simmons organization and business units as well as other Information Services teams, acting as the representative for the Quality Systems desktop support function.

Essential Position Responsibilities - This is a Salary Exempt position.

Plans, schedules, conducts and reports on Quality System audits, inspections, and related processes. Develops internal audit schedules, plans, leads audit, writes audit reports and follows-up on audit findings and corrective actions. Performs follow-up on any internal corrective actions to ensure root cause/corrective action has been addressed and ensures implementation. Establishes and maintains inspection procedures and frequencies.

Ensures accurate data collection and performs data analysis to guide quality decisions. Oversees statistical charting / SPC and inspection findings. Interprets and analyzes available data to aid in continuous improvement on products and processes. Accomplishes all paperwork in accordance with established time frames and record keeping requirements. Facilitates organization of quality related records. Demonstrates knowledge of inspection requirements and customer expectations. Directs and oversees employee data collection activities and monitors performance to meet quality systems needs and data analysis efforts.

Participates in all system-related design and deployment projects including software and system upgrades. Utilizes in-plant information to formulate data collection strategies and makes determination of appropriate data collection efforts to allow for decision-making. Must be able to perform independent evaluation of procedures and determine implication of design strategies that could result in data collection changes. Identifies and implements processes that improve performance of internal operations as it relates to end-user systems. Supports his or her team in the maintenance of end-user computer systems by conferring with software and hardware vendors. Assists in the testing, evaluation, and installation of patches, upgrades, and enhancements to the desktop computing environment.

Ensures open communication with necessary personnel. Maintains open communication with facility personnel on quality issues and topics. Leads and/or participates in meetings with quality and/or production personnel to ensure communication with all levels of facility personnel on quality and food safety related topics. Prepares and maintains written programs and documentation to ensure effective communication of plant programs, procedures, and quality inspection requirements. Evaluates communication to formulate on-going data collection efforts. Provides data and aids in data analysis to provide a basis for decision-making.

Manages Resources to meet business goals. Manages resources to meet requirements and expectations. Ensures effective scheduling and spending to meet quality requirements and ensure product meets expectations. Appropriate allocation of hardware, software, and other related resources to ensure company requirements are met related to quality systems.

Tracks and reports metrics regarding service desk tickets, incident reports and planned or unplanned changes, including metrics regarding the quality and timeliness of resolutions for those incidents. All desktop support environment changes must be documented, tested, validated and communicated. Communicates effectively to Simmons' personnel during difficult situations such as system outages or impactful changes.

Maintains system security safeguards , including endpoint protection systems, anti-virus, anti-malware, etc. Implements security standards and procedures in compliance with organizational information security and risk management policies, standards, and guidelines for the Simmons end-user computing environment.

Meets safety requirements in accomplishing responsibilities of this position complying with all policies or regulations set forth by Simmons Foods or various regulatory agencies.

Participates as a member of the Team . Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons' established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position's role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.

Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Communicates with Customers, Vendors, or Employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail. May present information to small or large groups. Must be able to work in various temperatures. Move about in a manufacturing environment and surrounding property. May travel via car or plane to various work locations. Must be able to stoop, bend, and climb ladders to perform inspections. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Hairnets, earplugs, slip resistant shoes, and any other protective equipment as needed or required.

Travel: One or two off-site classes per year. Regular travel by car to supported sites. Additional travel as required.

Technical Experience: Knowledge and experience related to food processing with related experience in food safety and/or quality assurance. In addition, knowledge of basic computing hardware, Microsoft Office, and troubleshooting is preferred. Preference for technical training such as Proficient Fundamentals Training and Basic HACCP Training. Must be able to obtain certifications/training for the QA computer programs and other related areas as required.

Industry Experience: 1 year minimum experience preferred in manufacturing or food processing organization. IT experience is also accepted.

Minimum Education : Associates degree in a Science related field (Food, Animal, Microbiology, Poultry, etc.) and/or Information Technology/Computer Science field and/or equivalent work experience in appropriate computing or quality background. Must be willing to obtain the following certifications within the first year as a condition of employment: Basic HACCP training, Proficient Fundamentals Training, Advanced Proficient Fundamentals Training, SPC Training.

Preferred Education : BS degree in related field.