Quality Assurance Manager

Quality Assurance Manager

Prairie du Chien, WI

$75-85K

Our Prairie du Chien, WI food/beverage manufacturing client is looking to hire a Quality Manager. The QA Manager has the responsibility for overall product safety, quality and regulatory compliance for the manufacturing plant. This includes the development and implementation of preventative quality system, specification compliance, operator training and development, quality testing of ingredients and/or finished product, labeling, complaint handling and communication with plant personnel regarding quality programs trends, issues and opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

• As part of the leadership team help drive culture change by leading as example with positive attitude and innovative thinking to contribute to the business strategy.
• Implement and monitor the company’s Quality Assurance Program at the facility according to established policies and procedures and assuring the accuracy of data. 
• Establish quality assurance specifications for finished products, in process testing and ingredients and ensure that these specifications are met and adhered to by production personnel.
• Establish quality specifications for incoming raw materials with Purchasing, monitoring these raw materials to ensure that specifications are met.
• Recruit, direct, coach, lead and supervise all QA personnel constantly raising the standard of performance.  Establish education and development programs for employees including SOP’s, quality specifications, safety and job expectations.
• Prepare and manage laboratory budget.  Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve margins.
• Research and provide analytical results on customer complaints in a timely manner.  Interact with customers as needed on complaint investigation and resolution. Professionally represent company on quality matters with vendors and customers.
• Assist operations with establishing procedures and supervising all product and process development and test runs, reporting all results.
• Manage inventory of off-spec materials, including the scheduling and reworking of products as needed.
• Maintain FDA compliance, HACCP and GMP programs.
• Conduct internal, vendor and contract manufacturing audits as required.
• Maintain and improve all current quality assurance lab data system reports.  Conduct statistical analysis on production, lab and formula data. 
• Maintain Kosher and Halal certification program and manage ingredient verification process.
• Ensure compliance with all company, state, federal and international safety and regulatory policies and practices as appropriate.
• Remain current on matters relating to production methods, formulations, analytical techniques and federal regulations as they relate to the Company’s products.  Make recommendations for improvement as necessary.
• Assist with the education of production personnel in the monitoring of product quality.  This includes the proper cleaning of production equipment and warehouse areas, performing sanitation audits and monitoring proper closure of bags and storage methods.
• Coordinate pest control services.

Job Qualifications:

Required: 

Bachelors Degree or Equivalent

Life Science or related area

Preferred:

Masters Degree or Equivalent

Required:

• 5 years previous manufacturing QA Management experience
• Strong knowledge of laboratory testing procedures and computer software applications.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills
• Previous supervisory experience

• Experience in a food grade manufacturing facility

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