Quality Assurance Manager

Job Title: Quality Assurance Manager

Location: Willmar, Minnesota

Salary: $80-110K

Job Summary of the Quality Assurance Manager: The Quality Assurance Manager has the responsibility for overall product safety, quality and regulatory compliance for the manufacturing plant. This includes the development and implementation of a preventative quality system, specification compliance, operator training and development, quality testing of ingredients and/or finished products, labeling, complaint handling, and communication with sales and plant personnel regarding quality program trends, issues and opportunities according to established policy and procedures.

Job Responsibilities of the QA Manager:  

• Implement and monitor the company’s Quality Assurance Program at the facility according to established policies and procedures.
• Establish quality assurance specifications for finished products, in process testing and ingredients.
• 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.
• Research and provide analytical results on customer complaints in a timely manner. Interact with customers as needed on complaint investigation and resolution.
• 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.
• Conduct internal, vendor and contract manufacturing audits as required.
• Maintain and improve all current quality assurance lab data system reports.
• 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.

Education & Experience of the QA Manager:

• 5 years previous manufacturing QA management experience in a food or beverage manufacturing industry.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Life Science or related area
• Strong knowledge of laboratory testing procedures and computer software applications
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills
• Previous supervisory experience

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