Quality Assurance Manager - Ever Fresh Fruit : Job Details

Are you a hardworking, motivated, self-starter with a strong desire to be part of a stable, supportive, fast paced team? We offer opportunities for a long-term career, with consistent hours and opportunity for growth.What Ever Fresh Fruit Company offers! Monday through Thursday scheduleOvertime is availableDedicated Employee Development Specialist to assist with career growthOpportunities for advancementA leadership team that works alongside you for continued supportEmployee recognition programsEver Fresh Fruit Company offers: Medical coverageDental coverageVision coverageShort-term disabilityLife insurance planVacation and sick time8 paid holidaysTuition reimbursement Generous 401(k) matchAbout us!Opening in Warren, IN April 2025! We work closely with our customers to create unique flavor elements to ice cream bases and yogurt preps. Many of our ingredients end up in easily recognizable brands on the store shelf as we produce for both international corporations as well as smaller, local brands. Our Research and Development is done in-house so we get to witness the whole process from ideation to creation. We support regional trade organizations, source locally when appropriate and help to bring healthy food to people's tables.Quality Assurance ManagerDepartment: Quality Assurance DepartmentStatus: ExemptEmployee Classification: Regular Full-timeReports To: Quality Systems DirectorSupervisory Responsibilities: YesJob Summary: Plans, coordinates, directs and manages quality assurance program to ensure continuous plant management consistent with established standards by performing the following duties personally or through subordinates. Directly responsible for monitoring and verifying the quality of the manufacturing process from incoming materials to finished product shipment, ensuring formulations and quality standards are adhered to, adequate sanitation standards are maintained at all times and packaging requirements match industry standards. Responsible for day to day staffing of the Quality Assurance and Sanitation departments. The QA Manager has the responsibility to take immediate action to protect food safety and food quality. The QA Manager is responsible for maintaining a working knowledge of all current and looming regulatory and customer food safety and quality requirements. The QA Manager has a duty to report noncompliance issues involving food safety and quality to the executive management team. The QA Manager is ultimately accountable for the safety and quality of product being sold or transferred to another party.Essential Functions: Verifies the implementation, maintenance and function of the food safety and quality processes including FSMA, HACCP, SQF, GMPs, Non-GMO Project, Organic, Kosher, SOPs, prerequisite programs and all customer requirements.Prepares and leads the facility in preparation for internal and external audits including: 3rd Party (SQF), GMP, HACCP, FDA/ODA, customer audits, organic audits, Non-GMO Project audits and Kosher inspections. Accompanies inspector, completes necessary reports, performs follow-ups to non-conformances, and provides responses as appropriate.Provides Quality/Sanitation support for project commercialization. Ensure appropriate steps, forms and approvals are complete to assure successful project startup.Train team members on appropriate inspections, procedures, and practices. Assist in ensuring facility is inspection ready at all times. Serve as primary plant contact for FDA/ODA, SQF, Oregon Tilth, Non-GMO Project, Star K Kosher and other auditors/inspectors.Educates plant management on all internal and external policies such as FSMA, SQF, HACCP, internal policies and procedures, and special customer requirements. Verifies compliance and reports non-compliance. Develops and analyzes statistical data to monitor quality programs in place and to drive change when necessary.Develops and maintains product specifications and establishes appropriate variables and limits to ensure food safety and food quality.Conducts thorough investigations, involving other departments as appropriate, to identify the root cause for any internal discrepancies, audit findings, customer complaints, etc.Formulates and maintains quality control objectives complementary to company policies and goals.Identifies and communicates areas of risk for the company in food safety, quality or compliance, protecting product safety and consistency at all times. Works with plant management to achieve plant efficiency and quality objectives. Assists with customer visits including product cuttings and plant tours. Ensures all customer and regulatory requirements are met including labeling, net weights and all other regulatory requirements. Demonstrates quality assurance philosophy and mindset to key personnel in organization. Develops and maintains inspection points for product throughout production cycle. Manages all aspects of the QA Department including employee scheduling, performance management, training and development, accuracy and precision of testing equipment.Establishes and enforces standards for incoming raw materials. Advises Director(s) and CEO of challenges and progress through regular and routine reports. Investigates all quality and food safety-related complaints, in conjunction with plant management, and formulates response to said complaints. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Bachelor's Degree from a four-year college or university; concentration in Food Science, Microbiology or related studies or equivalent experience preferred. All degrees considered.5+ years of experience as a Quality Assurance Manager in a food or associated business preferred. Other leadership positions in the functional area will be considered. Expertise in HACCP, SQF, Sanitation, Food Safety and Food Defense.Proficient using computer applications including Microsoft Word, Excel and email.Proven ability to successfully manage aggressive timelines with positive results.Effective and proven problem-solving skills.Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers, employees, and other organizations.Strong leadership and team building skills.Outstanding analytical, interpersonal and communication skills.Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.Willingness to travel and work extended hours or multiple shifts on occasion.Bilingual skills in English and Spanish both oral and written are preferred, but not required.Working Conditions/Physical Factors: Exposure to wet and/or humid conditions.Exposure to a loud working environment, hearing protection is mandatory.Exposure to hazards in the work place such as proximity to equipment conducting extreme heat, moving parts, and electrical current.Must be able to work in environment containing allergens (sulfites, etc.). Use of a respirator may be required, although this requirement is infrequent. Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time.Occasionally required to use hands and fingers. Frequently required to talk or hear. Frequently required to taste and smell.Frequently required to lift/push/pull/carry weight up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required for this job include: close vision, distance vision, and color vision.Exposure to fumes or airborne particles. Other Duties as Assigned:This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.