Director of Quality Systems

The Pictsweet Company; Bells (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pictsweet Company is seeking a Director of Quality Systems in Bells, TN. This role involves ensuring strategic leadership and direction over quality systems and implementing robust programs focused on supplier compliance and product evaluations. The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree in a related scientific field, leadership skills, and relevant certifications. Responsibilities also include mentoring teams, performing audits, and managing quality budgets, thereby contributing to the organization's quality culture.

Qualifications

• Must have an advanced degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field.
• Understanding of HACCP & Advanced HACCP, Internal Auditing, and Quality Standards.
• Certifications in Quality Engineering and Quality Auditing are a plus.
• Proficient trainer and mentor for subordinate associates.
• Willingness to work flexible hours and travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop and monitor quality systems programs with KPIs.
• Mentor quality control teams for their growth.
• Create and update QA/QC policies and protocols.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on quality controls.
• Direct quality systems adherence and customer liaising.

Skills

Leadership fundamentals

Training and mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Quality assurance expertise

Advanced HACCP certification

Education

Advanced degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry

Tools

Quality management systems

HACCP protocols

Job description

Family owned and operated for over 80 years, Pictsweet is a frozen vegetable producer with agricultural roots. We are currently seeking a Director of Quality Systems, reporting to the VP of Technical Services. This role ensures strategic leadership and direction of all aspects of The Pictsweet Company’s quality systems and programs. The position is based at our corporate headquarters in Bells, TN.

Responsibilities

• Responsible to continuously develop and monitor the following programs (prerequisites) to ensure they are articulated and shared with the leadership team, robustly managed, and have the appropriate KPIs reported at weekly leadership meetings and monthly on the Quality Scorecard.
  • Supplier quality compliance, working closely with supply chain vendors to ensure incoming materials meet established pathogen control assessments.
  • A robust product evaluation program ensures that processing plants are continuously improving, following up with corrective actions and preventative controls to ensure the company meets customer expectations.
  • Manage and perform the internal audit program with the audit team, participate in the audit process, and ensure that internal audits are completed on time and effective corrective and preventative actions are implemented.
  • Oversee and update the initial quality training program and annual refreshers. Audit the employee training matrix for compliance, completeness, and accuracy.
• Provide mentorship to the quality control teams, focusing on growth and development and succession plans for the team and organization.
• Create, implement, enforce, and regularly update global QA/QC policies, protocols, procedures, training and testing/inspection/audit programs for the company.
• Create a platform of efficient, informative, and preliminary walk-throughs, team meetings, and reviews to ensure follow-up actions. The director will moderate those meetings that require their direct involvement.
• Provide technical, scientific expertise to cross-functional groups within the company to ensure product quality controls are accurately developed, executed, and maintained.
• Support the Quality Systems with measured and sensible metrics, which will become consolidated into accurate and detailed reporting presented daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc.
• Take ownership and direct the company’s quality systems (BRC, Customer Driven).
• Responsible for overall adherence to product specifications and is the primary liaison with customers.
• Provide strategic leadership to the organization and champion a quality culture.
• Perform routine analysis and resolve consumer/customer complaints related to quality. Assist in implementing the corrective action with the appropriate plant or facility management personnel.
• Work with department managers to ensure timely and accurate reporting of quality issues to the VP of Technical Services.
• Manage each facility's Quality budget, projections, accruals, and variances.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry or a related scientific field.
• Understanding of management/leadership fundamentals, be certified in HACCP & Advanced HACCP, Internal Auditing, Third Party GFSI audit Standards, Food Security & Defense, and be a Preventative Control Qualified Individual.
• Certifications from the American Society of Quality in Quality Engineering, Organizational Excellence, and Quality Auditing are a plus.
• Must be a proficient trainer of and be able to develop and mentor subordinate associates for future responsibilities.
• Must work cross-functionally with other departments to accomplish corporate objectives while achieving departmental goals.
• Be willing to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, and travel to company facilities, customers, and suppliers as directed.

The Pictsweet Company is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/V/H