FSQ Supervisor - 2nd Shift

SunOpta; California (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dedicated FSQ Supervisor to lead laboratory operations at its Modesto facility. This role involves ensuring compliance with food safety standards, supervising laboratory staff, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to uphold quality and safety in food production. You will play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of raw materials and finished products while driving continuous improvement initiatives. Join a forward-thinking company committed to sustainability and innovation in the food sector, where your leadership will contribute to a healthier future for all.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field and 2-5 years of related experience required.
• Strong knowledge of Food Safety regulations and practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead laboratory operations and ensure compliance with specifications.
• Collaborate with teams to achieve plant goals and maintain safety standards.

Skills

Food Safety Knowledge

Teamwork

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Bachelor's degree in Food Science/Technology

Job description

Modesto Facility, Modesto, California, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 7:00 AM

SunOpta Overview:

SunOpta (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY) is an innovative and sustainable manufacturer fueling the future of food. With roots tracing back over 50 years, SunOpta drives growth for today’s leading brands byserving as a trusted innovation partner and value-added manufacturer, craftingorganic, plant-based beverages, fruit snacks, nutritional beverages, broths and tea products sold through retail, club, foodservice and e-commerce channels. Alongside the company’s commitment to top brands, retailers and coffee shops, SunOpta also proudly produces its own brands, including SOWN , Dream , and West Life . For more information, visit SunOpta and LinkedIn .

SunOpta is looking for talented individuals that demonstrate our most valued behaviors: Passion, Dedication, Speed, Entrepreneurship, Customer-Centricity, and Problem-Solver, to help create a brighter, healthier, and sustainable future of food!

Job Summary:

This position provides leadership for laboratory operations and ensures the technician team reviews incoming raw materials and packaging to meet specifications. Additionally, ensures that finished goods produced in the manufacturing processes meet specifications and in-process measures. FSQ supervisor supports the plant leadership team as appropriate.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Provide leadership and daily operation of plant FSQ and Micro laboratories.
• Establish controls as needed to verify lab procedures and equipment calibration.
• Collaborate with Corporate FSQ to conduct and report lab proficiency testing.
• Ensure effective laboratory safety procedures and required training, tools and record keeping are managed through site leadership.
• Works with Corporate and Plant Leadership team to sustain effective organizational design; roles are correctly organized, defined and communicated to all laboratory employees.
• Daily collaboration with Quality, Operations, and Maintenance teams to achieve plant goals.
• Leverages specification system for product and packaging specifications and collaborates with Quality Engineer to generate batch sheets and process instructions.
• Create and maintain documents specific to laboratory operations (i.e.: SOP's, SSOP's).
• Lead incoming ingredient vendor approvals and organize supplier approval questionnaires
• Ensures COA's are generated and shared appropriately with internal and external customers.
• Responsible for coordinating with Quality team the appropriate actions for holds including communication, testing, and disposition as needed.
• Develop the best methods and drive continuous improvement for FSQ laboratory operations.
• All other duties, as assigned.

Key Accountabilities:

Quality :

• Participate on Food Safety or Food Defense team (if applicable).
• Strong working knowledge of Food Safety, i.e.: SQF code, development/maintenance of Food Safety Plans/HACCP, FSMA requirements, Food Defense, GMP’s, sanitary design and controls, local/state/federal food regulations and food technology.

Safety :

• Follow all facility human and food safety policies including proper use of PPE.
• Report all near misses and accidents to the production supervisor.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Cooperates with other shifts and management team for facility housekeeping endeavors.

Communication :

• Ensure teamwork with management and operators occurs during each scheduled shift.
• Maintains effective communication with members of the cross-functional team.

Teamwork and Training :

• Promote and contribute to the development of teamwork among production team members.
• Assist in coaching and training team members.

Personal Development :

• Continuous learning of the Aseptic batching, sterilization, and filling processes.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Direct supervision of laboratory staff.
• Administrative responsibility for laboratory staff annual goal setting and performance management processes.
• Recruiting, hiring and retention of laboratory staff.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Food Science/Technology or related field.
• Two to five years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a food and beverage manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of Continuous Improvement practices.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment.
• Able to manage self and tasks to meet deadlines, while handling multiple tasks concurrently.
• Back up PCQI.

Additional Considerations:

• Location: This role with be at the SunOpta Plant in Modesto, CA.
• Shift: This position will be a 2nd Shift opportunity, 5 pm - 2 am, Monday - Friday. Some flexibility may be needed.
• Travel: Travel (less than 10%) may be required to various SunOpta locations and for meetings or other job-related functions.
• Work Environment: Approximately 50% of the work for this role is performed in a laboratory environment and 50% involves being in a plant / manufacturing environment.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED

Modesto Facility, Modesto, California, United States of America