Mfg Plant QA Assistant Manager/Resource Leader

Kroger; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Kroger Manufacturing is seeking a QA professional to lead food safety and quality systems, ensuring safe, high-quality foods in production and distribution. You will oversee audits, training, supplier and material specs, and GMP/HACCP compliance to support customer 1st strategy.

Responsibilities include coordinating SQF audits, leading continuous improvement initiatives, and mentoring QA staff while upholding Kroger's core values and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in food science or related field.
• 2+ years progressive QA lab experience.
• Ability to read and interpret scientific/technical documents.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to apply SPC concepts.

Responsibilities

• Lead SQF audits and support QA programs.
• Provide training on Food Safety, Laboratory Safety, and Compliance.
• Assist with product development and process improvements.
• Review raw material specs and incoming/outgoing ingredients.
• Ensure receiving procedures meet safety standards.
• Audit sanitation processes via GMP walkthroughs and testing.
• Monitor HACCP/HARPC compliance and allergen programs.
• Support SQF 2000 system development and improvements.
• Coach and evaluate QA staff and provide feedback.

Skills

Food safety

Quality systems

Interpersonal skills

Statistical process control

Documentation

Education

BSc in Food Science

Job description

Provide leadership and administer support in the areas of food safety and quality systems to assure the production and distribution of safe, quality foods. Manage and oversee programs to sustain compliance with Kroger Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality requirements. Perform all jobs safely, efficiently and accurately to maintain and improve the performance of the entire plant in the areas of Safety, Quality, Reliability (SQR) and our Customer 1st strategy. Provide leadership that embodies our 7 Kroger Manufacturing High Performance Work System principles. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

• Participate in the Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification audits
• Conduct training for Food Safety, Laboratory Safety, Regulatory Compliance and Continuous Improvement Strategies
• Assist Corporate Food Technology with product development and/or product/process improvement projects
• Review raw material and formula specifications
• Ensure that receiving procedures for incoming and outgoing ingredients are in compliance with quality and safety standards
• Audit plant sanitation process through environmental testing, product testing and physical inspections
• Support quality initiatives by participating in routine Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) walkthroughs and participating in or leading any food safety or quality initiatives
• Monitor to ensure that Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), Hazard Analysis and Risk-based Preventive Controls (HARPC), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), allergen programs, formulations, and finished product meet specification.
• Follow established programs, policies and practices to produce safe quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirements
• Support the development, implementation, maintenance, and ongoing improvement of the SQF 2000 Systems
• Accountable to the Kroger Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Principles
• Supervise and coach direct reports in the performance of their duties; complete performance reviews and provides feedback to direct reports
• Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation
• Must be able to work around ingredients and/or finished products known to contain food allergens

Minimum

• Bachelor's Degree food science or a related field or or equivalent experience
• 2+ years progressive quality assurance lab experience
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports and legal documents
• Demonstrates good interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to apply statistical process control concepts

Desired

• Working knowledge of food safety programs, microbiological and sanitation concepts
• Provide support to production in continuous improvement effort
• Working knowledge of food manufacturing plant operations