Plant QA Manager

Niagara Bottling; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 113,000 - 161,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off for holidays, sick time,

Medical, including virtual care

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Niagara Bottling, LLC is seeking a Plant QA Manager to lead Food Safety, Packaging Quality and Product Quality initiatives at our facility. You will be the primary plant liaison for company quality programs and third-party audits, driving improvements and ensuring regulatory compliance.

The role requires strong data analysis, root-cause investigation, budget management, and collaboration with R&D. A Bachelor’s in a related field is required, with HACCP certification preferred, and a commitment

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years in field or manufacturing environment
• 6 years in the position
• 4 years experience managing people/projects
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Visio, Oracle Business Systems, Infinity QS
• Detail-oriented with excellent oral and written communication skills
• Knowledge of water chemistry, microbiological analysis methods, chemical analysis methods, laboratory systems and beverage sanitation practices
• Demonstrated ability to use data for creative problem solving, experience using statistical software packages

Responsibilities

• Lead Food Safety, Packaging Quality and Product Quality related activities.
• Serve as primary plant liaison for Company Quality Assurance Initiatives, Niagara Corporate Quality and Third Party Audits.
• Trend analytical data and develop initiatives to improve plant performance against Niagara quality measures and ensure plant compliance with company and regulatory standards.
• Track, analyze, and lead root cause analysis for all quality and customer complaint issues within the plant.
• Ensure compliance and record keeping for all mandated quality checks, testing, sampling and sanitation activities within the plant.
• Monitor the microbiological program; collect and conduct microbiological analysis of product and process samples when necessary.
• Perform water testing equipment evaluations and calibrations.
• Conduct reviews of Pre-requisite Programs, GMP Compliance and Sanitation Compliance.
• Serve as the facility Food Safety Program Coordinator, HACCP Coordinator and SQF Practitioner.
• Manage budgeting, purchasing and inventory of QA operating supplies.
• Monitor the performance and competencies of QA staff and provide leadership, coaching, discipline and development as needed.
• Assist R&D with formulation adjustments, product evaluations, and product launch activities.
• Maintain a safe work environment and support plant safety programs.
• Assist with weekend and holiday coverage as needed.

Job description

At Niagara, we’re looking for Team Members who want to be part of achieving our mission to provide our customers the highest quality most affordable bottled water. Work in an entrepreneurial and dynamic environment with a chance to make an impact. Develop lasting relationships with great people. Have the opportunity to build a satisfying career. We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages for our Team Members.

Plant QA Manager

Administers policies and programs ensuring that organizational products and processes meet established quality standards. Implement quality standards, ensures and executes compliance on every stage of the process.

Essential Functions

Lead the facility in all Food Safety, Packaging Quality and Product Quality related activities. Serve as the primary plant liaison within the facility for all Company Quality Assurance Initiatives, Niagara Corporate Quality and Third Party Audits. Trend analytical data and develop initiatives to improve plant performance against Niagara quality measures and ensure plant compliance with company and regulatory standards. Track, analyze, and lead root cause analysis for all quality and customer complaint issues within the plant. Ensure compliance and record keeping for all mandated quality checks, testing, sampling and sanitation activities within the plant. Monitor the microbiological program; collect and conduct microbiological analysis of product and process samples when necessary. Perform water testing equipment evaluations and calibrations. Conduct regular reviews of the facility’s Pre-requisite Programs, GMP Compliance and Sanitation Compliance. Serve as the facility Food Safety Program Coordinator, HACCP Coordinator and SQF Practitioner. Manage budgeting, purchasing and inventory of QA operating supplies such as filters, chemicals and lab supplies. Monitor the performance and competencies of plant QA staff and provide leadership, coaching, discipline and development as needed. Assist the Research & Development team with formulation adjustments, product evaluations, and product launch activities. Maintain a safe work environment and support all plant safety programs. Assist with weekend and holiday coverage as needed.

Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list 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 prior notice.

Qualifications Minimum Qualifications

• 6 Years – Experience in Field or similar manufacturing environment
• 6 Years – Experience in Position
• 4 Years – Experience managing people/projects
• *experience may include a combination of work experience and education
• Computer literate with proficiency in, but not limited to: Microsoft Office Applications, Visio, Oracle Business Systems, Infinity QS, etc
• Detail-Oriented with Excellent Oral and Written Communication Skills
• Knowledge of water chemistry, microbiological analysis methods, chemical analysis methods, laboratory systems and beverage sanitation practices
• Demonstrated ability to use data for creative problem solving, experience using statistical software packages

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ Years– Experience in Field or similar manufacturing environment
• 10+ Years – Experience working in Position
• 6 Years – Experience managing people/projects
• *experience may include a combination of work experience and education

Competencies

• Lead Like an Owner – Manages a safe working environment, accurately documents safety related training, and effectively communicates safety incidents
• Provides strategic input and oversight to departmental projects
• Makes data driven decisions and develops sustainable solutions
• Skilled in reducing costs and managing timelines while prioritizing long run impact over short term wins
• Makes decisions by putting overall company success first before department/individual success
• Leads/facilitates discussions to get positive outcomes for the customer
• Makes strategic decisions which prioritize the needs of the customer over departmental/individual goals
• Continuously evaluates existing programs and processes, and develops new initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce waste
• Creates, monitors, and responds to departmental performance metrics to drive continuous improvement
• Communicates a clear vision, organizes resources effectively, and adjusts the strategy as needed when managing change
• Demonstrates ability to think analytically and synthesize complex information
• Effectively delegates technical tasks to subordinates
• Works effectively with departments, vendors, and customers to achieve organizational success
• Identifies opportunities for collaboration in strategic ways
• Empowered to be Great – Makes hiring decisions primarily based on culture fit and attitude, and secondarily based on technical expertise
• Engages in long term talent planning
• Provides opportunities for the development of all direct reports
• Understands, identifies, and addresses conflict within own team and between teams

Education

• Minimum Required: Bachelor's Degree in Food Science/Technology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Engineering or other related field
• Preferred: Master's Degree in Food Science/Technology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Engineering or other related field

Certification/License

Required: N/A

Preferred: HACCP Certification

Foreign Language Required

None Required

Preferred: None Required

Typical Compensation Range

Pay Rate Type: Salary $112,890.09 - $160,868.41 / Yearly

Bonus Target: 15%

Annual Benefits

Our Total Rewards package is thoughtfully designed to support both you and your family: Regular full-time team members are offered a comprehensive benefits package, while part-time, intern, and seasonal team members are offered a limited benefits package. Paid Time Off for holidays, sick time, and vacation time Paid parental and caregiver leaves Medical, including virtual care options Dental Vision 401(k) with company match Health Savings Account with company match Flexible Spending Accounts Expanded mental wellbeing benefits including free counseling sessions for all team members and household family members Family Building Benefits including enhanced fertility benefits for IVF and fertility preservation plus adoption, surrogacy, and Doula reimbursements Income protection including Life and AD&D, short and long-term disability, critical illness and an accident plan Special discount programs including pet plans, pre-paid legal services, identity theft, car rental, airport parking, etc. Tuition reimbursement, college savings plan and scholarship opportunities And more!

Los Angeles County Applicants Only

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the California Fair Chance Act, and any other applicable local and state laws.

Company Overview

Niagara Bottling, LLC has been family owned and operated since 1963. Niagara is a leading bottled water manufacturer in the U.S., supplying major retailers across the nation. With incredible growth over the past several years, the career possibilities at Niagara are endless! Niagara’s culture is fast-paced, innovative and intensely collaborative. Our Team Members are passionate, driven and always find a way to get the job done. We work hard and play hard while staying true to our family atmosphere. From competitive benefits and retirement options to educational reimbursements, ongoing training courses and exciting career advancement opportunities, at Niagara we truly take care of our Team Members.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Niagara Bottling LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in relation to our recruiting, hiring, and promoting practices.