Quality Assurance Manager

Wayne-Sanderson Farms; Laurel (MS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne-Sanderson Farms is seeking a Quality Assurance Manager to direct the activities of the QA department in a poultry processing facility. The role involves ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and managing a team of supervisors.

Ideal candidates will have at least three years of experience in a similar role, a relevant Bachelor’s degree, and a strong focus on quality improvement and employee development. The position is located in Laurel, Mississippi, within a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years experience as a Quality Assurance Supervisor.
• Knowledge of OSHA guidelines and HACCP.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee QA department activities ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Implement quality system updates and audit processes.
• Mentor and train staff in quality assurance practices.

Skills

Poultry processing knowledge

Food safety regulations

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Customer-centric attitude

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field

Tools

Safety Chain or similar software

Job description

The Quality Assurance Manager directs the activities of the Quality Assurance (QA) department in a poultry one-line processing facility through subordinate superintendents and/or supervisors ensuring the quality and food safety requirements for processing are followed through the enforcement of quality policies, procedures, and standards while remaining compliant with all regulatory and legal requirements.

Job Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day activities of QA department throughout the plant, providing guidance to the supervisors to ensure the effective application of product and process monitoring, testing, validation, and controls to ensure compliance with company, regulatory entities (USDA, FSIS, etc.) and Federal, State, and local legal requirements
• Implement and oversee quality system implementations and updates to ensure adherence to product specifications, GMPs, SSOPs, and HACCP requirements, while maintaining the accuracy of records and documentation per customer requirements
• Partner with internal departments, providing insights and guidance, to ensure a complete and thorough investigation and root cause analysis of all customer complaints and NRs; communicate findings to appropriate personnel in a timely manner
• Perform or review periodic audits on recall systems, incoming raw materials, in-process control, and finished goods testing, providing feedback on opportunities for improvement to appropriate personnel
• Review required documentation and reporting for accuracy, identify trends and communicate corrective actions where needed; follow-up to ensure corrective actions are implemented mitigating future risk
• Identify opportunities for improvement, develop implementation of continuous improvement programs and processes, and lead or participate on implementing improvements
• Develop quality, food safety, and customer requirements as well as creating and/or provide capital spending plans, particularly regarding quality and food safety
• Mentor, coach, train, and cross-train employees, encouraging career development; provide consistent feedback concerning strengths and areas of improvement
• Act as the liaison between regulatory bodies (e.g. USDA) and major customers supplied from multiple company locations facilitating communication and fostering a positive working relationship as well as two-way communication in the event that issues arise
• Regularly participate and/ or lead in QA Meetings and Projects as part of personal and professional development
• Follow and ensure others follow department safety policies and procedures in support of a zero-accident culture
• Perform other related duties as directed

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Working knowledge of poultry processing, food safety regulations, OSHA guidelines, GMP, and, PVP, Animal Welfare, and HACCP
• Knowledgeable of Food Safety Database systems such as Safety Chain
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment using excellent organizational skills and precise attention to detail.
• Must possess a strong customer-centric attitude, high energy level and a strong sense of urgency
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing with all levels of the organization as well as externally with regulatory officials and vendors
• Ability to organize and prioritize work in a dynamic and complex environment to meet deadlines and daily requirements.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and maintain a productive and committed work effort, meeting deadlines and managing workload.

Education

The position requires a Bachelors’ degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Animal Science, Poultry Science, Microbiology, Meat Science or other relevant discipline, Masters’ degree preferred

Experience

The position requires a minimum of three (3) years internal experience as a Quality Assurance Supervisor or minimum two (2) years equivalent external experience as a QA Manager in a food processing/manufacturing environment.; meat processing or poultry industry experience. Demonstrated leadership experience including policy adherence, conflict resolution, and the ability to resolve issues efficiently and effectively

Supervisor Responsibilities

This role is a Leader of People role with required competencies: Sizing up People, Delegation, Planning, Customer Focus and Conflict Management

Work Environment

Manufacturing Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to risk of injury in a manufacturing environment, cold and humid and/ or hot and dusty environment. Loud noise above 89 lbs. possible and the ability to work non-standard shifts to meet business need (holiday, weekend, and extended)

Equal Opportunity Employer

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Wayne-Sanderson does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender (sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, citizenship status, a person’s veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law or executive order.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.