Job Title: Quality Assurance Supervisor
Department: Quality and R&D
Reports to: QA Manager
Shift: 3rd Shift 10:30pm-7:00am
Core Values At Thrive Freeze Dry
We expect our team members to embody Thrive Freeze Dry’s core values every day:
- Continuous Improvement
- Accountability
- Integrity
- Personal Growth and Wellness
- Teamwork
- Work–Life Balance
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Responsibilities
The
Quality Assurance Supervisor is responsible for overseeing Quality team members and supporting daily operations related to food safety and product quality. This role involves:
- Supervising and developing QA staff, including coaching, training, and performance management.
- Resolving employee issues and making staffing/resource decisions to support production, calibration, traceability, sampling, inspections, and special projects.
- Ensuring team members are well-trained in food safety and quality programs, as well as standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Assigning work, implementing QA policies, and recommending improvements to equipment, procedures, and processes.
- Managing department KPIs and reporting progress to the QA Manager.
- Supporting the implementation and auditing of Thrive Freeze Dry’s food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance systems.
- Compiling, analyzing, and presenting food safety and quality data to leadership.
- Documenting and maintaining inspection criteria, standards, and quality objectives.
- Conducting regular audits on the production floor to ensure compliance with QA and food safety programs.
- Administering the Hold and Release Program, ensuring appropriate status is assigned to materials, and collaborating with cross-functional teams for timely disposition.
- Leading root cause analyses and corrective actions in response to internal or customer complaints related to food safety or quality.
- Performing other duties as assigned.
Key Competencies
Living Thrive Values: Embodies the company's core values in daily actions and decisions.
Attendance: Maintains punctual and reliable attendance.
Performance: Meets or exceeds job performance expectations with no active disciplinary actions.
Safety: Demonstrates safe work habits; maintains a clean and hazard-free environment.
Training: Completes all required job, food safety, and safety training on time.
Leadership: Leads by example, motivates others, and makes sound decisions.
Quality: Prioritizes accuracy and error prevention in all work.
Skills
- Attention to Detail: Delivers accurate and complete work.
- Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Critical Thinking: Applies sound judgment to resolve issues effectively.
- Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrates awareness and management of emotions and relationships.
- Leadership: Sets a positive example and effectively guides team members.
- Microsoft Office: Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Word.
- Proactive Problem Solving: Anticipates challenges and acts promptly to address them.
- Process & Policies: Develops and maintains quality processes and controls.
- Product Inspection: Accurately distinguishes between compliant and non-compliant products.
- Quality Standards: Understands and applies standards for quality measurement and reporting.
- Relationships: Builds collaborative relationships across departments.
- Safety Culture: Promotes and supports a safe work environment through communication and action.
- Training: Conducts or participates in training programs on safety, quality, and operations.
Requirements
- B.S. in Microbiology, Food Science, or Chemistry preferred, or passing grades in Chemistry, Biology, or Microbiology with lab work.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in food safety and quality assurance roles.
- Leadership experience required.
- Knowledge of SQF, HACCP, FSMA, GMPs, and internal auditing.
- HACCP and PCQI certifications required.
- Ability to travel up to 20%.
Food Safety Requirements
- Prioritize food safety, quality, and sanitation by strictly adhering to Thrive Freeze Dry’s procedures.
- Hold self and team accountable to food safety standards and report concerns promptly.
- In the absence of the QA Lead, Manager, or VP of Quality and R&D, serve as the backup to ensure continued compliance with SQF and food safety systems.
Work Environment
This role includes a combination of office and production floor duties, with the following physical demands:
- Frequent walking, standing, and sitting.
- Occasional lifting (up to 25 lbs), stooping, crouching, and use of fine motor skills.
- Work may involve exposure to varying temperatures in a food production environment.
- Must have unrestricted visual and auditory ability for safety compliance.
Product Safety and Quality
- Uphold and enforce Thrive Freeze Dry’s food safety, quality, and sanitation protocols.
- Actively communicate any deviations or concerns.
- Ensure compliance with GMPs, product defense, and SQF system requirements.