Quality Manager

Saputo Inc.; Tulare (CA); On-site; USD 89,695 - 119,595; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Development opportunities

Meaningful compensation & benefits

Job summary

Saputo Cheese USA Inc. is seeking a Quality Manager to drive the QA operations, with focus on cost, safety and employee environment at the Tulare, CA site. You will lead Quality, Laboratory and plant personnel, developing supervisory skills to support the plant.

Responsibilities include implementing food safety programs, overseeing FSMA/HACCP/SQF/GMP, reviewing QC results, and guiding process/product improvements. Strong leadership and QA expertise required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Dairy Science, Food Science, Microbiology or related field.
• Minimum 5 years Quality Assurance experience and/or 3-5 years dairy QA supervisory experience.
• Working knowledge of sophisticated equipment and test procedures.
• SQF practitioner Certification or ability to obtain it.

Responsibilities

• Develop and ensure implementation of food safety and monitoring programs.
• Oversee quality programs (FSMA, HACCP, SQF, GMP, etc.).
• Review and maintain QC test results to meet customer specs.
• Lead QA systems including process verification and audits.
• Oversee cheese production and packaging quality issues.
• Manage lab procedures, environmental monitoring, and hold/traceability programs.
• Investigate customer complaints and returns.
• Provide technical support for process/product improvements.
• Act as plant SQF Practitioner and PCQI certified.

Skills

Quality Assurance

Leadership

Problem Solving

Communication

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelors in Dairy/Food Science

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Maestro

Job description

At Saputo, we bring good to the table by making high-quality products, investing in our people, and supporting communities around the world. As a top 10 global dairy processor, we value contributions that matter and strive to foster an inclusive, growth-driven work environment. Ready to bring your best?

The Quality Manager is responsible for the overall performance of the quality assurance operations while focusing on cost, safety and the employee environment. They provide leadership, direction, and guidance to Quality, Laboratory and plant personnel as well as to the supervisory team. The Manager develops supervisory team skills and abilities to support the plant.

How You Will Make Contributions That Matter

• Develop and ensure implementation of food safety and monitoring programs to meet corporate and regulatory standards.
• Oversee and monitor all quality programs (i.e. FSMA, HACCP, SQF, GMP, Positive Release, Pest Control, sanitation, in-line sampling, etc.).
• Review and maintain all quality control test results. Evaluate analytical testing results and disposition of finished product to ensure customer specifications are met.
• Oversee Quality Assurance systems in order to satisfy internal and customer requirements to include process evaluation and product protection programs; process specifications and standards; sanitation programs, HACCP and GMP programs; production labeling; and product storage and distribution.
• Oversee and make decisions related to cheese production and cheese packaging as it pertains to quality related issues.
• Oversee quality control systems to include hold programs and traceability exercises; lab procedures; food safety programs; product functionality evaluations; process verification programs; internal and external audits, and environmental microbiological monitoring programs.
• Investigate, track and respond to customer complaints and returns.
• Provide technical support to plant management, service groups and sales, regarding process/product improvement through analysis of product composition, quality and function ability.
• Act as plant SQF Practioner as well as being PCQI certified
• Develop and monitor standard operating procedures (SOPs) as they pertain to the QA function and product quality.
• Update weekly reports on product quality, environmental results and incident activities.
• Conduct at a minimum annually, various training related to quality and food safety expectations/programs of the quality management system (i.e. FSMA, GMP, SQF, HACCP, Allergen, potential CCP, etc.).
• Conduct Plant Audits as scheduled and insure follow up to identified issues.
• Ensure certification of the lab by maintaining proper documentation for all internal and government requirements (i.e. antibiotic records, equipment temperatures, water and air, proper sterilization records, etc.).
• Act as liaison for regulatory compliance agencies (i.e. USDA, FDA, etc.).
• Prepares plant for and leads efforts in 3rd party Customer/Plant Audits.
Administer company policies and procedures, with the assistance of Human Resources.
• Coach and counsel employees when appropriate in accordance with Saputo’s policies and work rules.
• Assume an active role in the plant Safety Programs to include involvement in the plant safety teams/committees.
• Communicate and interact effectively lab personnel, all departments, sister plants and all levels of management to ensure the smooth operation of the process.
• Interact with Corporate Quality Assurance on implementation and maintenance of Quality Systems and Programs.
• Perform miscellaneous duties and responsibilities as deemed necessary

You are best suited for the role if you have the following experience, skills, and qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Dairy Science, Food Science, Microbiology or a related field, or the equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years Quality Assurance experience and/or 3-5 years of dairy manufacturing QA supervisory experience.
• Working knowledge of the proper use of sophisticated equipment and test procedures.
• SQF practioner Certification, or ability to possess.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions and provide solutions.
• Ability to interpret a variety of technical information in mathematical and/or narrative form and deal with abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to work flexible hours.
• Able to travel independently to visit customers and assist as needed.
• Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently with good time management and organizational skills.
• Possess strong collaboration, facilitation and leadership skills, as well as demonstrated ability to exercise judgment and discretion in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with all levels of employees as well as internal and external customers.
• Ability to motivate a large workforce through interpersonal and team building skills.
• Strong communication skills and interpersonal skills. Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Maestro, etc.
• Must be self-motivated, results oriented, possess high degree of initiative

We Support and Care for Our Employees by Providing Them With

• Development opportunities that enhance their career fulfillment
• Meaningful compensation & benefits that help them care for their families
• Opportunities to contribute to your community and enhance the lives of others through Saputo products

Pay Range $89,695 - $119,595

Salary offers vary commensurate with experience, skills, education, and training

In the USA, Saputo ranks among the top three cheese producers and is one of the top producers of extended shelf-life and cultured dairy products, with a portfolio of well-loved brands such as Stella, Frigo Cheese, Montchevre, Stella, and Treasure Cave. We also boast a strong foodservice presence, partnering with reputable chain restaurants and broadline distributors.

Whether your expertise lies in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, sales, quality assurance, or in any other function, your role is integral to our success. You will make contributions that matter, all while working alongside colleagues who genuinely care about your success and who will roll up their sleeves to help.

Accessibility

Saputo Cheese USA Inc. endeavors to make Saputo.com/careers accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Human Resources at 214-863-2300 or email [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

EEO

Saputo Cheese USA Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you'd like more information on your EEO rights under law, please visit www.EEOC.gov.

California Applicant Privacy Notice (CCPA)

To review the Saputo Cheese USA Inc. Privacy Notice for California applicants, please visit our Corporate website associated section by clicking here (English) or here (Spanish).