Senior Quality Manager

Black Bear Talent; Mount Jackson (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in food safety based in Virginia is looking for a Senior Quality Manager. This full-time, on-site position entails overseeing quality assurance processes, leading continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Food Science, at least two years of supervisory experience, and knowledge of food safety regulations such as FSMA and HACCP. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in communication are crucial for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science or related area required.
• At least two years of quality supervisory experience necessary.
• Knowledge of food safety and quality regulations is essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee quality assurance and control processes.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage quality audits and implement management systems.
• Train and develop Quality Control staff.

Skills

Supervisory experience in food processing

Knowledge of FSMA, SPC, HACCP

Excellent communication skills

Analytical and reasoning skills

Attention to detail

Computer skills (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science or related area

Tools

Laboratory equipment proficiency

Job description

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site role for a Senior Quality Manager located in the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia. The Senior Quality Manager will oversee quality assurance and control processes, lead continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and regulations. Key responsibilities include managing quality audits, implementing quality management systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams, analyzing performance metrics, and providing mentorship to quality team members to achieve organizational goals.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Trains and develops the Quality Control staff, both technically and professionally.
• Provides leadership & direct supervisory guidance to ensure teammates are well trained & effective in performing necessary job functions. (e.g. performance issues, problem resolution, safety & food safety training).
• Ensures that trained staff is available and at work for all production periods.
• Provides structure to the department with the monitoring, alignment and redistribution of work activities as necessary, striving for continuous improvement in efficiency, accuracy and standards.
• Ensures product and sales/customer samples are properly selected and shipped as needed.
• Assists in the investigation and resolution of customer complaints, including root cause analysis.
• Assists as needed with FDA, USDA, Co-Pack, Organic, or similar inspectors/auditors.
• Provides regular oversight and review of process monitoring and product verification results for all processes.
• Maintains and reviews Quality Control documentation.
• Responsible for ensuring that QC holds, and non‑conforming materials are identified, segregated, processed, handled, stored, and dispositioned in a manner consistent with company food safety and quality policies as well as regulatory requirements.
• Responsible of managing the rework products and coordinate with production the progress.
• Assists in developing and implementing effective training programs re: Food Safety/HACCP. Provides hands‑on assistance and direction to production teammates as needed to ensure product safety and quality.
• Participates in production and spec meetings.
• Regularly communicates results of activities and reports on key performance indicators for processes.
• Serve as a resource / reference to production team members on quality related issues.
• Ensure that safety practices are properly followed, including adherence to proper PPE requirements, safety, role modeling behavior and maintaining clean and organized workspaces.
• Pro‑actively seeks to correct unsafe conditions and reports any conditions that are not immediately resolved.
• Continuously promoting motivation among the staff to strive for more efficient and productive Quality department, including modeling and leading high standards of customer service.
• In collaboration with Human Resources, is responsible for interviewing, selection, coaching, training, discipline, recognition and performance management of an hourly staff through positive relations, morale building, teamwork, and consistent leadership.
• Coach and model behaviors for team members on appropriate processes and facilitate problem solving through teamwork and the promotion of a respectful environment, to include conducting and leading team meetings.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor’s Degree (B.S.) in Food Science or related area (Biology, Chemistry, etc.)
• At least two years quality supervisory experience in a food processing or beverage facility.
• Knowledge of FSMA, SPC, HACCP, USDA, FDA, Organic certification, Global Standards for Food Safety/BRC requirements, sanitation practices.
• Accuracy with detail, planning, organizing and efficiency.
• Ability to work effectively with various lab equipment including but not limited to: scales, torque meter, refractometer, pH meter, ATP Meter, Bostwick meter, manual titrator, colorimeter, etc.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedures.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from customers, managers and teammates.
• Excellent analytical and reasoning skills. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situation where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instruction furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
• Excellent computer skills (proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook is a must).
• Demonstrated ability for successful goal setting, employee communication and effective leadership behavior
• Experienced team builder and participant.
• Ability to handle pressure of dealing with priorities that change frequently and have very short time frames.
• Ability to work a flexible work schedule when needed