Supervisor, Quality Assurance

Saputo Cheese USA, Inc.; Gustine (CA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Saputo Cheese USA Inc. is seeking a Quality Assurance Supervisor to lead the lab team, drive product quality, and uphold food safety across shifts.

The role includes training staff, scheduling, and implementing process improvements while ensuring compliance with GMP, HACCP, and regulatory requirements. Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration are essential in this position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science (e.g., Microbiology, Food Science) preferred.
• Minimum 2 years lead laboratory experience in dairy or related field.
• Familiarity with GMP, sanitation and safety policies.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead lab team to ensure quality, food safety and productivity.
• Train staff and supervise scheduling and daily activities.
• Ensure procedures meet state and federal guidelines; support audits.
• Review records, analyze variances and implement corrective actions.
• Coordinate with other supervisors to align department activities.
• Support SAP/LIMS systems and maintain quality records.

Skills

Leadership

Team leadership

Training

Communication

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Adaptability

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in science-based area

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

LIMS

SAP

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?

Job Summary

The Quality Assurance Supervisor directly supervises lab employees to maximize productivity of assigned shifts and areas at the highest quality and food safety standards. This includes training employees, planning, assigning and directing work, addressing product and employee complaints, and resolving problems. This person carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Company's policies, Federal, State and local regulations that govern our business.

Position Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction with lab team members to maximize product quality, food safety and productivity.
• Ensures proper procedures are in place and being followed for product quality, employee safety, and state and federal guidelines.
• Support 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.
• Actively support Food Safety systems and procedures department and plant-wide.
• Coordinate work schedules and estimate labor hour requirements to ensure continuous lab coverage and production support.
• Support internal and external audits.
• Perform record review and report variances to Supervisor.
• Recommends improvements to production methods, equipment performance and quality of product.
• Analyze and resolves work, quality and food safety variances through root cause analysis and support team members with problem solving activities to ensure product quality.
• Maintains quality and food safety records.
• Collaborate with other supervisors to coordinate activities of individual departments.
• Provides supervision of assigned employees in scheduling and daily activities, ensuring effective selection, retention, feedback, disciplinary action and performance management.
• If a collective bargaining agreement exists, may participate grievances or other contract related activities and discussions.
• Review and update product testing procedures.
• Trains and instructs employees regarding quality and food safety standards and processes.
• Oversees instruction, implementation and enforcement of policies.
• Engages in the typical responsibilities of a manager requiring planning, evaluating, organizing, integrating and delegating.
• Adhere to the Saputo Code of Ethics and actively apply the Saputo Values.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a science-based area ("ex: Microbiology, Food Science, Dairy Science") of study preferred, or a minimum of 2 years demonstrated laboratory experience in a lead role, preferably in dairy food manufacturing.
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Experience leading and following Safety/Security Policies and Procedures.
• Ability to follow all Sanitation and Quality Policies and Procedures, and report and follow through on any deficiencies.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, LIMS application, SAP preferred.
• Excellent verbal/written communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing organizational and operational needs; ability to lead others through change.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Skill in organization and prioritization, and attention to detail.
• Strong team player and leader with the ability to work across multiple functions and disciplines.
• Ability to select, lead, coach, influence, motivate, develop, engage and retain a team of employees.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to understand cost containment and budgetary principles.
• Ability to work flexible hours including weekends.

Salary

Salary $80,000

About Saputo

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.

Equal Opportunity & EEO Statement

Saputo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

EOEO: 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).