Team Leader - Quality Control

Blue Diamond Growers; Modesto (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Diamond Growers in Modesto, CA is seeking a Team Leader – Quality to lead hourly quality team members in executing food safety and quality systems and to partner with corporate quality and cross functional plant teams to support plant goals, ensure audit readiness, and drive continuous improvements.

The role requires a degree (food science preferred) with QA/QC experience, SQF/PCQI preferred, and strong data analysis skills to interpret lab results and drive root-cause investigations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science preferred; 2 years QA/QC in manufacturing, or 5 years in lieu of degree.
• SQF Practitioner and PCQI Certification preferred.
• Experience presenting concepts to employees and external customers; clear technical writing.
• Proficient with computer and analytical software; interpret lab data.
• Knowledge of food plant sanitation, environmental monitoring, and regulatory requirements.
• Expert knowledge of statistics and SPC; keep QA documents current.

Responsibilities

• Lead quality team to reduce complaints and ensure first-time quality targets.
• Collaborate with Quality Manager to establish metrics and processes.
• Coach staff; apply corrective actions and recognitions for good work.
• Ensure appropriate staffing and manage time/attendance for the department.
• Develop and promote effective employee training programs and continuous learning.
• Assist in customer complaint investigations and report writing.

Skills

Quality Assurance

Data Analysis

Statistics

SPC

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Food Science

Tools

Analytical software

Job description

Work Shift: Swing Pay Type: Salary Hourly Rate (if applicable): N/A Targeted Base Salary Range (if applicable): $75,300.00 - $97,700.00

JOB OVERVIEW

As part of the world’s largest almond processing manufacturer, this role will lead hourly quality team members in executing both food safety and quality systems functions. The Team Leader – Quality partners with corporate quality and cross functional plant operations teams to support plant goals, ensure audit readiness, and drive continuous improvements.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Collaborates with Quality Manager to ensure proper metrics and processes are established and executed to reduce complaints and hold product. Leverages proper routines as well as problem solving to ensure appropriate attention on shop floor to manage health of processes (food safety and quality) and identify root cause for deviations and process interruptions. Drives continuous improvement processes and tools across Quality and Operations team to deliver consistent reduction in complaints (consumer and customer); delivers first time quality targets. Coaches the quality and operations team to deliver quality objectives; applies sound motivational and correctional techniques, including employee counseling and disciplinary actions and recognitions for good work. Stays abreast of employee contributions and potential growth so that opportunities for greater contributions can be capitalized. Ensures proper scheduling to effectively staff the operation as well as appropriately manages time and attendance for the department. Contributes to the development of effective employee training programs. Conducts training and promotes continuous learning of staff resulting in a flexible and agile workforce. Assists in customer complaint investigations and report writing. Works with Department Manager to plan and manage department activities in accordance with budget. This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

WHAT YOU NEED

*Minimum qualifications Bachelor's Degree (preferred in food science) and 2 years of quality assurance/quality control experience in a manufacturing environment or 5 years of assurance/quality control experience in a manufacturing environment in lieu of degree SQF Practitioner and PCQI Certification preferred Experience presenting concepts and ideas to employees at all levels of the organization as well as external customers in business and technical fields. Experience writing and interpreting complex documents in a clear and concise manner. Proficient use of computer and analytical software. Able to develop, interpret and apply specification parameters. Understanding of food plant sanitation programs, including cleaning and sanitizing procedures, hygienic practices, environmental monitoring, and compliance with food safety and regulatory requirements. Expert knowledge of statistics and SPC. Knowledge of USDA Grades and standards for the almond industry. Strong technical background and ability to analyze laboratory reports and technical data. Required to keep Quality Assurance documents and specifications current.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is a standard manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, hazardous materials, and heavy machinery in varying work and weather conditions. You may be required to occasionally climb stairs and/or ladders.

WHY BLUE DIAMOND

In addition to working at the world’s largest, state-of-the-art almond manufacturer, we offer a safe and collaborative team environment, with numerous opportunities for free training and career advancement. Grow your career. Partner with us. We Are the Almond People!

Blue Diamond Growers (BDG) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. BDG provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, or genetic information. BDG also complies with all provisions of the U.S. Government's Executive Order 11246 dated September 24, 1965 and the rules, regulations and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.

ABOUT BLUE DIAMOND

In 1910 a cooperative of 230 California almond growers formed with the following core values: To build strong relationships among growers and with their customers; To communicate directly and honestly; and To work as a team to realize the best return on their investment. More than a century later, Blue Diamond Growers still adheres to these values at every level of our operation. Our employees are strongly committed to the brand and to each other - the word “family” is often used to describe our culture. Today, Blue Diamond Growers represents more than 3,000 almond growers in California - the state that provides over 80% of the world’s supply. We are one of the most recognized food brands in the world, with annual sales exceeding $1billion. We believe in transparency and honest communication. Our work style is team-based, working together to innovate, process, and distribute the best almond products to the world. After more than 100 years, our core values of integrity, partnership, innovation and quality remain strong. Our commitment to excellence has driven Blue Diamond's unprecedented growth, innovation, high quality, and value. You'll find these values at work throughout our company. We strive for a diverse workforce, always aiming for greater levels of inclusion. In addition to a robust benefits package, we offer an employee wellness and fitness program, in which a majority of our workforce currently participates.