Senior Director Quality Assurance

JOB SUMMARY Executive leader who plans, directs, and oversees all aspects of food safety and product quality. Develops and implements policies and controls to ensure quality assurance of laboratory and production efforts are achieved. Works closely with all departments to evaluate and implement compliance of customer and regulatory standards. Trains and manages the Quality Assurance staff. DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Develops, maintains, and revises policies and standard operating procedures as related to Quality Assurance and Food Safety Programs. Directs in-process quality control activities, including the testing of raw materials and finished products. Participates in the development of product specifications. Determines product shelf-life. Works closely with Production, R&D, Engineering, Sanitation, Supply Chain, Regulatory, and Sales to meet Company needs while ensuring products meet customer expectations. Manages internal & customer complaints. Troubleshoots customer complaints by performing root cause analysis and directs corrective actions. Communicates quality information to all relevant organizational departments, outside vendors and contractors. Advises customers and vendors on technical or procedural issues as needed. Assists in Regulatory, Third Party and Customer Audits. Maintains knowledge of current developments, statistical studies, technological advances, or regulatory standards and trends to stay abreast of issues in the field of quality control related to microbiology, food safety, and labeling. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Directly supervises 2 - 4 employees within the Quality Assurance department. Indirectly supervises 4 – 11 employees within the Quality Assurance department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, training, mentoring, and supporting employees in the QA departments. Planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. OTHER FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Follows all safety and food safety Company protocols. Reports all safety or quality problems to management, QA, and SQF Practitioner. Cultivates and encourages a culture of food safety and quality Performs other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS and COMPETENCIES: Bachelor's Degree (BS) from four-year college or university in the field of food science, microbiology, or related science required. Minimum of ten years of experience in food manufacturing required. Extensive knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, GFSI (preferably SQF) and FSMA required HACCP, PCQI, and GFSI certifications required. Proficient computer skills required: Microsoft Office Suite. Computer skills preferred: X3 Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred COMPETENCIES: Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values. Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures. Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals. Executive Decision Making Competency – Effective and sound decision making capability, especially when dealing with difficult and challenging situations. Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans. Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics. Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly. Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and co