"Alerted.org

Duration: 12 months contract (Temp to Hire)

**Shift:** Standard Business Hours. Travel to other sites 4 times per year ( NYC and Las Vegas)

Job Description:

This position reports to the Sr. Manager External Manufacturing QRC.

The QA&FS Manager:

+ Ensures compliance with the PEP program at assigned manufacturing facilities. Develops and implements strategies and plans to simplify and continuously improve systems based on PEP. Serves as the core team representative at the sites, making decisions related to food safety and quality risks.

+ Acts as the quality representative for innovation and capital projects at the site, leading the QA portion of Quality Design Reviews (QDRs) for each project.

+ Monitors the effectiveness of training, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Environmental Monitoring and Management Program (EMMP), Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS), quality testing, and food safety programs (AIS, CCPs, magnets, QCPs).

+ Investigates quality incidents, consumer and customer complaints, manufacturing errors, and audit findings at assigned sites; identifies root causes, determines corrective and preventive actions, and verifies their effectiveness.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

+ **Program Administration:** Responsible for ensuring the implementation of all relevant elements of the PEP Program. Oversees compliance and effectiveness of the Food Safety Plan, Food Quality Plan, and prerequisite programs. Organizes and leads HACCP team meetings. Conducts verification and validation of the Quality & FS Programs in accordance with established schedules. Provides leadership during audits by FDA/PDA and local state agencies.

+ **Project/Innovation:** Ensures FS & Quality PEP system elements are considered in all product innovation and process change projects. Serves as QA on project teams and supports new product launches from testing to production to uphold system integrity.

+ **Compliance:** Facilitates production activities to meet quality/safety specifications and regulatory standards by providing training to personnel in the required areas. Work with SMEs at corporate to ensure compliance to regulatory requirements in ingredients and packaging materials. Monitors weight control program to ensure Compliance to Regulatory requirements.

+ **Training:** Conducts and develops training specifically for site employees and regularly follows up with employees to ensure that they understand the requirements of their jobs. Leads the efforts to educate and train site’s employees on food quality and food safety. Develops and/or implements training programs to assure compliance and understanding of internal quality expectations and regulatory compliance.

+ **Auditing:** Maintains Audit Ready status of the sites by frequently (daily) auditing the local site and at a defined frequency the other 9 sites. Communicates findings to the relevant parts of the site and follows up on closure of actions. Conducts internal and external audits in accordance with Product Excellence Program (PEP)/ Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) / Environmental compliance procedures. Develops corrective and preventive action plans to ensure compliance standards are met. Support any new sites to be used by THX.

+ **Incident Management:** In conjunction with the site team investigates, troubleshoots and analyzes incidents. Initiates corrective actions and communicates findings as appropriate. Uses various computer support systems (QIMS (Quality Incident Management System), etc.) to help isolate / solve problem. Manages product holds, perform root cause analysis and develop corrective and preventive actions. Partners with cross functional groups (Manufacturing, Marketing, Legal, etc.) and external business partners to ensure communications and action plans are established. Ensures timely and cost-effective resolutions are achieved. Leads the internal product and material traceability in case of product recalls, withdrawals, and recovery.

+ **Improvement:** Facilitates process/procedure improvement related to product and overall quality.

+ **Subject Matter Expert:** FDA Regulations, Global Food Safety Initiative, Data Management/Trending, Processing, Packaging, Environmental, Net Weight, Recipe Management, etc. Or a generalist with broad based knowledge in multiple areas including regulations, industry practices, corporate wide quality systems, development of policies and procedures, and ability to implement as required. Expected to provide leadership for specific programs, project management, training, and coaching of others.

Minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities:

+ Knowledge of federal and state food industry regulations including Food Safety Modernization Act

+ Understanding of sanitation and pest control practices

+ Knowledge of Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standards (SQF)

+ Knowledge of regulatory and quality system requirements – Food Safety, client’s PEP, HACCP, Good Manufacturing Process (GMP), etc.

+ Strong computer, document management skills and attention to detail

+ Ability to effectively communicate in verbal and written form

+ Ability to work flexible hours

+ Dexterity required for handling and performing tests in an accurate manner.

+ Ability to record data as needed

+ Strong problem solving/trouble shooting skills

+ Solid understanding of a production / manufacturing environment

+ Strong auditing / assessment skills

+ Strong leadership skills and ability to influence all management levels, enabling the direction of activities of teams of employees that do not have direct reporting in this role.

+ Proficiency in computer programs / software such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Access, Power Point, SAP (Recipe Management), Net Weight and QIMS

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

+ Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Science or related field.

+ Must have applicable work experience in the food industry implementing quality and food safety programs.

+ Minimum 3 years of experience. 5+years preferred

+ HACCP, SQF and PCQI certification are preferred.

+ Experience in any of following products, manufacturing processes and environments is preferred: food, chocolate, sugar confectionery, enrobing, moulding, panning, slab and slit, baking, nut roasting, milk processing, beverage, aseptic, retort, low water activity, intermediate water activity; soy/tofu, snacks.

About US Tech Solutions:

US Tech Solutions is a global staff augmentation firm providing a wide range of talent on-demand and total workforce solutions. To know more about US Tech Solutions, please visit www.ustechsolutions.com .

"US Tech Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran"