• Quality Assurance Supervisor

    Dairy Farmers of America (Rockford, IL)


    Job Description

    Step into a role where quality isn’t just a standard—it’s a shared passion. At our **Rockford Plant** , home to our exceptional cultured products, we’re searching for a dedicated **Quality Assurance Supervisor** ready to make an impact from day one. As a key leader on-site, you’ll guide QA operations through every stage of production, champion food safety, and inspire teams to uphold excellence in everything they do. If you thrive in a collaborative environment, lead with intention, and bring a proactive approach to continuous improvement, this is your opportunity to shape the future of quality at our facility. Let’s build something great together.

     

    Shift: 1** **st** **shift - M-F - 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

    Core responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

    + Complete required quality record review, such as laboratory documentation, CCP, PC, and other documentation.

    + Write, review, and implement quality assurance procedures.

    + Recommend modifications or upgrades to testing procedures or equipment. Coordinate the procurement of items required for the lab.

    + Assist the quality manager and partner with operations with the pathogen environmental monitoring (PEM) program, including oversight of the swabbing program, investigation/corrective actions, and mitigation activities.

    + Provide regular training, instruction, and guidance to employees on matters of food safety, quality, and compliance

    + Initiate and drive continuous improvement activities, and partner with all facility functions to resolve persistent challenges while supporting the implementation of new procedures or processes.

    + Support customer, regulatory, and third-party quality and food safety audits.

    + Investigate, find solutions, and implement remedies to quality issues and customer complaints

    + Support and maintain existing certifications (e.g., SQF, Kosher, Halal, Organic).

    + Supervise hourly employees’ activities to meet or exceed the standards and specifications established by quality assurance and the organization.

    + Ensure all process, product, or infrastructure changes are understood by employees in a timely fashion.

    + Identify and retain highly effective personnel through proper selection, training, and establishing expectations.

    + Develop and implement material standards with appropriate control and inspection procedures to improve product quality and reduce rework/downtime.

    + Maintain close surveillance over inspection/testing procedures and corresponding results to ensure the finished product is food-safe and meets customer expectations.

    + Support the analysis of quality data to assess product performance and utilize statistical process control (SPC) tools to identify and react to unfavorable trends.

    + Complete supervisory activities such as administering employee promotions and transfers; reviewing and editing employee timekeeping; completing performance evaluations; mentoring, training, and coaching employees.

    + Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.

    Requirements

    + Bachelor of Science degree in food science, biological sciences, or related field preferred. Will consider a minimum of 4+ years of experience in lieu of a degree.

    + 2-5 years of experience in a quality department with knowledge and experience in labs and sanitation departments.

    + A minimum of 2 years of experience in a lead or supervisory role.

    + Dairy experience is preferred, seeking a candidate with work experience in the food and beverage industry.

    + Certification and/or license – PCQI, HACCP, SQF Practitioner certifications preferred; may be required during the course of employment.

    + Ability to calibrate a variety of testing equipment.

    + Strong computer proficiency with MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)

    + Ability to work in temperature-controlled environments typical of dairy production, including areas as cold as 32°F

    Benefits:

    + Comprehensive Benefits Package available 1 st of the month after start date

    + 401 (k) with company contribution

    + Competitive pay

    + Paid vacations and holidays

    + Career growth opportunities – we promote from within!

    + Service recognition and employee rewards

    + Employee referral program

    + Tuition reimbursement

    + Work for dairy farm families

    An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans

    **Pay Range** $85000 - $90000/year