Job Description
Job Summary:
The Director of Quality is responsible for ensuring food safety and product quality across all production processes. This role involves defining and communicating product specifications, institutionalizing process control, and maintaining predictive quality processes. The Director ensures compliance with food safety regulations, performs inspections, provides employee training, and oversees plant HACCP plans. This position plays a crucial role in resolving customer complaints, collaborating with Sales, R&D, and Operations, and being a key part of the plant leadership team.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Lead the SQF certification process, ensuring effective implementation and maintenance of the SQF System, including food safety fundamentals and the food safety plan.
- Investigate and resolve customer quality complaints, ensuring a high level of internal and external customer service.
- Implement quality control strategies, policies, and testing procedures in alignment with company goals and objectives, working closely with the R&D and Plant Managers.
- Develop and analyze product specifications and statistical data to establish quality and reliability standards for finished products.
- Oversee the application of HACCP principles throughout production facilities and co-packers, ensuring food safety and regulatory compliance.
- Manage product recalls, withdrawals, and any necessary corrective actions.
- Develop and implement staff training programs, ensuring documentation standards and compliance.
- Supervise and support Quality Assurance Managers and Directors of Laboratory Services, fostering a team-oriented approach to quality control.
- Provide technical support for new plant development projects, ensuring quality systems are properly integrated.
- Oversee all labeling and nutritional information to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations.
- Lead improvement teams, applying HACCP and SQF tools to achieve production results and improvements.
- Ensure all plant and co-packer certifications and audits are conducted and maintained, including HACCP, EFSI, Organic, Kosher, and BPCS safety audits.
- Collaborate with Plant Managers to optimize production processes and maximize product reliability while minimizing costs.
- Supervise the inspection and testing activities, ensuring high productivity and technical integrity.
- Provide statistical and technical expertise to cross-functional teams.
- Formulate, document, and maintain quality control standards and objectives, ensuring ongoing product quality.
- Develop and implement inspection criteria and procedures, ensuring adherence to established quality control standards.
- Communicate quality control philosophy to key personnel, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.
- Actively participate in Continuous Improvement teams, promoting a culture of quality throughout the organization.
- Manage vendor relationships, ensuring the quality of purchased parts, ingredients, and tools.
- Design and direct environmental test functions, ensuring environmental factors do not affect product quality.
Qualifications:
- BS in Science, Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related discipline (preferred).
- At least 6 years of relevant experience in a regulated environment, with 4+ years specifically focused on product quality.
- Proven experience in developing and documenting procedures, quality control systems, and maintaining compliance with food safety standards.
- Strong attention to detail and a deep commitment to maintaining high-quality standards.
- Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong ability to work in a diverse, collaborative team environment, with excellent coaching and mentoring skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word) and an interest in mastering tools such as PowerPoint, Access, and Minitab.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
- Ability to influence organizational change and drive results at all levels.
- Solid understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and SQF procedures.
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
- Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, with varying conditions including temperature-controlled spaces such as hot, cold, or freezer environments.
- Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds and engage in physical activities, including standing, walking, bending, climbing, kneeling, crouching, and crawling.
- Exposure to strong food odors as part of daily operations.
Other Information & Requirements:
- Applicants must pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen to comply with Drug-Free Workplace policies.
- No travel is required for this role.
Haliburton values diversity in the workplace and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all individuals. We encourage qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply, regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or other protected characteristics.
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