Plant Quality Systems and Continuous Improvement Manager (Food & Beverage)

What a typical week looks like

You start by reviewing plant quality dashboards and SPC trends, highlight emerging signals, and brief leaders across operations. Midweek is for walking the floor with R&D to align on product specifications and refining test methods. You’ll schedule instrument calibrations, approve preventive maintenance on lab equipment, and host a readiness review for the next BRC audit. When a customer return pops up, you organize a quick DOE, lead the root cause analysis, and close the loop with Customer Service, Sales, and Marketing. Before week’s end, you roll out an update to the data‑collection software and train end users.

What you’ll own

• Build, deploy, and sustain the plant’s Quality Management System and continuous improvement framework.
• Regularly collect, analyze, summarize, and present process quality metrics to all organizational levels.
• Author and implement quality policies, SOPs, and work instructions.
• Define, evaluate, and implement product specifications and test/inspection procedures.
• Oversee selection, calibration, preventive maintenance, repair, and overall readiness of lab/testing equipment.
• Partner closely with R&D on product and process development and validation.
• Provide statistical expertise (SPC, DOE) and coach teams on continuous process improvement.
• Administer quality data systems, including procurement, installation, configuration/programming, and end‑user training.
• Transform raw data into actionable analysis to guide decisions and improvements.
• Support cost‑reduction and process‑optimization initiatives across the plant.
• Contribute to select HR initiatives (e.g., quality training, onboarding support).
• Lead and champion BRC certification efforts and sustain external customer certifications/inspections (e.g., GFSI, AIB).
• Coordinate investigations and provide analytical support for product failures and returns, driving corrective and preventive actions.
• Serve as the plant’s quality point of contact for Customer Service, Sales, and Marketing.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in a technical or business discipline.
• 5–7 years in quality management or process engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• ASQ certification in Quality Engineering/Professional Quality/Statistical Applications.
• Hands‑on experience with BRC, GFSI, or AIB certifications and audits (required).
• Fluency with Microsoft Office and statistical software; some programming experience.
• Experience with GainSeeker software (preferred).
• Deep knowledge of statistical methods and process improvement techniques; strong math and statistical aptitude.
• Familiarity with manufacturing lab practices and test methods.
• Commitment to ongoing learning in quality, statistics, and business communication (minimum of one seminar or course every other year).
• Ability to support a flexible schedule, including occasional off‑shift coverage and some weekends.

Extra context

• Proficiency with PFMEA.
• Background in Food & Beverage manufacturing.