Quality Assurance Supervisor

Job Description

Job Description

About the Role:

The Quality Assurance Supervisor at Savencia Cheese USA is responsible for coordinating Plant Food Safety and Quality activities. This role involves supervising lab technicians and managing all Quality Assurance activities both in the lab and on the production floor. The supervisor trains and directs plant personnel on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety, and quality prerequisite programs (PRPs). Additionally, the role leads the HACCP team, manages the CAPA system, conducts audits, and provides information for the generation of monthly QA KPIs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, or a science-based area with a focus on microbiology.
• Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience.
• Working knowledge of sanitation systems, techniques, and procedures.
• Solid experience with Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Experience in leading and adhering to Safety/Security Policies and Procedures.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and computer-based applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong team player and leader with cross-functional capabilities.
• Ability to select, coach, develop, engage, and retain a team of employees.
• Adaptability to changing organizational and operational needs; ability to lead others through change.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Organizational and prioritization skills, with attention to detail.
• Ability to follow Sanitation and Quality Policies and Procedures, reporting and addressing any deficiencies.
• Knowledgeable in FSMA rules and regulations, including Preventive Controls for Human Food, Sanitary Transportation Rule, Food Defense, Food Fraud, and Foreign Supplier Verification Programs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Dairy experience.
• Sensory experience.
• Experience in Continuous Improvement (CI) Processes.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure product safety and quality meet Company and regulatory standards, overseeing a continuous quality improvement program that includes quality control and assurance. Communicate quality results and transfer QA knowledge to the workforce.
• Supervise the plant lab, performing chemical, microbiological, sensory, and physical analyses on raw materials and finished products. Develop and maintain documentation of all required quality tests and activities.
• Coordinate work schedules and purchase supplies for the QA lab, controlling lab and testing expenses, including labor.
• Perform daily GMP and quality inspections to verify food safety and quality systems.
• Conduct daily product sensory testing, evaluating product holds and releases.
• Support operational TPM+ activities to drive continuous improvement in product quality/performance and process optimization.
• Train plant employees (new hires and refresher training) for GMPs and PRPs.
• Lead the HACCP and internal audit teams.
• Provide customer inputs into portals and monitor postings to ensure all requirements are met.
• Review all product labels used in the facility to ensure adherence to regulatory and Company standards.
• Maintain QA-related Database Systems for the facility (e.g., LIMS).
• Communicate quality metrics and inspection results as monthly KPIs.
• Ensure proper sanitation procedures are utilized and adequate sanitation tests are performed; troubleshoot sanitation system failures.
• Assist the QMS Coordinator in managing audits and inspections or lead them as required.
• Lead by example with the Savencia Cheese USA Code of Ethics, following Company policies, standards, and specifications.

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position manages employees in the Quality lab and is responsible for performance management and hiring within the department.

Skills:

Proficiency in quality systems and assurance is essential for developing and maintaining effective quality protocols that ensure product safety and compliance. Daily application of calibration techniques ensures all equipment operates within specified parameters, minimizing risks. The ability to implement corrective actions is vital for swiftly resolving quality issues and preventing future occurrences. Statistical process control skills are used to analyze production data, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Preferred skills, such as certification in quality management, enhance the supervisor's capability to lead the team effectively and uphold the highest standards of quality. Skills include Strategic Thinking, Quality Management, Project Management, Problem Solving & Decision Making, Teamwork & Cooperation, Results Orientation, Performance Management, and Communication.