LaMonica Fine Foods is seeking an on-site talented and engaged Quality Assurance Director to join our vertically integrated seafood manufacturing facility. The candidate must be SQF & LACF certified. In addition to managing the Quality Assurance team, the Director implements techniques and processes for testing and inspecting products and process controls. We are looking for a candidate to make an impact and build a lasting career.
This is a key leadership position for the site: This role will support an SQF certified, FDA LACF registered, facility. This role will be a hands-on, with 2 direct manager level reports. In addition, the selected individual will provide leadership to the Quality Assurance Techs & Sanitation Crew Team Members. Leadership responsibilities include providing daily guidance, feedback, coaching and mentorship to achieve success.
You'll be part of a collaborative functional team: This position reports to the Director of Operations. The site leaders meet regularly to review company performance and share best practices and ideas.
*** Local Candidates Only - No Relocation Offered ***
Responsibilities
- Serve as a key leader in our dynamic, rapidly growing business and be responsible for managing the Quality Assurance Department to provide safe, high-quality products that meet and exceed customer expectations.
- Provide direction, leadership, and guidance for all Food Safety Systems, Quality programs, Regulatory Compliance, and Customers’ Specification throughout the company.
- Develop standards, maintain and implement programs to improve quality.
- Supervise and support Quality Assurance team.
- Coordinate and direct quality testing, product analysis and process control activities.
- Implement Corporate Policies within the Plant and report on status and progress.
- Develop and review specifications.
- Understand and implement regulations, keep current on regulation changes.
- Lead the quality control team to ensure all incoming raw materials and finished products are inspected and meet specifications.
- Lead the quality assurance team to ensure the plant is “audit ready” daily.
- Manage visits by regulatory and auditing agencies.
- Manage customer complaint process including working with plant management to determine and fix root cause.
- Meet with vendors, customers and plant staff to discuss and resolve quality issues.
- Maintain the HACCP Plan to ensure food safety
- Assures compliance to include HACCP, SQF Standards, Food Safety Guidelines and GMP’s.
- Actively contributes to the data collection, trend analysis, investigations and improvements to process, products and systems.
- Oversee weight and defect control programs in accordance with company standards.
- Some travel as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Biology or relevant experience.
- Prior QA food manufacturing experience is required.
- 10+ years of managerial and leadership experience within a Quality Assurance and Food Safety function in the food industry.
- LACF – Better Process Certified & SQF Certified Practitioner
- Experience with Good Manufacturing Practices, HACCP, Food Safety, Safe Quality Foods certification.
- Six Sigma certification is a plus.
- Exhibit a sense of ownership and accountability.
- Strong skills in Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
- Outstanding leadership and cross-functional team building skills with the ability to lead teams through considerable change by inspiring confidence in achieving results.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills with strong emphasis in technical reporting is a must
- Strong, logical decision-making and critical thinking skills.
- Must be able to efficiently manage time and meet deadlines.
- Exhibit a sense of ownership and accountability.
- Establish and maintain effective work relationships within the department and the company.
- Ability to multitask with strong attention to detail.
- Bilingual a plus.
Benefits
- Bonus Eligible
- Healthcare Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- Retirement Plan (401k)
- Short Term & Long Term Disability
- Paid time off
- Training & Development
Physical Demands
Candidates should be able to function in both office and manufacturing environment. The majority of time will be spent in the manufacturing environment. Occasional travel may be required. Must be able to move throughout our facility safely and effectively and interact with employees. Willingness to work additional hours during the week and/or weekend, if required.