Director of Quality Assurance

Company: Vienna Beef
Location: Chicago
Posted on: August 7, 2022

Job Description:

The Director of Quality Assurance position is to implement and manage food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance procedures for Vienna Beef. Must have a working knowledge of food processing, food regulatory requirements, food borne illness, food allergens, pest management, SQF, sanitation and food microbiology.

• Ensure all Quality Assurance and Food Safety records are maintained to comply with regulatory requirements.
• Determine product disposition for any out of specification product; work with production to evaluate and provide disposition. Investigate and implement corrective actions.
• Determine ways to promote a proactive rather than reactive relation with key customers to improve internal and external client satisfaction.
• Oversee, track, and compare performance of production in terms of raw material violations, complaints, production deviations, audits and provide direction for improvement. Provide monthly performance report.
  • Ensure that all personnel are appropriately trained and fully understand the quality programs.
  • Promote continuous improvement of Food Safety and Quality processes to achieve stronger linkages between departments and the company overall process.
    • Conduct internal audits and address non-conformities.
    • Oversee supplier and third-party audits; review yearly supplier questionnaire responses to ensure accuracy and quality standard compliance.
    • Provide guidance and leadership to comply with the Safe Quality Food Institute initiatives. (SQF).
    • Work with other departmental supervisors to achieve company success.
    • Maintain Food Safety databases (such as ReposiTrak, TraceGains, FoodLogiQ).
      • Knowledge of FDA and USDA food labeling regulations and comfortable with regulatory interpretation.
      • Knowledge of raw material and ingredient functionality, and standard of identity pertaining to labeling.
      • Demonstrated experience working with ESHA Genesis Nutrition Software or similar food labeling program to support USDA and FDA label compliance standards.
      • Create, review, and submit USDA label applications in the Label Submission and Approval System portal (LSAS).
      • Create and review Generic Label Approvals in accordance with USDA regulations.
      • Review and approve label art proofs in conjunction with Purchasing and Marketing teams.
      • Ensure labeling and packaging compliance for all products with domestic and international regulations.
      • Assure compliance and provide technical support to suppliers and customers regarding FDA and USDA food regulations.
      • Review industry journals and websites to stay current on labeling, food safety and quality news.
      • Oversee compliance to all USDA and FDA export requirements.
      • Maintain Harmonized Tariff Schedule documentation for Vienna Beef exports.
      • Create and Submit FDA Certificate of Exportability applications in the FDA Center of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition portal.
      • Ensure suppliers and ingredients meet regulations for exportability.
      • Review, develop and maintain the Quality Assurance Standard Operating Procedures, FDA, and USDA Food Safety Plans.
        • Responsible for interviewing, selecting, and hiring new team members as well as directing employee training.
        • Responsible for Talent Development, and Coaching.
        • Responsible of defining department member goals and managing employee workloads.
        • Conflict resolution skills.
        • Liaison with USDA, FDA, or other regulatory agencies.
        • Other duties and responsibilities, as assigned with or without notice
          • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or other relevant degree required.
          • 5 years related experience in the food safety and quality function.
          • 3 years of management experience is required.
          • FDA, USDA, Pathogen Control, Allergen Control, Supplier Audits, and Safe Quality Food (SQF) audit knowledge a must.
          • Professional and effective communication skills, oral and written, technical writing skills are imperative.
          • High level of demonstrated ability managing multiple priorities with tight deadlines.
          • Analytical skills to evaluate data and make sound judgments regarding the business are required.
          • Mentor Plant Management and Quality Assurance members in quality and food safety management.
          • Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
          • HACCP, FSMA PCQI, and SQF Practitioner certifications preferred.
          • Working knowledge of the Deacom enterprise resource planning system, a plus.
            
            PI

Keywords: Vienna Beef, Chicago , Director of Quality Assurance, Executive , Chicago, Illinois