Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Food Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Statistics, Science, or a related field.
Experience: Minimum of 5 years in manufacturing.
Technical Proficiency: Expertise in quality tools and methodologies, including Statistical Process Control, FMEA, RCA, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and 5S. Deep understanding of manufacturing processes and equipment.
Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and perform root cause analyses to resolve quality issues and enhance processes.
Certifications: White or Black Belt certifications and/or Certified Quality Engineer preferred.
Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with industry regulations and standards, such as FDA regulations; PMO experience is a plus but not required.
Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective collaboration with cross-functional teams and reporting on quality performance.
Continuous Improvement Mindset: Eagerness to learn and stay updated on industry trends and emerging quality practices.
Job Description
This role is crucial for driving quality-focused continuous improvement across Operations, Quality Assurance, Sanitation, and Food Safety programs at the facility. The position involves validating new processes, systems, and equipment to ensure they meet established Quality Standards for safe, high-quality products. Responsibilities include managing the site’s Non-Conformance Reporting program, leading Root Cause Analyses, overseeing Corrective Action/Preventive Action initiatives, and supporting the Quality Management Systems. The role also involves facilitating plant inspections and audits to promote continuous improvement.
Responsibilities:
Continuous Improvement Leadership: Drive initiatives to optimize manufacturing processes and quality systems using advanced problem-solving tools.
Root Cause Analysis: Utilize RCA tools such as 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams, and 8D reports to perform in-depth analyses of plant non-conformances and act as the primary QA problem solver.
Failure Modes and Effects Analysis: Lead cross-functional teams to systematically identify and address risks and resolve issues that could impact product quality.
NCR/RCA Management: Oversee investigations into quality-related non-conformances from raw materials receipt through finished goods manufacturing. Lead the NCR/CAPA program, coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure timely resolution of issues.
Consumer Complaints: Manage and investigate consumer complaints, leading cross-functional teams to address and reduce complaint levels.
Collaboration and Training: Work with site supply chain partners to address quality issues and drive process improvements. Provide training on continuous improvement tools and techniques.
Supplier Quality Assurance: Partner with the Supplier Quality Assurance Team to enhance raw material quality through investigations, data collection, and reporting.
Quality and Food Safety Strategies: Support continuous improvement strategies related to quality, food safety adherence, and lean manufacturing principles.
Data Analytics and Reporting: Develop and maintain reporting and data analytics to support continuous improvement activities within the Quality Department.
Equipment and Systems Support: Assess and manage risks associated with new equipment installations or modifications. Support Quality Management Systems tools and software, serving as the site’s point person for new system implementations.
Procedure Development: Develop procedures and training materials to support the manufacturing process.