Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager

Position Summary

As the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager at Latitude 36 Foods, you will play a crucial role within the Quality and Food Safety team, providing strategic direction and overseeing the implementation of essential food safety and quality programs. Your responsibilities include ensuring the safety, quality, and regulatory compliance of Latitude 36 Foods products. This leadership position requires a proactive and collaborative approach to find solutions aligned with Latitude 36 Foods' objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 4 years of comprehensive food processing, food safety, and quality experience in large volume food manufacturing facilities preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a management role preferred.
• Must have strong knowledge and experience with GFSI standards (e.g., SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000).
• Must have technical knowledge of quality & food safety for FDA and USDA compliance.
• Must have strong computer skills with intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office skills.

Desired Qualifications

• HACCP certification, SQF Practitioner and/or PCQI certification preferred.
• Experience with Food Safety Management software, such as Safefood360.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP system in a manufacturing environment. 
• Strong analytical and both oral and written communication skills.
• Outstanding team building and leadership skills.
• Strong decision making and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to uphold regulatory, company and customer standards.
• Experience in developing, implementing, certifying and reliably maintaining GFSI food safety and quality management programs.
• Proven track record of acting as a food and safety expert making business and quality risk-based decisions and recommendations based on scientific, regulatory and quality evidence in FDA processing plant. USDA experience preferred.
• Knowledge and understanding of quality assurance principles, food science, SPC and statistics; preferred.
• Strong ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills with demonstrated multi-tasking and project management skills.
• Bi-lingual (English and Spanish preferred).

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all GFSI, FDA, USDA and state/local food safety regulations.
• The Plant FSQA Manager is the designated SQF Practitioner with responsibility and authority to lead the development and implementation of Food Safety Fundamentals. 
• Oversees the development, implementation, review and maintenance of the SQF System, including food safety fundamentals, the food safety plan and the food quality plan outlined in the SQF code.
• Manages employees in the Quality Assurance Department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance and developing employees; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Responsible for overseeing the QA staff and ensures that all QA programs are followed, makes sound decisions and executes FSQA oversight.
• Monitor and uphold Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA).
• Executes quality and food safety objectives as directed by the VP of Food Safety and Quality Assurance, as well as the adherence and execution of all company policies and programs associated with Foods Safety and Quality.
• Works with Purchasing, Inventory Control, and Warehouse personnel to ensure DMR follow-up is occurring.
• Maintains DMR Program, prepares hold report, and conducts weekly meetings to check status of any DMR issues which are not resolved in a timely manner.
• Oversee pest control program and ensures pest control binder summaries are current.
• Works with QA staff members to prevent process or product failures. Focuses on continuous improvement of product quality through the development of quality plans, process controls, attention to process details and specifications and quality training.
• Supervise and lead the Quality Assurance team, providing guidance, training, and support.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability within the team.
• Communicates to relevant personnel all information essential to ensure the effective implementation and maintenance of the SQF System.
• Works with other certification bodies such as Kosher, Organic, and local regulatory agencies.
• Maintains the Hold and Release Program, prepares hold report, and conducts weekly meetings to check status of any hold issues which are not resolved in a timely manner. Works with Purchasing, Inventory Control, and Warehouse personnel to investigate and manage QA Holds.
• Oversees the implementation of Environmental Program and conduct root cause investigation when needed.
• Investigates customer complaints and non-conformance issues. Conducts finished product and raw material traceability/troubleshooting in response to customer complaints or in-house product issues.
• Build and maintain relationships with external auditors, suppliers, and regulatory agencies.
• Conduct training sessions for employees to enhance awareness and understanding of food safety and quality standards.
• Assists plant with plant-wide training in the areas of HACCP, Sanitation, Allergen Control, Facility Security, Food Safety, and GMP’s.
• Serves as the catalyst for leading continuous improvement through technology and scientific research to take the plants FSQA program(s) to the next level.
• Provides leadership and is an active member of all project teams to ensure FSQA concerns are addressed at assigned plants.
• Maintains open communications with corporate QA, plant management, sales, and marketing staffs to ensure each are aware of any potential FSQA related concerns with product or product requirements and specifications.
• Manages the Food Safety Management software (Safefood360) at a plant level, ensuring consistent process compliance and optimal system performance. 
• Must be flexible to work off shifts, hours, or days (including weekends).
• Work on special projects and other duties as assigned by the VP of FSQA and the Plant Manager.

Physical Requirements/ Environment

• While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to talk and hear.
• The team member is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and use their hands and fingers to handle or feel and reach with hands and arms.
• The team member must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time and take frequent walks.
• Must be able to occasionally work in cold environment (34F+).
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

To view more opportunities, please visit:Latitude 36 Foods Job Opportunities

Latitude 36 Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we take great pride in our diverse and talented workforce.  We are looking for diversity in candidates for employment.  We recognize that our continued success depends largely on the collective strengths of our associates.