Quality Assurance Engineering Manager jobs in Wilmington, NC

FedUp Foods, one of the nation's early producers of kombucha through the Buchi brand, and one of the largest functional beverage manufacturers in America, offers a diverse portfolio of organic private label functional beverages for top global retailers.

As the Quality Assurance Manager, you will be part of the core team responsible for the launch of FedUp Foods 2nd production facility in Wilmington, NC.

Position Summary

The Quality Assurance Manager will develop, implement, and evaluate our food safety programs to ensure the organization's production operations, from raw materials to finished products, meet the quality, integrity, and efficiency standards set by the organization and regulatory bodies.

Additionally, the position will be responsible for the sanitation program.

The ideal candidate is an energetic, servant minded manager with a passion for building systems from the ground up, the tenacity to see projects through to completion, and a commitment to innovation with high standards of quality and integrity.

General Duties/Responsibilities

• Provide company-wide leadership and direction for quality assurance/quality control and food safety functions.
• Interface with, direct, advise, and support operations teams at all production and warehouse facilities with any quality, regulatory, and food safety practices.
• Direct and oversee the quality control department and supervisory staff.
• Support and represent the company with government agencies, vendors, and customers.
• Evaluates production operations from a strategic level to ensure that products meet quality, integrity, functionality, and other specifications and requirements.
• Collaborates with management and senior staff across production departments and roles to draft acceptable quality standards.
• Develops and implements quality standard testing and evaluation processes.
• Facilitates communication among production departments and management.
• Assesses test results and approves recommended changes.
• Reviews quality control documentation such as checklists, logs, and reports for effectiveness, accuracy, and relevance.
• Conducts random inspections and quality control checks.
• Reports status of quality control and operations to executive leadership and, when required, regulatory agencies.
• Lead, supervise, and manage FSQA management and direct-reporting personnel, ensuring continuing professional development, training, and overall employee well-being
• Bring scientific expertise and serve as a subject matter expert for programs and activities related to food safety, regulations, and quality systems
• Provide technical oversight and guidance for quality related functions at all manufacturing facilities and warehouses.
• Provide strategic leadership, guidance, and risk management for corporate food safety and quality programs and systems to include, but not limited to, HACCP, Preventative Controls, SQF or other BRC-related programs, and customer or 3rd party audit-driven requirements and policies.
• Oversee all plant HACCP, quality programs, and all quality/food safety related programs to meet regulatory and/or customer requirements
• Assure sampling for raw, WIP and finished product in compliance with label and specification declarations.
• Oversee plant sanitation programs and personnel, pre-operational, and operational programs to ensure sanitary standard operating procedures (SSOPs) and regulatory requirements for food manufacturing
• Oversee labeling and master specification registry
• Oversee shelf life requirements and monitoring programs to show continuous improvement.
• Leverage comprehensive knowledge of statistical process controls to drive continuous improvement with Quality Programs.
• Support Continuous Improvement with standardized work, science based problem solving and utilizing real time tools to predict quality attributes. Implement SPC, control charts, visual management, and other lean manufacturing tools.
• Oversee and support the development of quality and food safety initiatives to create a Food Safety culture and mindset.
• Develop an attitude of cleanliness in all areas by example and by coaching.
• Monitor, maintain and complete the factory Master Sanitation Schedule.
• Manage chemical and lab supply vendors leveraging new technology as available and exploring cost savings opportunities to maintain Fixed Overhead Budget to target for the full year.
• Maintains oversight with night shift sanitation team providing necessary guidance and oversight to ensure critical tasks are completed.
• Manage chemical and sanitation supplies, to ensure all items needed for operation are kept in stock.

Food Safety and Quality Responsibilities

• Follow GMP policy when in the production facility and encourage your team to do the same.
• Understand our SQF policies relating to pest control, visitors, allergen management, and cleaning and sanitation.
• Demonstrate awareness of Management's Commitment to SQF and work towards Food Safety and Quality and help the company meet this commitment.
• If there is a problem that involves food quality and safety, report to the Quality Assurance Manager so that the CAPA (corrective action, preventative action) log may be filled out, the situation be investigated, and resolved with the goal of continuous improvement of food quality and safety.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated success managing and or supervising multi-disciplinary teams and programs.
• Strong leadership and management skills in a high paced environment.
• Strong project management and computer skills, including Word, Excel, & PowerPoint, G-suite use a plus
• ERP system experience needed, Netsuite preferred
• Ability to drive positive change in processes, systems and culture
• Must be willing to travel as needed to support business needs; up to 25%

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, microbiology or related field, Masters preferred
• 3-5 years of experience in quality control management experience within consumer products, specifically beverage, food or other clean manufacturing
• Knowledge of ISO requirements and audits
• HACCP Certified with a knowledge of Microbiology and Shelf Life Programs, strongly preferred
• Complete knowledge and experience developing and managing HACCP, Preventative Controls, GMP, SSOP, SQF and/or other BRC and customer-driven quality and food safety requirements and programs.

Work Environment/Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle/feel items, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and talk or hear.
• Office and plant setting: the plant environment will include hot or cold conditions and working near moving mechanical parts
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area.

EEO Statement

AKM provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as directed to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• quality control management: 3 years (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Wilmington, NC 28401: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person