Quality Assurance Specialist Jobs in Minnesota

General Purpose

Provide work direction and supervision to quality assurance and laboratory employees who verify DFA products are produced and distributed to the highest food safety and quality standards. Monitor all stages of quality activities, ensuring employees work in accordance with departmental policies, procedures, and regulatory standards. In conjunction with the quality manager, help build and maintain an effective culture of food safety and quality within the facility. Function as a resource and point of escalation to direct reports. Coach, mentor, and provide performance development opportunities to team members on an ongoing basis.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the quality manager in developing, implementing, and maintaining food safety and quality programs at the facility to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, corporate standards, and customer expectations
• Complete required quality record review such as laboratory documentation, CCP, PC and other documentation
• Write, review, and implement quality assurance procedures
• Recommend modifications or upgrades to testing procedures or equipment. Coordinate procurement of items required for the lab
• Assist the quality manager and partner with operations with pathogen environmental monitoring (PEM) program including oversight of swabbing program, investigation/corrective actions, and mitigation activities
• Provide regular training, instruction, and guidance to employees on matters of food safety, quality, and compliance
• Initiate and drive continuous improvement activities, and partner with all facility functions to resolve persistent challenges while supporting the implementation of new procedures or processes
• Support customer, regulatory and third-party quality and food safety audits
• Investigate, find solutions, and implement remedies to quality issues and customer complaints
• Support and maintain existing certifications (e.g., SQF, Kosher, Halal, Organic)
• Supervise hourly employee's activities to meet or exceed the standards and specifications established by quality assurance and the organization
• Ensure all process, product, or infrastructure changes are understood by employees in a timely fashion
• Identify and retain highly effective personnel through proper selection, training, and establishing expectations
• Ensure good business communication practices are engaged at all levels to ensure key stakeholders are well informed and can appropriately respond
• Foster a positive and effective work culture with direct reports
• Develop and implement material standards with appropriate control and inspection procedures to improve product quality and reduce rework/downtime
• Maintain close surveillance over inspection/testing procedures and corresponding results to ensure finished product is food safe and meets customer expectations
• Support the analysis of quality data to assess product performance and utilize statistical process control (SPC) tools to identify and react to unfavorable trends
• Complete supervisory activities such as administering employee promotions and transfers; reviewing and editing employee timekeeping; completing performance evaluations; mentoring, training, and coaching employees
• Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

Requirements:

Education and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in food science, biological sciences, or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• 2 to 5 years of quality assurance, manufacturing, or related experience, preferably in a food, beverage, or similar facility
• Demonstrated leadership attributes or team leadership experience; supervisor experience preferred
• Certification and/or License – PCQI, HACCP, SQF Practitioner certifications preferred; may be required during course of employment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of both laboratory and plant current good manufacturing practices (cGMPs)
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management
• Skill in leadership and coaching
• Able to complete basic arithmetic as needed
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to work in collaboration effectively and foster good teamwork
• Able to take appropriate steps to find solutions to problems
• Able to present options and ideas to current processes or procedures
• Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism
• Able to respond courteously and efficiently to inquiries, complaints, and requests
• Able to interpret and apply company policies
• Able to adapt and manage to change effectively
• Able to take initiative in performing job and seek increased responsibilities
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans

Compensation: $80000 - $100000 / year