Quality Manager - Diamond Pet Foods

Job Scope:

The Quality Manager is to be proficient in every aspect of performing the functions of this position. The Quality Manager's overall responsibility, and objective, is to ensure that all aspects of the Quality and Food Safety Programs are followed by all employees, vendors, visitors, etc.

Work Environment:

Work is performed primarily outdoors or in the plant near operating equipment where smells and odors may be present. Works in both low and high heights, cold, hot, dusty areas where loose particles may be present. Works near operating equipment and loud noise, such as forklift horns and machinery. Loose and dusty particles may be present.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• The Quality Manager has 24-hour, multiple shift accountability for the business results and capability of the quality operations.
• Coordinate communications within the Quality department and gives clear and accurate reports to the business leaders.
• Assures adherence to the Diamond Pet Foods Quality and Food Safety Standards including but not limited to HACCP, SQF and FSMA.
• Utilize existing test and hold policy at the site to assure only acceptable finished products reaches customers.
• Notifies Plant Management and Corporate Quality of product quality and safety issues, identifying business risks and recommended corrective actions.
• Assist with new hire, routine and/or remedial training of Quality Department employees.
• Establish quality practices and protocols to achieve an efficient quality department.
• Routinely check operator paperwork for accuracy and completeness.
• Routinely check labels, bags, and seals for accuracy.
• Assure checks are documented clearly and cross referenced and traceable. Communicate results of routine QA tests to production personnel.
• Conduct root cause analysis, initiate corrections, corrective and preventive action, assign responsibility, and verify effectiveness.
• Provide feedback to operators and manufacturing managers regarding non-conforming ingredients, products, and packaging. Document all occurrences by Corrective Action and verify resolution.
• Actively participate with all functional company areas (Safety, Quality Control, Production, Food Safety, Maintenance, Human Resources, Administration, Sanitation, etc.) ensuring all members of quality do the same.
• Proactive in solving problems and troubleshooting issues.
• Under the direction of the Plant Manager, and HR Manager, promptly enforce equitable disciplinary action as specified according to organizational policies and the Employee Handbook.
• Maintain timeclock and quality employee records promptly and accurately (Timecards, time off requests, accurate and up to date Communication Log entries, etc).
• In the case of finished product, perform follow-up testing until situation is corrected and product disposition is resolved in a quality conscious manner.
• As directed and trained, conduct various tests for incoming ingredients, including sieve, NIR, moisture, and mycotoxin testing.
• Maintain and report hold/reject product and assure its proper disposition.
• Train and educate all personnel on quality and food safety practices.
• Promptly respond to quality/food safety concerns, following up as needed.
• Ensure, and hold accountable, all personnel, visitors, vendors, etc. comply with all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in addition to all SQF, Quality, and Food Safety Programs.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and legible paperwork.
• Motivate, organize, and encourage teamwork within the workforce to ensure targets are met or exceeded.
• Conduct one-on-one performance feedback and action planning for all direct reports.
• Develop and promote ongoing growth development through promoting development in personnel through onsite training (cross-training, etc).
• Promote and enforce a safe working environment for all the quality department.
• Be an employee champion who will maintain a strong and positive working relationship with all employees with the utmost integrity, confidentiality, and ethical values.

Additional Job Functions:

• Assist in maintaining a positive team environment and good working relationship by maintaining a positive attitude toward all Diamond team members, vendors, and customers.
• Participate effectively in a team atmosphere by modeling and promoting conflict resolution, diversity, ethical practices, and organizational citizenship.
• Responsible for other duties as deemed necessary by Management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to work independently without immediate direction or oversight. Self-motivated with a high degree of initiative and integrity
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to effectively communicate in a professional manner.
• Excellent interpersonal skills (communication, listening, team player, cooperative, approachable).
• Ability to be organized, flexible, and perform acceptably under pressure.
• Must be able to give directions in a professional manner.

Education & Experience Recommendations:

• Must have 2 years of Quality Management Experience at a food processing facility.
• High School Diploma or GED required.