Quality Manager

Quality Manager

The Quality Manager is responsible for managing the Food Safety and Quality Department, Quality Lab, Audit Process, and Food Safety at the facility to ensure compliance with Land O'Lakes Quality Management System, Customer Requirements, and applicable regulations.

The role involves supervising and coordinating the activities of the Quality Assurance staff, reducing consumer complaints, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives for a 24/7 milk receiving plant that produces cheese and dried whey.

Required Experience and Education:


* Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Biology, Dairy Technology, or a related field.


* Minimum of 5 years of hands-on quality plant experience in the dairy or food industry, with at least 3 years of supervisory experience.


* Experience with BRC, SQF, or other GFSI certification requirements, Food Safety (HACCP) plan development and maintenance, FSPCA certification preferred.


* Experience in food manufacturing and dairy regulatory compliance


* Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills


* Experience leading root cause investigations and CAPA plans


* Experience in cheddar cheese and dry powder manufacturing is preferred

Essential Functions:


* Direct, train, and advise personnel in test procedures and ensure compliance with quality system requirements.


* Provide technical support to all facility personnel


* Investigate and respond to quality assurance-related customer and consumer complaints.


* Oversee, update, and review the Food Safety/HACCP plan as needed


* Correct audit (internal, external, and customer) findings


* Review of plant quality and food safety data and report on plant quality metrics and performance per established quality plan.

Initiate investigation and CAPA when data or trends indicate a potential quality or food safety issue.


* Lead investigations and CAPAs for food safety and quality incidents


* Develop SOPs, maintain calibration programs, and oversee lab testing.


* Ensure compliance to food and dairy regulatory requirements, lead plant regulatory inspections


* Establish and monitor laboratory safety programs.


* Oversee internal food safety and quality audit program, perform plant audits and inspections, and lead customer and third-party audits.


* Manage plant hold inventory


* Oversee management of plant sanitation and pest control programs


* Develop and manage associate training programs and support continuous improvement efforts

Supervisory Responsibilities: Direct responsibility for QA Staff, and indirect responsibility for all Manufacturing Staff.

The role primarily involves 1st shift hours but may require off-shift hours, weekends, and holidays.

About Land O'Lakes, Inc.

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