Job Overview:
The Director of Quality Assurance (QA) is responsible for overseeing and managing the quality and food safety systems for dairy production facilities. This role ensures all products meet the highest quality standards, comply with regulatory requirements, and align with the company's commitment to safety, quality, and consistency. The Director of QA will lead a team of quality professionals and work collaboratively with other departments to maintain and enhance quality control protocols, conduct audits, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
Quality Strategy & Compliance:
- Develop, implement, and manage the quality assurance strategy and systems in alignment with company standards and regulatory requirements.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant FDA, USDA, GMP, and HACCP regulations, as well as customer-specific quality requirements.
- Keep up to date with changing regulations in the dairy industry and ensure all processes meet the latest standards.
Quality Systems Management:
- Oversee quality control programs including microbiological, chemical, and sensory testing to ensure product quality and safety.
- Manage the documentation, execution, and maintenance of quality procedures, policies, and records to meet internal and external audit requirements.
- Direct root cause analysis, corrective actions, and preventive measures to address quality and food safety issues.
Leadership & Team Development:
- Lead, mentor, and develop the QA team, ensuring continuous training and skill enhancement to maintain a highly skilled, knowledgeable department.
- Promote a culture of accountability, attention to detail, and proactive problem-solving within the QA team and across departments.
Cross-functional Collaboration:
- Work closely with production, supply chain, and R&D teams to ensure product consistency, quality improvements, and alignment with production standards.
- Engage with suppliers to ensure quality standards are met throughout the supply chain, conducting supplier audits when necessary.
Continuous Improvement & Reporting:
- Analyse quality metrics and trends to identify areas for process improvements and lead initiatives to optimize production quality.
- Report quality performance to senior management, providing actionable insights and recommendations to improve operations and product quality.
Customer Interaction & Complaint Resolution:
- Act as the primary point of contact for quality-related customer inquiries and complaints, ensuring timely, thorough resolution and feedback.
- Establish protocols for handling and tracking customer complaints and drive improvements based on complaint analysis.
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelors degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field. Masters degree preferred.
- Experience: Minimum of 8-10 years of quality assurance experience in food manufacturing, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role in the dairy or food production industry.
- Certifications: HACCP, PCQI, SQF, or other relevant certifications are strongly preferred.
Skills:
- In-depth knowledge of dairy processing, regulatory requirements, and quality management systems.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive data-informed decision-making.
- Excellent leadership and communication skills to effectively manage a team and work cross-functionally.
- Ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment and respond to quality-related challenges with a solution-oriented approach.
Working Conditions:
- Primarily based in an office environment with frequent visits to production facilities.
- Occasional travel may be required to other company facilities, suppliers, or customers.
Salary & Benefits:
Competitive salary with performance-based bonus opportunities, comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k) with company match, and paid time off.