Summary Statement:

Under the direction of the Site Quality Manager, provides leadership and technical assistance for operations in the areas of food safety and quality systems to drive a zero defect culture.  Manage and develop capabilities of Quality Engineers and Quality Technicians.

Primary Responsibilities/Accountabilities:

·         Provide leadership and technical assistance to operations by aggressively managing food safety, quality systems and instilling program awareness and commitment to a zero defect culture. 

·         Perform fact-based investigations and ensure corrective/preventive action programs are robust to drive continuous improvement in forms of faulty reduction, right the first time and consumer complaints.

·         Lead and manage clear guidelines and resource needs for commercialization excellence, support vertical start-up efforts by working directly with Quality Sys. Mgr., Project Lead, Lab Manager and Direct Reports to ensure required actions are taken during design, installation, start up and throughout the commercialization process.

·         Manage assessments of departmental audits being performed and ensure departments are meeting all quality requirements and adherence to Kraft policy. 

·         Work with Compliance Manager to design systems that promote accurate record keeping, procedures, packaging, and equipment in compliance with company policies and Federal, State, and other regulatory requirements. 

·         Assist in development of new quality systems, regulatory systems, and personnel to obtain plant business unit results.

·         Manage quality department supervisors and technicians, ensuring both individual and departmental goals are achieved.

·         Coach, mentor and develop direct reports; ensure goal alignment, establish performance metrics and develop accurate goals that reflect quality & business unit strategies.

·         Development of quality knowledge for all plant employees; coaching, guidance, role model quality standards

·         Manage systems and programs for all hold and release activities.  This includes direct supervision for individuals responsible for these programs.

·         Lead supplier quality programs, defect resolution and oversee data entry of supplier notifications for all complaints.

·         Lead warehouse quality programs for all external warehouses contracted for sites facility that store Kraft raw material ingredients and or finished goods.  This includes issue resolution where plant quality disposition is required.

·         Drive and lead plants preventive and corrective action programs related to improving right first, faulty reduction and overall zero defect culture throughout each department.

·         Lead statistical application within the quality department to drive DMAIC, Lean, MSA, Sampling & Testing methodologies into each specific department.  Work closely with direct reports & lab Manger to achieve departmental goals related to continuous improvement.

·         Provide leadership and administration of the plant’s quality programs.  This includes interpreting company policies, specifications, and/or regulations and acting to maintain or modify programs in compliance with applicable requirements. 

·         Create or revise systems to collect data, report results, and provide periodic system performance reporting.   .   

·         Perform as the liaison between the plant and any corporate contacts for quality systems issues.

·         Serve as the back-up to the Quality Systems Manager in cases of business related absences, vacation, or illness.

·         All other duties as assigned by the Quality Systems Manager.