Job Summary:

This position is responsible for directing and coordinating quality inspection of ingredients, and materials produced in the manufacturing processes by performing the following duties personally or through subordinates and supporting the leadership team and employees at the site.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Maintain most current product specifications making sure latest version is active in all departments.
• Incoming ingredient vendor approval and organize supplier approval questionnaires, Create, maintain, and train all documents required in the SQF auditing system including SOP's, SSOP's for the lab and production floor.
• Set up controls as needed to check lab procedures and equipment, conduct and report quarterly lab proficiency testing. Responsible for all send outs - customer samples, outside lab submittals and customer 'sample requests' responsible for accurate COA's being sent to the customer. Responsible for coordinating resampling of finished product in a timely fashion to distinguish good from reject product.
• Manage accurate reporting of all in-bound product, materials, supplies and inventories in storage.
• Maintain environmental program. Maintain lab sample retention program.
• Maintain proper maintenance of lab equipment and schedule calibrations for plant equipment related to Quality.
• Develop, maintain, and train all laboratory SOP's.
• Develop best methods and drive continuous improvement and efficiencies for QA.
• Manage Quality Data entry for facility operations.
• Assist Quality Manager with SQF needs.
• Works with management to ensure effective organizational design and that roles are correctly organized, defined, documented, and communicated to all employees.
• Ensures effective safety procedures, tools and record keeping are managed through site leadership.
• Adheres to company GMP's (good manufacturing practices), safety procedures and all other quality processes.
• Wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when required.
• All other duties, as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• QA Technicians.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Food Science, or related degree.
• Two to five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, including a proficiency with Microsoft Excel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Prior food company QA experience/internship.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing practices.
• Experience with thermal processing, pasteurization, and / or experience with aseptic processing techniques is a definite advantage for the role.
• Experience with Oracle is a plus.
• Experience with statistical process control.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Analytical thinking and the ability to articulate verbally and written to all levels of management.
• Self-directed, assertive, and results driven.
• Outstanding verbal, written, multi-tasking and presentation skills.
• Ability to create momentum and foster organizational change.

Additional Considerations:

• Location: The role will be located at the MN Street SunOpta Plant in Alexandria, MN.
• Shift: This is a day shift role, Monday through Friday. Some flexibility may be needed.
• Travel: Some travel may be required.
• Relocation or international remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be considered.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.