Quality Lab Manager

JOB PURPOSE AND SUMMARY Work with the Director of Quality to develop, maintain and monitor the budget and capital expenditures for the Quality Lab Department in Osceola, AR. Organizes and motivates this department to perform responsibilities effectively and efficiently. Review, update and maintain commercialized Manufacturing Standard Procedures to ensure compliance of finished product. Ensure Operations Specification Reports are current and available for plant team. Review, update and maintain commercialized batch sheets to ensure compliance of finished product. Support Food Safety Quality Culture Journey Initiative. Assist with creation of the OPLs, training distribution and other FSQCJ activities. Support Pulse Initiative and provide communication platform between management and front-line team members. Initiate comprehensive Quality Lab Training for ongoing training process with the Quality Lab personnel. Determine material and schedule needed to produce effective training. Coordinate an ongoing refresher training on Quality Procedures within the lab. Support KBMP Initiative. Lead 5S implementation in the Lab, Maintenance Risk Assessments, MOC, Foreign Material Prevention, etc. Provides Food Safety training to all new employees going through new-hire orientation. Ensure Quality material for NHO is updated, current and relevant. Review and update the Quality Lab Procedures necessary to accurately measure the quality attributes defined in the product specific Manufacturing Standard Procedures. Coordinate all customer specific cutting requests and ensure all continuous monitoring and improvement reports are completed and sent by the 5th of the month. House and update all customer specifications as necessary, to ensure compliance and conformity. Initiate changes in the Quality Department that increase productivity and improve the reliability and accuracy of data generated. Promote the use of data throughout the company to make formula and process adjustments. Support improvements that generate measurable benefits to plant operations and cost savings. Analyze data for process capability and improvement opportunities. Manage lab staffing (includes Quality Supervisors, Quality Lab Technicians, Quality Specialists, and Micro Technician) schedule accordingly with Production needs. Assuring compliance to company policies, performance reviews, goal setting and achievement, coaching, development, merit recommendations. Review and approve timesheets for Quality staff. Provide technical laboratory support when needed. Support the Quality Systems in the absence of the QS Supervisor or as needed. Support any Quality Systems updates and/or changes as directed by the Director of Quality Systems. In the absence of the Quality Lab Manager, the authorities described in this job description will be performed by the Quality Systems Supervisor or the Director of Quality Systems. Support the review, understanding, and compliance of all programs, policies, and procedures contained in the Food Safety and Quality Management System. Understand my role in food safety and regulatory responsibilities as required by the SQF Food Safety Code and report any food safety concerns to initiate appropriate action. Review all food safety and quality records for completion & compliance. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITES ITEM % OF TIME JOB FUNCTION 1 50 Manages and/or supports the following Osceola facility operations: Reviewing Quality & Food Safety Production Records Management of Manufacturing Standard Procedures Management of Batchsheets Quality Lab budget in agreement with the VP of Corporate FSQR & CI Equipment calibration/certification Monthly Inventory Reconciliation Technician Certification Monthly KPI Reports Organization of Internal and External Customer Cutting Samples Organization & Coordination of Shelf-Life Studies Support Food Safety Quality Culture Journey Continuous improvement 2 25 Maintains, review and recommends updates to the following programs: Procedures for the Quality Lab Department Controlled Documents/Electronic records Support RCA of quality issues Summarizes and reports pouch defects 3 15 Participates on the following teams Food Safety and Quality Management Systems (FSQMS) review Allergen Control Food Safety Plan Food Quality Plan Product/Mock Recall KBMP New Hire Orientations 3rd Party Audits Safety 4 5 Responsible for hiring, development, evaluation, and termination of Quality Lab personnel in junction with Quality Management. 5 5 Other functions as assigned by the Director of Quality Systems or the VP of Corporate FSQR & CI. TOTAL 100% POSITION DIMENSIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS Internal Contacts Direct contact with all Plant Management staffs and CI&I. External Contacts Be diplomatic and clear as a Customer and Supplier liaison when required by management. Education Level/Focus: Minimum of BS/BA in Science of Food Science Field or minimum of 4+ years of experience in Quality Management SKILLS & ABILITIES Uphold Kagome's Values: Employee works well with others as a team and treats others with respect. Conducts self in a professional manner and exhibits the highest level of integrity. Maintains a positive attitude through good working relationships with our customers, visitors, and co-workers that emphasizes our commitment to good customer service. Attendance Reliability and acceptable attendance are required. It is critical to be punctual and arrive on time for work and for meetings (if applicable). Productivity Must consistently fulfill job responsibilities, knowing how to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively. If authorized to work remotely, must maintain the same levels of productivity and communication as they would in the office. Employee Retention Build a culture employees and/or co-workers want to be a part of. Be helpful to others and work as a team toward company goals. Participate in an exceptional onboarding experience for new hires and ensure they have the necessary tools to succeed in their roles by welcoming and assisting them. Interpersonal and Communication Must have excellent oral and written communication skills. Possess the ability to convey technical applications to non-technical personnel. Exercise good judgement in problem solving situations. Must be able to communicate effectively with co-workers and management team. Technical & Analytical: Must have excellent organizational and computer skills. Requires great attention to detail. Administration and Operations Reliable and punctual with reports and presentations. Possess good safety habits. Physical Demands Mix of office and laboratory work. Must be able to work extended hours on occasion and be willing to travel occasionally. Work Environment Some chemical fumes, good lighting, hot/cold and humid temperatures, high noise levels, wet floors. This is a Safety Sensitive Position.