Assistant Manager, Quality Control

About the role

At PIM Brands, we seek talented, results-oriented individuals who want to play a part in building amazing brands and products while working in a collaborative, dynamic, and fast-paced office and manufacturing environment. You can make an immediate and lasting contribution to help grow iconic snack and confectionery brands.

Responsibilities

• Maintain certification standards by updating and maintaining the Food Safety System through training, auditing, and reassessment of policies and procedures.
• Audit the consistency and uniformity of all manufactured products to approved specifications.
• Monitor and advise on the performance of the quality management system.
• Submit data and prepare reports on quality performance measured against established specifications.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to ensure the Quality System functions properly.
• Advise the organization on changes and implementation; provide training, tools, and techniques to achieve product quality.
• Manage the Quality Control function, monitor, and audit product quality.
• Serve as the key decision-maker on the acceptability of ingredients, materials in process, and finished goods in consultation with the production team.
• Interact with production management, R&D, process engineering, warehouse, and sanitation teams.
• Support SQF, Food Safety, and Quality Programs, including all SQF standards and customer-specific standards.
• Report food safety and quality issues to plant management.
• Ensure compliance with PIM Brands GMP rules and Food Safety standards.
• Monitor employee adherence to GMPs and support HACCP policies and procedures.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of all products, raw materials, packaging, and operations, including quality specifications.
• Conduct material reviews and make product disposition decisions.
• Provide technical support to operations by troubleshooting issues.
• Test products, perform audits, and place defective products on hold to ensure quality.
• Review the CAPA (corrective action and preventive action) program for effectiveness to eliminate recurring non-conformances.
• Communicate holds and discrepancies with supervisors and other departments.
• Complete various reports by reviewing Process Quality Records, maintain hold logs, and complete weekly and monthly reports.
• Supervise the quality programs of the plant and review/update Quality Control Reports for Packaging, Mogul/Kitchens, and Panning.
• Oversee the incoming inspection process and monitor its effectiveness.
• Conduct employee training on GMPs, HACCP, Quality Systems, Foreign Matter, Food Defense, and Food Safety.
• Manage the Hold and Release Program and maintain On-hold inventory records.
• Dispose of consumer returns and ensure all food safety and quality procedures, including sampling and analysis, are followed.
• Provide coaching, education, and training for management staff and plant employees on Quality Control/Assurance.
• Assist the Quality and Operations Managers in managing third-party and federal audits and inspections.
• Support the SQF Practitioner in developing, implementing, reviewing, maintaining, and communicating the SQF system, food safety fundamentals, and food safety plan.
• Supervise Quality staff, including scheduling, staffing, coaching, training, disciplinary actions, and performance reviews.
• Work additional hours as needed.

Requirements

Physical Demands / Essential Job Functions

• Standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, kneeling, and crouching.
• Manual dexterity to handle or feel objects, tools, and controls.
• Lifting and moving objects weighing at least 30 lbs.
• Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated to enable individuals to perform essential job functions.

Work Environment

• Job is generally performed in the manufacturing plant, which is a large, busy, and noisy operation with constant movement and traffic flow of motorized equipment.
• GMP-required apparel must be worn on the plant floor, including hair nets, beard nets, assigned work uniforms, protective eyewear, and gloves.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in food science, food technology, or related fields (strongly preferred); Master’s preferred.
• Quality control experience in a 24/7 food plant or pharmaceutical setting.
• HACCP and SQF Systems Certification.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Ability to deliver professional and effective presentations to management and staff.
• Computer proficiency in office software.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving skills, and sound judgment.
• Statistical process control and quality systems experience.
• Ability to anticipate and avoid potential problems based on prior experience and knowledge of manufacturing and quality systems.
• Ability to work flexible hours when needed.
• Willingness to be trained.

Worksite: The PIM Brands Manufacturing Site is located in Somerset, New Jersey, and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This position requires working onsite.

Benefits

• Total compensation package including bonus, 401(k) plan match, and other incentives (*based on eligibility and position).
• Comprehensive benefits package effective day one, including medical, dental, vision, disability, and insurance plans.
• Diverse range of benefit choices tailored to support personal and family needs.
• Personal time off, vacation time, floating days, and observed holidays.
• Business casual dress code.
• Entrepreneurial and innovative culture with opportunities for internal career advancement.