Manager, Quality Assurance/R&D

Position Summary

The person who holds this important position will manage the Quality Assurance and Food Safety functions for our branded, private label, gourmet/specialty, and foodservice products. You will also lead a team of QA supervisors and their staff and must have a background in consumer products with a strong knowledge of SQF, GMPs, labeling laws, HAACP, GFSI certification with Six-Sigma, and Lean Manufacturing expertise.

Essence of this role

Ensure the safety and quality of products throughout the entire production process, from raw materials to finished goods. This involves developing and implementing quality assurance policies, monitoring production processes, conducting audits, and managing a team of quality control personnel. Additionally, the QA Manager will be the primary SQF practitioner and central driver for site SQF requirements.

Overseeing the development, implementation, review, and maintenance of the SQF system

• Develops and implements methods and procedures for monitoring work activities to include weight control, moisture, degree of roast, and caffeine analysis, as well as assists in sanitation, overall food quality, and food safety programs
• Planning, implementing, and conducting annual audits of each department to ensure SQF compliance
• Maintains and updates training documentation
• Serves as the central driver for all SQF requirements
• Maintains a library of all SQF documents and requirements
• Manages ongoing audits of SQF Policies and Procedures
• Supports and assists with Lean Manufacturing and Six-Sigma

Other Duties

• Formulates and maintains quality assurance objectives for our Retail, Foodservice, and Gourmet/Contract businesses to ensure quality goals are met
• Facilitates all food safety and quality related audits for the facility
• Manages, plans, coordinates, and directs the quality assurance technicians designed to ensure continuous production and service consistent with established quality standards
• Interfaces with key customers and their quality teams relating to compliance standards
• Manages and assists with customer complaints and/or questions relating to MZB-USA’s brands, private label, and foodservice; assists with customer letters and product samples when needed
• Participates in cupping finished product

Qualifications & Requirements

• BS/BA degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or related field required
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in managing a quality assurance function inside a food and beverage, flavor house, or pharmaceutical manufacturing environment
• SQF, Six-Sigma, and Lean Manufacturing experience required
• PCQI and HACCP Certifications required
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills needed
• Strong leadership skills a must
• Must have excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and work well managing many priorities
• Must have Microsoft Office proficiencies, with the ability to create pivot tables (Excel) and PowerPoint presentations
• Able to work independently, as well as maintain collaborative and constructive working relationships with people at all levels of the organization (inside and outside of the company)

Equal Opportunity Employer

Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace environment for our family of employees. MZB-USA recruits and advances qualified applicants without regard to race, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, age, religion, marital status, military service, veteran status, political affiliation, disability, or any other status protected by law. MZB-USA also prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind and is fully dedicated to the safety of its workforce.

Food Safety Requirements

Must comply with all Federal, State, Corporate, Warehouse, and Food Safety standards, policies, and guidelines (i.e., HACCP, GMP, SQF, FDA, etc.).