Quality Assurance Supervisor

About the role

As the Quality Assurance Supervisor, you will oversee all quality-related initiatives with a primary focus on production, warehousing, and logistics operations at the Russell Stover Chocolate site. Your role includes developing, implementing, and monitoring programs to manage and enhance product quality. You will supervise all QA Technicians across all shifts, lead the Daily QA PCS, and support the FSQA Manager on related initiatives. This position is primarily on the second shift, though occasional first-shift support may be required for development and team assistance.

Responsibilities

• Verification of quality programs performed by different departments and individuals at the site.
• Lead Quality Technicians, Batch Technicians, and Team Leads.
• Lead Quality initiatives to advance the department and company.
• Support food safety and quality audits.
• Maintain and implement quality standards and procedures to meet Russell Stover Standards.
• Conduct process and procedure audits and implement corrective actions to ensure compliance.
• Perform inspections on packaging materials, semi-finished, and finished products.
• Lead improvement initiatives in non-conformances, partnering with Procurement, Operations, Industrial Performance, and Research and Development.
• Make impromptu decisions regarding manufacturing defects, packaging defects, and overall quality issues; provide daily and weekly reports to management.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to manage potential non-conformances by isolating product, following HOLD procedures, investigating, determining disposition, and ensuring full documentation for traceability.
• Support QA department in meeting all standards and requirements including AIB, GFSI, FSMA, local and federal regulations, and industry best practices.
• Cross-train in related Quality positions to assist in backshift receiving and analytical activities, as well as supporting quality and food safety functions; provide quality training to other departments.
• Maintain systems for all inspection/audit records and ensure all product information remains accurate, complete, consistent, and timely.
• Document and communicate quality issues, trend analysis, and provide corrective action for resolution of quality issues.
• Supervise, coach, and develop all QA Technicians across all shifts.
• Ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines during plant visits to support product quality and uphold food safety standards.
• Complete and follow FSQA training and programs to comply with regulatory requirements, ensure consumer safety, and support the company’s food safety and quality objectives.
• Promptly report any observed or suspected issues that may impact food safety, quality, or compliance to designated plant personnel.
• Actively contribute to the continuous improvement of the company’s Food Safety Culture through engagement and actions aligned with your role.
• Participate in Lindt Production Way (LPW) pillars and teams; support continuous improvement initiatives as needed.
• Follow LPW methodology (TPM) to monitor and report production (PCS) and continuously improve processes to reduce defects, applying lean methodology using tools such as 5S, 5 Why, Kaizen, etc.

Requirements

• BS degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Engineering, Nutrition, Biology, or related field (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Minimum 3 years of experience in Food Safety & Quality in a food production environment.
• Formal training in basic to intermediary food safety/regulatory, and Preventive Control Certified Individual (PCQI).
• Working knowledge of regulatory and quality system requirements – Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001), AIB, HACCP, Good Manufacturing Process (GMP).
• Champion for food safety & quality.
• Strong people management skills; ability to lead, coach, and mentor direct reports.
• Excellent communication skills; ability to speak, read, and write English fluently.
• Collaboration with other departments and people; drives for timely results.
• Strong problem-solving/troubleshooting skills with continuous improvement tools (FMDA, RCA, project management).
• Understanding of Statistical Process Control.
• Understanding of sanitation and related practices.
• Strong auditing/assessment skills.
• Solid understanding of a production/manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in MS Office applications and productivity tools.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Must be able to differentiate between colors and shifts in colors.

Work Environment

• Safety First: Protective gear provided; GMP training on day one with daily safety tips.
• Surroundings: Work alongside cutting-edge equipment like automated packing machines, forklifts, electric pallet jacks, and chocolate candy banks/steels.
• Active & Engaging Work: On your feet for extended periods, moving around, climbing ladders, or lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Comfortable Climate: Climate-controlled environment in most roles.
• Appealing Smells: Sweet aromas of chocolate; may leave smelling like chocolate.
• Dress Code: Follows Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for safety and hygiene.
• Allergens: Exposure to ingredients that may be considered food allergens like nuts, milk, and more.