Quality Manager

About the role

The Quality Manager has overall responsibility for managing site wide consumer safety and quality program implementation and continuous improvement. Following HACCP processes, Unilever Corporate policies, and Supply Chain Nutrition initiatives, the QA Manager oversees the site quality agenda and participates as a part of the site leadership team. The Quality Manager role works in supporting the Kilbourn site and reporting to the Head of Quality for Nutrition. The QA Manager leads the Quality agenda with focuses on leading, defining, developing, preparing, operationalizing, integrating, facilitating, and coordinating the Quality policy, strategy, processes, Quality management system and standards. While ensuring harmonized implementation and integration for Quality in design, technology, supply, manufacture, and delivery across the Condiments Network.

Responsibilities

• Establish, lead, and deliver Quality systems for the site
• Act as the subject matter expert on decisions related to quality programs and processes
• Provide technical information/feedback related to product inquires or complaints
• Manage microbiological concerns
• Ensure all products meet or surpass defined quality standards
• Drive continuous improvement
• Collaborate with production departments on awareness and training
• Ensure good manufacturing practices are in place at all times; set example and champion Quality initiatives
• Responsible for food safety programs
• Participate as part of site leadership team
• Hire, develop, and manage quality team
• Builds Quality talent (recruitment, coaching, training)
• Participates in developing, maintaining and implementing Quality learning frameworks, Quality skills dictionary and Job skill profiles
• Support regional and export markets to ensure quality standards and regulatory requirements are met
• Participates in developing and operationalizing of Unilever Quality strategy, governance, ways of working, organization model, resource levels, roles & responsibilities
• Supports ensuring consumer needs and expectations are linked into Unilever objectives
• Supports ensuring a balanced approach between satisfying customer needs and expectations and internal interests
• Provides expertise, leadership and support in Quality management and deep expertise areas for implementation of Quality standards, resolution of Quality issues across end-to-end SC
• Participates in defining relevant KPIs, building scorecards & reports for Quality KPIs, analyzing data and drawing insights to drive Quality improvement
• Participates in developing and deploying new approaches, processes and tools to “raise the ceiling” and develop future capability for Quality
• Participates in obtaining, maintaining and using insights from external benchmarks, assessment tools, standards, and knowledge about what other organizations are doing to manage Quality
• Participates in managing, advising and coordinating Quality Incident Management process (including recalls) using project management approaches, contacting with experts (SEAC), providing guidance on action resolution, and the reporting and replication of lessons learned
• Influences development and drives use of the Unilever quality improvement process and toolkit
• Provides Quality leadership to influence Quality culture through visibility and coaching of cross-functional leadership across the business

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or other applicable field required
• Minimum of 5 years of supervisory/lead experience in manufacturing environment; food manufacturing preferred
• Ability to work with people from differing backgrounds collaboratively is required
• Minimum of 5 years of quality assurance experience
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities through experience in production, quality, or materials management is required
• Experience in WCM, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or other continuous improvement program
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence others through a matrixed environment is required
• Ability to manage project and project teams from inception to completion including hitting deadlines and documenting progress
• Working knowledge of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and ability to drive improvements using the Loss Tree is required
• Familiarity with HAACP and other QA regulations preferred
• Food manufacturing experience preferred
• You are an inclusive motivator of people. Your team deliver with real passion, growing and learning from each other whilst delivering quick wins.
• You are still responsible for your own results and as a manager, you also need to motivate others to deliver with passion