Senior Director Quality Assurance

Star Kay White, Inc.
Congers, NY

JOB SUMMARY


Executive leader who plans, directs, and oversees all aspects of food safety and product quality. Develops and implements policies and controls to ensure quality assurance of laboratory and production efforts are achieved. Works closely with all departments to evaluate and implement compliance of customer and regulatory standards. Trains and manages the Quality Assurance staff.


DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:


  • Develops, maintains, and revises policies and standard operating procedures as related to Quality Assurance and Food Safety Programs.
  • Directs in-process quality control activities, including the testing of raw materials and finished products.
  • Participates in the development of product specifications. Determines product shelf-life.
  • Works closely with Production, R&D, Engineering, Sanitation, Supply Chain, Regulatory, and Sales to meet Company needs while ensuring products meet customer expectations.
  • Manages internal & customer complaints. Troubleshoots customer complaints by performing root cause analysis and directs corrective actions.
  • Communicates quality information to all relevant organizational departments, outside vendors and contractors.
  • Advises customers and vendors on technical or procedural issues as needed.
  • Assists in Regulatory, Third Party and Customer Audits.
  • Maintains knowledge of current developments, statistical studies, technological advances, or regulatory standards and trends to stay abreast of issues in the field of quality control related to microbiology, food safety, and labeling.


SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:


  • Directly supervises 2 - 4 employees within the Quality Assurance department.
  • Indirectly supervises 4 – 11 employees within the Quality Assurance department.
  • Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
  • Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, training, mentoring, and supporting employees in the QA departments. Planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.


OTHER FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:


  • Follows all safety and food safety Company protocols.
  • Reports all safety or quality problems to management, QA, and SQF Practitioner.
  • Cultivates and encourages a culture of food safety and quality
  • Performs other duties as assigned.


QUALIFICATIONS and COMPETENCIES:


  • Bachelor's Degree (BS) from four-year college or university in the field of food science, microbiology, or related science required.
  • Minimum of ten years of experience in food manufacturing required.
  • Extensive knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, GFSI (preferably SQF) and FSMA required
  • HACCP, PCQI, and GFSI certifications required.
  • Proficient computer skills required: Microsoft Office Suite. Computer skills preferred: X3
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred



COMPETENCIES:


  • Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
  • Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures.
  • Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.
  • Executive Decision Making Competency– Effective and sound decision making capability, especially when dealing with difficult and challenging situations.
  • Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
  • Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
  • Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
  • Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.
  • Visionary Leadership - Displays passion and optimism; Inspires respect and trust; Mobilizes others to fulfill the vision; Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates.



PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:


  • Regular schedule is Monday – Friday, 8:00 – 4:00, with additional days/hours as needed.
  • Location is onsite at Star Kay White facilities in Congers, New York.
  • Safety shoes and required PPE must be worn in the plant.
  • Continually required to stand, walk, sit, hear, talk.
  • Occasionally required to bend
  • Frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions (non-weather)
  • Frequently works near moving mechanical parts.
  • Frequently exposed to extreme heat or cold (non-weather)
  • While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the plant environment is usually moderate


  • Additional remarks regarding work environment: Employees working in the plant cannot have allergies to milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, and wheat


The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


Star Kay White is an equal opportunity and E-Verify employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, disability (physical or mental), age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, gender, gender identity or expression, transgender status, national origin, ancestry, military/veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, predisposing genetic characteristics, familial or marital status, status as a victim of domestic violence, prior arrest or conviction record, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Star Kay White is committed to providing equal opportunity to individuals with disabilities in employment. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or local laws.

Must be 18 years or older to apply.


Must be authorized to work in the Unites States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship at this time.

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