FSQA Manager

About the role

Select Milk Producers is one of the nation's largest and most progressive dairy cooperatives, with 32 wholly owned subsidiaries, 8 processing plants, and 8 joint ventures including Continental Dairy Facilities, Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest, Mill Haven Foods, Select Custom Solutions, GreenLink and Select Services. With over 800 employees, the Select Milk family of companies impacts all aspects of the dairy farm business and at the heart of our family of companies, is you.

"We strive to go above and beyond what's expected in providing for our families, leading our employees, caring for our land and animals, serving our customers, producing quality milk, and serving one another. This commitment is more than our business, it's in our culture and our character. We believe in being accountable, in doing what's right, in performing at our best, in setting a higher standard."

Select Milk Producers and its subsidiaries offer an attractive compensation and a best-in-class benefits package that includes but is not limited medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more that can be tailored for you and your family. Other benefits for eligible employees include 401(k) up to 6% company match, life and disability insurance, and paid holidays & vacation.

Summary of Functions

The FSQA Manager oversees all day-to-day quality assurance and food safety activities within the production facility. This role provides leadership, support, and service to management and staff by developing, implementing, and maintaining quality assurance programs and policies.

The FSQA Manager ensures compliance with company standards, Global Food Safety Initiatives (GFSI), NSF Dietary Supplements certification requirements, and applicable federal and state regulations.

This position manages budgets, establishes internal protocols, and directs the activities of QA personnel. The Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager (FSQA Manager) will provide oversite of the Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI), the SQF Practitioner, and the SQF Quality Practitioner.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor plant quality through review of microbiological testing, investigate high counts, and report findings and trends.
• Prepare list of any nonconforming product and distribute it to management.
• Review all product Certificates of Analysis, release inventory, and manage product classification.
• Review labels for regulatory and brand compliance.
• Ensure contractor Good Manufacture Practices (GMPs) and Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points (HACCP) compliance by managing the interaction between departmental personnel, contractors, and physical plant personnel.
• Conduct and document plant audits of each department daily, including audit of employee GMP's.
• Accompany State, Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Inspector(s) during visits.
• Assist (or designate individual) State Inspector with equipment checks and product sampling.
• Audit all State seals and verify that any broken seals have been reported. Report and maintain records of broken seal reports to USDA and State Regulatory Agency.
• Support, assist, participate, and represent the company during third party audits such GFSI audits, Customer audits, internal company & plant audits, and governmental agency inspections.
• Audit sanitation through review of CIP records. Investigate and report any cleaning problems. Perform random equipment checks after cleaning.
• Supervise all Quality Assurance Personnel.
• Deliver and coordinate GMP, HACCP, food safety, and quality training (initial and annual).
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of the Environmental Monitoring Program

(EMP).

• Manage pest control programs with monthly audits and corrective action oversight.
• Investigation and management of customer complaints.
• Lead Food Safety Team and Food Quality Team and present and review Food Safety and Quality Systems status to the management team.
• Manage and investigate Food Safety & Quality Systems incidents to identify root cause using quality management tools.
• Development and presentation of weekly and monthly reports as needed.
• Oversee and supervise laboratory equipment calibrations and functionality to ensure precise and accurate analysis. Monitor employee work habits with respect to the Safety & Health Management System.
• Managers should remain accessible through company-issued cell phones and be available to provide timely support for the needs of the business and their teams.
• Managers are expected to answer company-issued cell phones and remain available to support business needs as required.
• Member and designated leader of the Food Safety Team and Food Quality Team.
• Support a company culture of continuous improvement by participating in efficiency and improvement efforts.
• Perform other duties, as necessary.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Direct supervision of QA personnel including hiring, training, coaching, and performance management.
• Conduct job performance reviews and oversee on-the-job training compliance.
• Enforce company policies and escalate personnel matters to HR, DIV FSQA Manager as needed.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Preferred Bachelor of Science Degree in Dairy Science, Microbiology, Food Science, Chemistry or related field or comparable experience in dairy laboratory testing in five (5) out of the last ten (10) years.
• Master's degree in food science or related field is desired.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

Suggested

• Strong knowledge of USDA, FDA, and state regulations for dairy and/or dietary supplement facilities.
• In-depth understanding of Preventive Controls, HACCP, GFSI standards (SQF Food Safety and Quality Codes), and NSF certification requirements.
• Proficiency in root cause analysis, SPC, and other quality management tools.
• Skilled in policy development, process improvement, and resource planning.
• Strong interpersonal, supervisory, and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and resolve sensitive issues.
• Competence in computerized QA systems, report preparation, and presentation delivery.
• Knowledge of budgeting, cost estimation, and fiscal management.
• Ability to work effectively across diverse teams and constituencies.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Must possess or be able to acquire a Certified Sampler license by the State Regulatory Agency.
• Must be able to be licensed as Certified Industry Supervisor in accordance with the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (current edition) and State Regulatory Agency.
• Must be able to acquire a PCQI certification.
• Must be able to acquire GFSI/SQF Practitioner certification.