Quality & Lab Manager

Job Description

The Quality Manager is a leadership role dedicated to maintaining and improving the capability of the facility to safely deliver the highest quality products at the lowest possible cost through the application of an effective quality system. The Quality Manager reports directly to the site Plant Manager along with functional reporting to the Liquibox Director of Quality. The incumbent will take direction and objective setting from both.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Follow and ensure that all Key Operating Procedures are upheld, including but not limited to:

• Safety – LTCT; use of proper PPE; adherence to all applicable safety rules.
• Quality – PQCT, Injection molded and assembled product, and Inspection procedures.
• SOPs – Methods for performing work.

Work as a valuable Team member to accomplish business goals and objectives:

• Lead root cause investigations and corrective action activities for quality issues or customer complaints in a timely manner.
• Revise quality control plans to reflect decision-making protocol for out-of-control conditions and fit-for-use acceptance criteria, as applicable.
• Support R&D studies relating to process improvement. 
• Ensure compliance with MOC process and IPPAAR/PPAP submissions, reviews and approvals.  
• Lead relevant sections of APQP process.
• Ensure compliance to specifications of raw materials.
• Communicate with customers in product quality specifications, testing, conformance and COA requirements.

As SQF Practitioner, manage site’s Food Safety and Quality Management systems, including:

• Create quality test methods and operating procedures.
• Ensure relevancy of quality control plans, PQCT, and FMEA documentation.
• Facilitate internal, second and third-party audits and supply company documents as requested.
• Work with Technical group to qualify new suppliers, including conducting audits
• Chair monthly food safety and quality management review meetings.
• Contribute to plant-wide communications meetings.
• Develop and oversee site instrument calibration program. 
• Lead site activities to ensure compliance to any applicable systems (i.e., SQF, Kosher, IMS/FDA, customer specific). 
• Serve as HACCP Coordinator, leadership role of Food Safety Team.
• Plan and lead food safety and GMP Audits.
• Lead and Participate in Quality peer meetings.
• Other responsibilities and projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Education required:  High Diploma, mandatory. Bachelor’s Degree and Six Sigma Green Belt, preferred.

Specific skills:  Supervision experience required with ability to effectively manage, motivate, and lead team with clear communication and company vision. Excellent knowledge of SPC, formal SQF (or equivalent) and HACCP training. Familiar with process improvement tools, including Pareto, root cause analysis, flow charting, histograms, control charts, APQP, Gage R&R, SPC, A3. Strong ability to read and interpret product specifications, customer requirements, regulatory documentation.

Certifications: Preferred Membership & Experience with: SQF Practitioner, HACCP Certified, American Society for Quality (ASQ), Certified Manager of Quality/Operational Excellence, Certified Quality Engineer, Certified Quality Auditor.

Computer experience and software:  Proficiency with all Microsoft programs, Oracle, WMS, Minitab.