Quality Manager at Balchem Corporation in Sleepy Eye, MN

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

Balchem Corporation develops, manufactures and markets specialty ingredients that improve and enhance the health and well-being of life on the planet, providing state-of-the-art solutions and the finest quality products for a range of industries worldwide. Our corporate headquarters is located in Montvale, New Jersey, and we have a broad network of sales offices, manufacturing sites, and R&D centers, primarily located in the US and Europe. Founded in 1967, Balchem is a publicly traded company (NASDAQ – “BCPC”) with annual revenues over $900 million and a market cap exceeding $4.0 billion. The company consists of three business segments: Human Nutrition & Health; Animal Nutrition & Health; and Specialty Products. Balchem employs over 1,400 people worldwide who are engaged in diverse activities, committed to developing the company into global market leadership positions. To learn more about our dynamic, stable and growing company, visit www.balchem.com

POSITION SUMMARY:

Site food safety and quality leader.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Accountable for HACCP/Food Safety program, Food Quality Program and the application of them at the site
• Accountable for site compliance to 21CFR117 and GFSI codes.
• Leads an effective team of quality techs that are responsible for quality assurance and quality control activities
• Directs and documents Internal Audit and inspection processes as the lead auditor and trains internal auditors to meet requirements of SQF, customer and regulatory guidance’s.
• Manages and ensures employee new hire and annual training programs for GMP, HACCP, allergen and Food Defense.
• Accountable for the application of programs that evaluate precision and accuracy of testing, measurement, and analytical and processing equipment.
• Demonstrates ability to effectively investigate root causes, and documents corrective actions for non-conformances including raw materials, in-process, finished product, processing and audit findings.
• Maintains an effective CAPA program that includes but is not limited to internal and external audit findings, product or process non-conformances and customer complaints.
• Responsible for presenting at daily direction setting meetings, and monthly, quarterly & annual quality reviews to support the management commitment requirements so that plant priorities are clearly articulated, and data driven.
• Co-leads inventory health processes and ensures timely disposition of aged and non-conforming materials.
• Designs and coordinates special projects related to product quality and/or efficiency
• Projects may be assigned as a result of corporate directive to fulfill strategic objectives
• Works with Director of Quality and Regulatory Manager to ensure customer requirements are met in testing, special labeling and reporting by updating ERP & LIMS system and managing COA, QC group and label templates.
• Directs activities of plant lab technicians and provides coverage in plant lab as needed
• Champions continuous improvement processes for the operation.
• Demonstrates strong communication with site and corporate teams.
• Effectively reports out on KPI/Metrics, priority issues and project completion progress to drive action in key areas.
• Exemplifies Balchem core values:
  • Always doing the right thing
  • Think big and acting small
  • Collaborating and growing together
  • Playing to win
  • Staying focused on the customer

REQUIREMENTS:

• B.S. Degree in Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Food Science or related field
• Supervisory experience required
• Good overall knowledge of product quality standards, specifications and laws and regulations established by federal, state, local and international agencies as they relate to GMP
• Must have thorough knowledge of manufacturing operations, with demonstrable skills in organizing, analyzing, planning and communication
• Computer proficiency should include word processing and creation of spreadsheets and forms
• Must possess good communication and possess the highest integrity in conducting business affairs
• Must exercise maturity and sound judgment in dealings and associations with vendors and customers
• Must be able to work independently and to organize tasks and manage the workload
• Ability to deal with problems involving several variables in standardized situations, while defending decisions in a knowledgeable and rational manner
• Able to interpret customer requirements and government regulations and apply to Balchem products and processes
• Ability to initiate projects, set goals and timelines, delegate, and report out on progress.