Manager, Quality Assurance at Saputo in Lena, IL

Manager, Quality Assurance Location: Lena At Saputo, we bring good to the table by making high-quality products, investing in our people, and supporting communities around the world . As a top 10 global dairy processor, we value contributions that matter and strive to foster an inclusive, growth-driven work environment. Ready to bring your best? ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Manages the operation of the plant laboratory, including ensuring supplies and equipment are available. Ensures product safety, regulatory compliance, and compliance with company standards as stated in the Quality Assurance Manual, Laboratory Manual, and Company directives. Drives Continuous Improvement efforts in product quality/performance and process optimization. Provides leadership in coaching, education and training of management staff and plant employees for Quality Assurance; seeks assistance as needed from other Saputo training resources. Oversee quality control systems to include hold programs and traceability exercises; lab procedures; food safety programs, including FMSA compliance; product functionality evaluations; process verification programs; internal and external audits, and environmental microbiological monitoring programs. Review and maintain all quality control test results. Evaluate analytical testing results and disposition of finished product to ensure customer specifications are met. Reviews all product labels used in the facility and ensures adherence to regulatory and Company standards. Maintains or ensures the maintenance of the Saputo Nutritional Database System for the facility. Ensures adherence to appropriate regulations and Company standards for raw milk quality. Supervises the appropriate chemical, bacteriological, sensory, antiobiotic and utilization tests on raw materials and pasteurized products. Communicates quality metric and inspection results to appropriate managers and others in leadership positions including, but not limited to daily, weekly or monthly KPI reporting. Ensures that proper sanitation procedures are utilized and that adequate sanitation tests are performed; provides “troubleshooting” efforts in the event of sanitation system failure. Act as the liaison for local, state, customer/third party, and federal audits and inspections. Is responsible for expense management and control, including labor and “Cost of Quality” utilizing Continuous Improvement techniques. Ensures adherence to all contract packaging quality requirements. Cooperates in a cross-functional manner as a change agent with all departments within the Company. Engages in the typical responsibilities of a manager requiring planning, evaluating, organizing, integrating and delegating Ensure consistent application of company policies and procedures. Support employee progressive disciplinary action activities in partnership with Human Resources. Adhere to the Saputo code of ethics and actively apply the Saputo values. Performs other duties as assigned. POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree in a science-based area of study and a minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience. Internal Candidates: A minimum of 5 years hands-on plant experience in the dairy plant or food industry operations, with a minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience. Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices. Possesses a working knowledge of sanitation systems, techniques and procedures. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. Excellent verbal/written communication skills. Possesses understanding of the basics of change management. Skill in organization and prioritization, and attention to detail. Strong team player and leader with the ability to work across multiple functions and disciplines. Ability to select, lead, coach, influence, motivate, develop, engage and retain a team of employees. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to understand cost containment and budgetary principles. Ability to work flexible hours including weekends in support of plant operations. In the USA, Saputo ranks among the top three cheese producers and is one of the top producers of extended shelf-life and cultured dairy products, with a portfolio of well-loved brands such as Stella, Frigo Cheese, Montchevre, Stella, and Treasure Cave. We also boast a strong foodservice presence, partnering with reputable chain restaurants and broadline distributors. Whether your expertise lies in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, sales, quality assurance, or in any other function, your role is integral to our success. You will make contributions that matter, all while working alongside colleagues who genuinely care about your success and who will roll up their sleeves to help. Saputo Cheese USA Inc. endeavors to make CareersUSA.Saputo.com accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Human Resources at 214-863-2300 or emailus.recruitingsupport@saputo.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications. Saputo Cheese USA Inc. and Saputo Dairy Foods USA, LLC are equal opportunity employers. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you'd like more information on your EEO rights under law, please visit www.EEOC.gov. To review the Saputo Cheese USA Inc. and Saputo Dairy Foods USA LLC Privacy Notice for California applicants, please visit our Corporate website associated section by clicking here (English) or here (Spanish).