Location: Albert Lea, MN 

Exemption: Exempt 

Shift:  

OUR COMPANY:

Ventura Foods is a leading global manufacturer of branded and custom food products that proudly helps food providers in the U.S., Canada and more than 60 other countries earn a special place on consumers’ tables.  We do this by continually crafting custom dressings, sauces, mayonnaises, and other food solutions that exceed peoples’ expectations for great-tasting flavors and high-quality ingredients.

Headquartered in Brea, California, Ventura Foods operates 14 manufacturing facilities, 3 culinary centers, and numerous distribution centers across North America. When you work in our manufacturing and distribution facilities, you get a strong foundation of training, a manager who cares about you and celebrates your success, a safe environment, and challenging work.  As part of our team, your future is limited only by how much you’re willing to push yourself to get there. We invest in your growth, because you invest in ours.

Position Summary:

Plans, coordinates and directs the food safety, quality assurance, and sanitation programs designed to ensure that the plant and finished products conform to all customer, federal and state regulatory requirements, as well as, implements and maintains Ventura Foods Corporate Quality Assurance policies and procedures.  Serves as the plant liaison in dealings with regulatory agencies, certification bodies and customers' expectations. Provides leadership to the QA team by thinking strategically and driving continuous improvement at the plant level. Promotes a strong Food Safety Culture by use of leadership skills. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides direct support, leadership and direction to QA Supervision and Sanitation staff in a 24 hour facility. Provides direct and indirect to all subordinates (QA Supervision, Sanitation Supervision, and any other QA/Sanitation staff) including making staffing decisions, providing training and development opportunities, and conducting performance reviews, coaching sessions, and weekly 1x1 meetings with direct reports. 
• Maintains and improves product quality by completing product and compliance audits, investigating consumer complaints; collaborating with other members of management to resolve issues. 
• Maintains the food safety aspect of the plant by periodically performing internal audits of the facility to verify that procedures mandated by the company, state and Federal governmental agencies are being adhered to (USDA & FDA).  This includes GMPs, Sanitation, Food Safety Plans, and Safety. Ensures that all preventative measures as outlined in Food Safety plan are executed, monitored, and record reviewed to include corrective and preventative actions. 
• Ensure that all appropriate metrics and key process indicators are measured, tracked and trended. Report on metrics as needed on QA Business Plans, 1x1's and scorecards. Maintain department budgets to ensure fiscal responsibility. 
• Maintains all aspects of the Quality Assurance Laboratory, including microbiological, chemical, physical and sensory aspects of all food products manufactured at this facility. This also includes coordination of the sampling and testing with Production.
• Oversees the Pest Control program in the facility through coordination with contracted pest control service representatives.
• Ensure all applicable training is completed for QA and Sanitation staff. Ensure a training matrix is maintained to monitor training and bench strength levels. Ensure applicable and required certifications are held by appropriate team members.
• Acts as plant liaison in dealings with regulatory agencies and customer company representatives and auditors. Reviews and maintains all required processing records and regulatory inspections and reports.  Provides support to R and D on projects as needed. 
• Follow all company policies and procedures.  Comply with all safety policies and procedures to maintain a safe work environment.  Report all safety, food safety and quality issues to management. Work cooperatively and cross functionally  to drive continuous improvement efforts. 

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor of Science degree highly preferred.
• Food Science, Microbiology degree is a plus.
• Demonstrated increasing responsibility in a fast-paced manufacturing environment in the food or related industry.  
• 5+ years experience in the Quality Assurance field as well as 3 years supervisory experience is desired.
• Statistical Analysis and Problem Solving Skills (5Why's, Fishbone Diagrams, etc.) strongly recommended.
• PCQI/HACCP certified. 

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong leadership, team building, motivator.
• Able to prioritize, be decisive, strong communication and basic computer skills are required.
• JDE/SAP experience is a plus. USDA experience is a plus. Strong experience in Microsoft Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook) is desired.

Physical Demands:

Regularly requires intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling.  Physical strength and dexterity sufficient to perform the required task(s). Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or more with assistance.  Additional demands may be required.

Work Environment:

In addition to normal business hours, work schedules may include after hours and weekends as needed.  May work outside and in adverse temperatures which include extreme hot, cold, and humidity.  May be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and vibration.  Must be willing and able to wear personal protective equipment as required by established Company Safety standards.  May require work in confined and dark spaces, and at heights in excess of 18 feet for prolonged periods of time.

Diversity & Inclusion:

Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive environment in which all employees are treated with respect is evident in our company culture and values. We believe that fostering an environment of inclusion and a focus on diversity across our organization is vital to attracting top talent, driving innovation, and meeting the high expectations of our customers in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.

Ventura Foods is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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