What you'll do

In this role, you are responsible for developing, monitoring, and maintaining safe, quality production to ensure that goods are produced efficiently and meet safety and quality standards set forth by both the company and regulatory authorities. This position will be responsible for ensuring safe quality food procedures are adhered to at all times. This position will develop and review quality and safety policies & procedures, develop & provide training, as well as manage audits by third-party inspectors. And this is how you will do it...

• Ensure the company's strict Food Safety compliance to new or revised local, state or federal regulations as outlined by the Food and Drug Administration, as well as compliance to MARS/Health & Wellness Q&FS Standards and requirements. Remain current on trends and changes affecting Food Safety.
• Develop and implement Internal QA Programs to support organizational growth & FSMA compliance.
• Maintain High Point always audit ready.
• Manage people resources, technical capabilities and leadership competencies for the QA department to execute Quality.
• Manage the GMP Audit process by inspecting the facility and production floor to ensure compliance with food specifications and food safety practices. Facilitate the process through training across departments, performing & completing GMP Audits and associated reports in a timely manner.
• Monitor, verify and document SOP's related to product quality standards, food safety, and sanitation.
• Maintain, update, and improve the Quality Manual.
• Communicate and collaborate with Sales and Plant Operations teams regarding Quality Program Management, branded and private label testing requirements, and inspection coordination.
• Review customer and consumer feedback and respond to any complaints and questionnaires.
• Monitor raw goods and finished good inspection through the analysis of Process Control Charts, COA's, system design, positive release program, or other means available and/or required.
• Provide timely and accurate documentation to regulatory inspectors and agencies, maintain thorough records of Food Quality Reports, Tests, and Inspections.
• Responsible for ensuring organizational support to achieve and maintain annual Food Safety certification. Responsible for verifying and validating the GFSI systems and all changes.
• Maintain overall responsibility for internal and GFSI Audits.
• Conduct & attend relevant training and education on food safety, quality standards and procedures for company personnel. Ensure training and awareness programs for employees are up to date with quality systems and requirements.
• Promote Teamwork across Departments to ensure High Quality Output and Customer satisfaction and retention, including communicating with Upper Management regarding QA and Food Safety issues and plausible solutions.
• Maintain overall responsibility & authority for hold and release programs, including disposition.
• Maintain overall responsibility and reporting of Key Performance Indicators.
• Manage departmental annual operating plan.
• Using quality systems, promote and support continuous improvement and drive Culture Quality for the site.
• Collaborate with H&W internal sites
• Less than 20% travel required

What you'll bring to KIND

• Experience with GFSI Certification schemes and Food Safety/ HACCP Programs
• Food Safety/Quality background and familiarity with FDA Legislation/FSMA and HACCP Requirements
• A constant desire to seek improvement, more efficient and less expensive ways and means in work processes.
• High ethical standards in the workplace and the integrity to report all irregular issues and problems to management with a solution.
• Good communication with other managers, your fellow company team members & outside contacts.
• A compliance mindset, being a role model to other team members with regards to following company policies and procedures.
• The ability to execute QFS strategy across branded and private label portfolios.

You are...

• Passionate about food safety
• A creative thinker with the ability to come up with ideas and develop new processes
• Results driven and detail oriented
• Approachable, and ready to dig in and lend a helping hand
• Personable, professional, and productive within a team environment or as an individual contributor
• An effective communicator and can manage your process and take control in situations

You have...

• Bachelor's degree in food safety, food science or related degree required
• 3-7 years of experience in Quality Assurance/Control within Food Industry or Food Safety Leadership.
• Strong Technical knowledge of Quality Assurance and Food Safety.
• Familiarity with applicable regulatory agencies.
• Knowledge of GMP and GMP
• Strong Managerial Skills, including hiring, training and development, scheduling, discipline, and retention of staff.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• In depth knowledge of HACCP, FDA, FSMA and SQF/FSSC22000/GFSI requirements.
• PCQI certifications; HACCP certification; SQF/FSSC22000
• An ability and desire to think independently, as well as demonstrate strong organizational, planning, implementation, and execution Skills.
• Desire to consistently learn and be challenged.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office

Pluses (if applicable)

• Masters' in Food Science or related field
• Enjoy implementing programs from ground up

Certain states and localities require employers to post a reasonable estimate of salary range. Actual salary will be based on a variety of factors, including location, experience, skill set, performance, licensure and certification, and business needs. The range for this position in other geographic locations may differ.