Quality Manager

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Downers Grove, IL we are a world-class contract manufacturer producing wholesome baked goods, snacks and packaged foods for many of the world’s leading food companies. As one of the largest and fastest growing food co-manufacturing companies in the US, we are the proud owner and operator of over 35 facilities globally. Our nearly 10,000 employee-strong organization is leading the way and setting new standards for quality, safety, flexibility and efficiency while feeding families around the globe.

Hearthside’s exceptional growth stems from its ability to address real-world problems for customers of all shapes and sizes, and by our resolute commitment to our belief that there are no great companies without great culture. Our culture of personal empowerment enables growth, learning, and continuous improvement every day!

We are steadfast in our ambition to be the indispensable and most trusted partner to our customers and need your help to do it! Join Hearthside and enjoy a competitive package, outstanding benefits and a diverse work environment.

Job Summary

Responsible for leading, maintaining, and executing all aspects of Quality Assurance and Food Safety for

the plant. Coach, teach, mentor, and manage the Quality and Food Safety teams onsite. Utilize lean tools

and root cause analysis to continuously improve the existing quality system. Ensure all requirements from

customers, regulatory, and 3rd party certifications are met and in compliance.

Job Duties

Duties may include but are not limited to the following.

Manage all Quality and Food Safety programs including HACCP, Food Safety Plans, Food

Quality Plans, Identity Preserved Certifications, IA Vulnerability, and Food Defense

Execute a robust internal audit program to ensure site it always audit ready all the time Participate in Hearthside Production System requirements such as Drumbeat (Daily

Directional Setting), Weekly KPI, Lean Steering Committee, and Tiered Auditing

Lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Corrective Actions/Preventative Action (CAPA)

investigations

Coach, teach, and mentor the QA and Food Safety teams to build bench strength and

career paths for employees

Collaborate with all plant leadership to drive quality culture improvements and consumer

complaint reductions

Coordinate multidisciplinary activities among various team members assuring timely,

efficient, and cost-effective finality

Administrate all product specifications and associated floor instructions assuring

compliance with regulatory label requirements.

Ensure food standard compliance with FDA, USDA, GMP, and company policy. Assess Environmental Monitoring Programs to ensure continued seek and destroy

approach to pathogens

Oversee the Hold and Release program, ensuring proper hold verifications and

disposition processes

Lead Trace and Mock Recall exercises Measure and monitor various company KPIs and drive for improvements in key

performance areas

Lead customer QA discussions related to quality or food safety incidents in the plant Advise commercialization and production teams on process specifications, process

capabilities, and customer requirements to include recipe and sensory attributes

Support commercialization teams in integrating customer and compliance requirements

into internal specifications and critical quality parameters

SQF Practitioner or other GFSI scheme by plant and PCQI duties Trend and analyze data as need to drive improvements in the plant (EMP, Pest Control,

Consumer Complaints, etc.)

Support all aspects of sanitation, including allergen matrix and control programs,

chemical control programs, pest control programs, cleaning validations including all

sanitation systems as assigned.

May perform other functions as needed.

Required Competencies & Knowledge

Knowledge of

Intentional Adulteration Vulnerability Assessments Preventative control validations SMART goal setting and team coaching Basic RCA and CAPA tools Sanitation Programs Environmental Monitoring Programs Robust Hold and Release Program Requirements

Skilled in

Personnel development Team building Internal auditing Procedure and Standard Work generation Risk Assessments Demonstrated proficiency in advanced quality statistics, measurement systems analysis

and continuous improvement required.

Strong understanding of plant GFSI scheme and its implementation is required. SQF

Practitioner certification is a plus.

PCQI/ Food Safety Plans / HACCP Plan development and maintenance

Ability to

Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Manage multiple projects at a time Direct various program activities within the plant Influence Quality Culture behaviors Recognize food safety & quality gaps and provide a plan to address Work collaboratively with all departments Ensure collaborative relationships with industry, trade, other associations, regulatory

agencies and Hearthside staff.

Build safety systems from scratch and proven success with systems.

Proficiency in: MS Office Suite, SAP a Plus

Work Environment

Frequent production environment exposure which includes noise, dust, heat, cold,

moving machinery, forklifts, and slippery floors

50% of work in an office setting Handle daily employee issues. Travel up to +10%

Physical Requirements

Ability to use hands and fingers. Ability to see, hear and talk. Employee frequently required to sit Employee daily required to walk, climb and/or balance. Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. Walk up to 400 yards to necessary Production areas Stand, walk and climb stairs on an infrequent basis.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in business/science-related field is preferred; Post-graduate degree a

plus. Equivalent work experience as appropriate and approved by Platform Quality

Director.

Five– Eight years of related work experience, including experience managing and leading

a Quality and food safety / sanitation staff in a related food manufacturing environment

(i.e. baked bar, granola manufacture, bread, cold form bar, cookies, crackers, sandwich

assembly, kit assembly, etc.).

PCQI Certification and/or HACCP Certification Must be detailed-oriented, have strong self-confidence and leadership skills and have

excellent oral and written communication skills.

Food manufacturing experience required.

Hearthside is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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