Experienced Food Safety and Quality Assurance Leader – Driving Quality Excellence Across Meat and Dairy Operations at blithequark

Introduction to blithequark and the Food Industry

At blithequark, we are passionate about delivering high-quality products that meet the highest standards of safety and excellence. As a leader in the food industry, we recognize the importance of maintaining a strong quality mentality across our entire organization. Our commitment to quality is unwavering, and we are dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence that permeates every aspect of our operations. If you are a seasoned food safety and quality assurance professional looking to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to join our team as a Food Safety and Quality Assurance Leader.

Job Overview

In this critical role, you will be responsible for characterizing and advancing a quality mentality across the whole organization by driving numerous FSQA groups in outsider and blithequark-owned meat and dairy plants. You will participate in plant startups and grassroots QMS development, ensuring that our operations meet the highest standards of quality and safety. Your expertise will be instrumental in driving compliance, investigating reports, and developing business continuity and emergency management programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Creating and implementing FSQA systems and policies to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards
• Leading incident management and analysis to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions
• Ensuring regulatory compliance across blithequark-owned meat and dairy plants, including adherence to FDA, USDA, and local government regulations
• Leading FSQA teams across different departments, providing guidance and support to ensure seamless operations
• Investigating reports to focus on compliance drives, utilizing business analysis to direct future conditions of the manufacturing program
• Collaborating with direct reports to provide accurate and timely reporting/escalation of issues and metrics to the QC VP and other manufacturing partners
• Building business continuity and emergency management programs to ensure minimal disruption to operations
• Conducting internal audits, examining, and reporting on the HO and Site FSQ Management Systems adherence and effectiveness

Required Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role, you will need to possess a deep understanding of plant processes and unofficial laws, including FDA, USDA, and local government regulations. You should have experience working with food processing procedures, such as microbe monitoring, CAPA, Vehicle, FSIS, FSMS, and other essential programs. A background in food manufacturing facilities, preferably with USDA experience, is highly desirable. Additionally, you should have experience working with third-party certification bodies, suppliers, third-party service providers, and consulting groups.

Essential Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership experience and ability to work with all levels of the organization
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Proven ability to drive continuous improvement, with experience in quality systems such as 6-sigma, first-time quality, and SPC
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to investigate reports and develop effective solutions
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, with a strong focus on safety and quality

Work Environment and Company Culture

At blithequark, we are committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all our employees. You will be working in a manufacturing facility, where you will be exposed to moving equipment, humid or wet conditions, and varying temperatures. Your safety is our top priority, and you will be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and adhere to all visitor arrangements within each facility.

Our company culture is built on a foundation of respect, inclusivity, and diversity. We believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are committed to providing a work environment that is supportive, collaborative, and empowering. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome applications from diverse candidates who share our values and are passionate about making a difference.

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, you will be eligible for incentive bonuses based on your performance. Our comprehensive benefits package includes a 401(k) match, stock purchase plan, paid maternity and parental leave, PTO, multiple health plans, and much more. We are committed to recognizing and rewarding our employees' hard work and contributions to the company's success.

Conclusion

If you are a motivated and experienced food safety and quality assurance professional looking to join a dynamic and growing organization, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. At blithequark, we are passionate about delivering high-quality products that meet the highest standards of safety and excellence. Join our team and be part of a company that is committed to making a difference in the lives of our employees, customers, and the communities we serve.

Apply now to take the first step towards a rewarding and challenging career with blithequark. We look forward to hearing from you!