Experienced Food Safety and Quality Assurance Leader – Driving Excellence in Meat and Dairy Manufacturing at blithequark

Introduction to blithequark and the Industry

At blithequark, we are passionate about delivering high-quality products that exceed our customers' expectations. As a leader in the food manufacturing industry, we recognize the importance of ensuring the safety and quality of our products. Our commitment to excellence has earned us a reputation as a trusted and reliable partner in the market. We are now seeking an experienced Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) Leader to join our team and drive our quality mentality across the organization.

Job Overview

The successful candidate 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. This is a remote position, with direct reports living throughout the US, and occasional workspace visits to various locations, including TX, KS, IN, GA, PA, NE, and AR.

Key Responsibilities

• Creating and implementing FSQA systems and policies to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards
• Driving 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 to promote a culture of quality and safety
• Investigating reports to focus on compliance drives, utilizing business analysis to direct future conditions of the manufacturing program
• Working 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, inspections, and reporting of the HO and Site FSQ Management Systems adherence and effectiveness

Required Knowledge and Experience

The ideal candidate will have:

• Working knowledge of plant processes and regulations, including FDA, USDA, and local government agencies
• Experience working with food processing procedures, such as microbe monitoring, CAPA, Vehicle, FSIS, FSMS, and other essential programs
• Experience working in food manufacturing facilities, with a preference for USDA experience
• Experience working with third-party certification bodies, suppliers, third-party service providers, and consulting groups
• Experience supporting and working with audits at all levels of the organization, including regulatory, GFSI, animal welfare, and other programs
• Experience with quality systems to drive continuous improvement, such as 6-sigma, first-time quality, and SPC
• Leadership experience and the ability to work with all levels of the organization

Work Environment

The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a manufacturing environment around moving equipment, in humid or wet conditions, and in various temperatures, generally cold or chilled processes. Safety is paramount, and the candidate must be willing to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and adhere to all visitor arrangements within each facility.

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

At blithequark, we are committed to the growth and development of our employees. As an FSQA Leader, you will have the opportunity to work with a talented team of professionals, develop your skills and knowledge, and contribute to the success of our organization. You will also have access to training and development programs, including leadership development, quality management, and food safety certifications.

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

blithequark offers a competitive compensation package, including incentive bonuses for performance. Other benefits include a 401(k) match, stock purchase plan, paid maternity and parental leave, PTO, multiple health plans, and more. We also offer a range of perks, including employee discounts, wellness programs, and recognition awards.

Company Culture and Values

At blithequark, we value diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that our differences are what make us stronger, and we are committed to creating a workplace culture that is inclusive, respectful, and empowering. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and perspectives.

Conclusion

If you are a motivated and experienced FSQA professional looking for a new challenge, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity at blithequark. As an FSQA Leader, you will play a critical role in driving our quality mentality and ensuring the safety and quality of our products. Join our team and contribute to the success of our organization. Apply now and take the first step towards a rewarding and challenging career at blithequark.