Quality Assurance Supervisor

17400 near Cook Road, Burlington WA

Description

Sakuma Bros. is part of the family-owned farming and processing operation spanning four generations with over 85 years of experience in the small fruit industry. Home based in Burlington, WA, the company is located in the premier berry growing area of the Pacific Northwest. The berry processing operations engages in packing, marketing, sales, and distribution of fresh and frozen berries grown by the Sakuma family as well as many area growers, for both the domestic and international markets. We are seeking a full time Quality Assurance Supervisor to join our team! We offer a competitive salary, medical, dental and vision insurance, and paid time off to eligible employees. The Quality Assurance (QA) Assistant assists the Quality Assurance (QA) Manager in ensuring the safety of all products through the development and implementation of acceptable food safety programs and training production and maintenance personnel. Responsibilities: Assists in ensuring the safety of all products through development and implementation of acceptable food safety programs. Works with a diverse customer base to develop operational procedures that meet or exceed all quality and specification requirements. Ensures compliance with all food processing regulations Assists in hiring, training, and overseeing the daily work of the processing QA personnel. Evaluates seasonal QA personnel on a regular basis to ensure that all personnel have the required knowledge and experience to execute tasks in a safe manner. Reviews documents and procedures to verify compliance with production, quality, and regulatory standards. Provides oversight to the microbiology program. Ensures that Certificates of Approval are provided in a timely basis. Evaluates and make recommendations on processing methods to insure quality, safety, and regulatory compliance, including grading, grower records, storage of warehouse materials and packaging supplies, pest control, etc. Maintains applicable QA records during the months of operation. Ensures the proper archiving and retention of post operation QA records. Ensures that production personnel follow company food safety practices. Develops policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulations and customer requirements. Participates in licenses for WSDA Food Plant licensing, Organic Plant licensing, Kosher licensing, etc. Maintains license records and provides to customers as needed. Prepares, evaluates, makes recommendations, and follows through on requirements resulting from AIB, audits, and other independent food safety audits. Maintains pre- and post-audit documentation, including any follow-up requirements.\ Assists in the management of personnel, including hiring, retention, training, evaluations and separations. Develops and maintains effective communications between Corporate Management, other employees, and any other individuals that affect the operations of the processing plant. Promptly reports any food safety and quality problems to the QA Manager, shift supervisor, SQF Practitioner, Production Manager, or other employees authorized to initiate corrective action. Works with the QA Manager to ensure coverage during any scheduled and unscheduled absences to ensure continued safety and quality reporting requirements. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Knowledge of federal, state, and company occupational safety rules and practices. Bachelor of Science degree in food science or related field; a combination of education and experience may qualify. Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Hazard Control Critical Point (HACCP). Knowledge and experience in Individual Quick Freezing (IQF) operations. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to supervise a large number of employees with a wide range of skill sets, educational levels and work experiences. Proficient in the use of spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel), word processing (Microsoft Word), and electronic communications. Able to understand and follow written and oral instructions. Able to work independently using effective time management and organizational skills. Able to handle in a constructive manner, the multiple business, organizational, and interpersonal changes or stresses that may exist in the employee’s work, work processes, dealing with other personnel, and supervision (provided or received). “Work processes” include, but are not limited to, how work is performed, supervised or distributed; how problems are solved; and how decisions are made. Able to adapt, with minimal or no advance notice, to changes in how business is conducted and work is accomplished. Must be detail oriented. Able to observe, train and enforce quality control standards. Able to work independently using effective time management and organizational skills. Able to work in a fast-paced, high pressure environment. LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS: Valid Washington State driver’s license, CPR, and First Aid certificates. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work is performed in a food processing plant with a high noise level, storage coolers/facilities and in an office environment. Position requires working around processing plant equipment and machinery. Must be physically capable of working long hours (seasonally). Must be able to lift, push, and pull weights of up to 35 lbs. Hazards: Potential hazards exist when working around processing plant equipment, in storage facilities/coolers, and around cleaning chemicals. __________________________________________________________________________________________ The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. However, this should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Employees may perform other duties as assigned. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.