FOOD SAFETY QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGER

Food Safety Quality Assurance Manager

Puyallup Chocolates is seeking an experienced Food Safety Quality Assurance Manager to join our team. This position will play a vital role in helping to manage food and safety programs ensuring product quality while staying in compliance with food safety and regulatory requirements.

The Food Safety Quality Assurance Manager will be responsible for developing and maintaining our food safety and regulatory programs. Including implementing industry best practices for all inbound and outbound materials, leading internal and external audits, employee food safety training, and documentation. This position will also maintain facility food production certifications, regulatory licenses, and the supporting documents for the organization.

We are seeking employees who want to make an impact and be part of a rapidly growing company. Initiative and motivation are essential for our positions. This is a great opportunity to grow your career at a dynamic company, where you will be foundational in growing both our business and great company culture.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage, the standards and documentation for the ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System, Food Safety System, statistical control programs (SPC), Employee food safety training, weight control program, equipment calibration, and other programs related to product and process quality, food safety, and regulatory compliance
• Develop, implement, and document SOP's for all food safety and quality assurance processes to ensure safe and efficient production standards, such as 100% traceability in production batch processing, conducting mock recalls, monitoring/approving raw product ingredients/supplies, and assisting with holds and releases of raw material, in-process, and finished products
• Ensure that regular reports of product status, including raw material, and finished product, holds and corrective actions are completed, leads investigation of hold issues
• Coordinate all research and development testing; lead or assist with special projects as needed
• Maintain facility food production certifications, regulatory licenses, and supporting documents; leads internal and external audits
• Manage the sanitation and pest control programs of all food production/handling areas and equipment to ensure compliance with regulatory and Puyallup Chocolates food safety standards
• Help develop and maintain department budget
• Onboard and manage department vendors/suppliers, and maintain related records
• Lead onboarding of new customers in contract manufacturing relationships; promptly investigate and implement corrective action for all customer issues
• Identify opportunities for improvements, identify potential areas of risk, and promptly share critical business information with key stakeholders to maximize results throughout Puyallup Chocolates
• Coordinate effective teamwork and use all company resources efficiently to promote superior financial results for Puyallup Chocolates; maintain Puyallup Chocolates equipment and assets to maximize ROI
• Establish and maintain effective business relationships with all employees, vendors, business partners, government/regulatory entities, and communities in which we operate
• Strictly enforce workplace safety measures; safeguard the welfare of all employees, guests, visitors, and business partners at all times; promptly report workplace risks, incidents, injuries, and near misses; consistently wear and utilize all required PPE
• Maintain confidentiality regarding all sensitive and proprietary business information and safeguard Puyallup Chocolates assets at all times

Requirements:

Minimum

• BA/BS in related field or equivalent
• 3+ years similar work experience
• Experience in scientific methods and report writing
• Understanding of plant production systems, FSMA, SQF, GMP, HACCP, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) standards, SQF, and well versed in FDA, CFR, Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) sanitation, plant safety, quality systems, kosher, and organic regulations
• Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods
• Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo; this includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, safety, production techniques, and disposal methods
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills; ability to make intelligent decisions using an effective mix of analysis, experience, and judgment
• Ability to read, write and understand polices, guidelines, specifications, and safety standards
• Strong attention to detail; ability to problem solve, effectively multi-task, and manage competing priorities to meet deadlines
• Ability to record, analyze, reconcile, and interpret business data and enter data into business computer systems
• Able to work with a sense of urgency when needed and remain focused on delivering timely and effective solutions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Good PC and MS Office skills
• No food-related allergies
• Uncompromising integrity and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Culturally sensitive and works well with the full diversity of our company and community
• Ability to occasionally work non-standard hours to accommodate business needs, including nights, weekends, and holidays during peak seasons, product launches, and major gifting periods
• Ability to pass background check

Preferred

• Any vocational / technical certifications or degrees in related field(s)
• 3+ years in regulated food manufacturing utilizing Good Manufacturing Practices
• 10+ years in diversified food manufacturing operations
• Ability to speak Spanish

About Puyallup Chocolates

The Puyallup Tribe of Indians, known as the generous and welcoming people, inspires the name and purpose of Puyallup Chocolates. Founded in the Tribe's legacy of abundance and community, we craft premium chocolates for you to enjoy and share. Each piece of Puyallup Chocolates reflects tradition, inviting you to savor life's moments and carry forward the spirit of generosity. We raise our hands in gratitude and welcome you to the Puyallup Chocolates family. Tribal and Indian preference employer as required by law.