Competencies, Skills, and Knowledge 

• Must possess strong leadership skills, problem solving skills and decision-making skills 

• Strong Microsoft Office, word processing, data entry skills, and statistical analysis skills required 

• Must be able to perform mathematical calculation and analysis 

• Ability to conduct and interpret lab analysis 

• Must be able to handle multiple assignments 

• Must be precise, accurate and well organized 

• Must be able to perform in a demanding, fast-paced environment 

• Excellent communicator, influencer, and negotiator, to work cross-functionally with multiple departments and leadership levels 

• Intelligent, fast-learner, strategic and innovative thinker, agile, and comfortable with continuous change

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Microbiology or other related fields.   

• Knowledge of regulatory requirements for dairy manufacturing is preferred.   

• Experience with GFSI audit schemes (BRCGS, SQF, FSSC 22000, etc.) is required. 

• Experience in lab and quality program management required. 

• PCQI and HACCP certifications strongly preferred 

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Direct and coordinate the activities of the Quality Assurance Technicians including timecard approval 

• Assure engagement and completion of all Vermont Creamery proficiency testing for microbiological and analytical testing 

• Assure laboratory safety and good laboratory practices 

• In conjunction with the Quality Assurance Manager, disposition non-conforming product and equipment in a timely manner 

• With the assistance of the Quality Assurance Technicians, react and respond to quality and food safety issues in the production area.  Assist with investigation and incident resolution 

• Coordinate, manage and assist in collection of environmental monitoring swabs 

• With the assistance of the Quality Assurance Technicians, perform verification on finished goods documentation to ensure that each finished good lot meets positive release criteria 

• Plan and establish work schedules and coverage in the event of planned and unplanned absences of QA Technicians 

• Lead the Vermont Creamery Internal Auditing Team in conducting monthly internal GMP audits.  Track, trend, document, and coordinate resolution of audit findings 

• Lead consumer complaint investigations.  Track and trend consumer complaints 

• Supports the compliance for BRCGS while supporting continuous improvement for Quality metrics/Key Performance Indicators (KPI) in their area of responsibility 

• Supports quality improvement initiatives (e.g. consumer complaints, product defect reduction) within the plant 

• Ensures compliance with all regulatory and Vermont Creamery guidelines pertaining to safety, health, and environmental 

• Ensures that a high quality of products, services, housekeeping, and hygiene standards are maintained and improved in designated areas 

• Implement, maintain, and improve the Vermont Creamery CAPA prerequisite program 

• Investigates and analyzes incidents to identify trends in product quality and food safety information.  Initiates corrective actions and communicates findings as appropriate 

• Uses root cause analysis and continuous improvement tools to help isolate and resolve quality and food safety issues 

• Manage Kosher, non-GMO and GFCO certifications 

Salary Range: $70,800 - $106,200. In most cases, candidates offered employment can expect to be hired at a pay rate near the middle of our salary ranges.