Job Description

COMPANY HISTORY

• VernDale Products, Inc. is a privately held, family-owned business founded in 1958 by LaVerne and Marlene Johnson. In 1976 VernDale moved from their original Atwater address on the Detroit riverfront to their current Lyndon Location in Detroit. In 2014 using the most up-to-date technology, process integration techniques, and food safety methods VernDale completed construction of its second manufacturing facility on Weaver St. also in Detroit. Their combined facilities will provide ample manufacturing capacity to meet or exceed customer expectations for the foreseeable future

FOOD SAFETY & QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGER

• VernDale Products Inc., is seeking a Manager of Food Safety & Quality Assurance to join their management team. The Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager will fulfill a critical operational role by managing and coordinating activities of the Quality department by performing specialized tasks including but not limited to assuring consistent quality of production by developing and enforcing good manufacturing practice (GMP) systems, validating processes, providing documentation and adhering to third-party audit regulations.

BEST PRACTICES, PROCEDURES & PROCESSES:

• Understand company GMP’s (good manufacturing practices), SSOP’s, SOP’s, safety procedures and all other quality processes.
• Provide employee training on all mentioned programs
• Develop, enhance, and implement new and/or existing SSOP’s.
• Spend time on plant floor evaluating processes, inspecting equipment, and building relationships with the team.
• Ensure that sanitation activities are followed adequately, and all procedures are followed in accordance with company sanitation procedures.
• Manage sanitation activities and establish/improve master sanitation schedule working with the sanitation supervisor.

LEADERSHIP, TRAINING & COMMUNICATION:

• Possess a “no job too big, no job too small” attitude.
• Build a strong respect and rapport with the team, at all levels of the organization and foster a strong food safety and quality culture
• Ability to communicate effectively to employees and managers, including the ability to supervise, provide guidance, effective training, and counsel others.
• Exhibit poise and professionalism in stressful situations and make appropriate decisions.
• Maintain and perform Food Safety Training for all employees.
• Assist with training of QC personnel to maintain compliance with quality control standards.
• Must have the ability to review, understand and communicate technical, regulatory or scientific materials to others.
• Coordinate work activities with area supervisors as they pertain to FSQ tasks.

QUALITY, FOOD SAFETY & SANITATION:

• Monitor pre-operational inspections, and equipment ATP swabbing.
• Ability to understand sanitation issues (if any) in relation to the equipment and finished product.
• Understanding of appropriate wet cleaning (including CIP systems) and dry-cleaning methodologies.
• Development of uniform product and quality specifications, and preventative control programs and other food safety control system programs.
• Monitor the status of all lab operations with a focus on maintaining quality standards.
• Monitor the testing of ingredients.
• Monitor and ensure quality standards set by the company for all products being processed.
• Support off shift questions during breakdowns or any food safety related questions

DAIRY MANUFACTURING:

• Working knowledge of Dairy Manufacturing operations.
• Familiarity with dairy manufacturing and microbiology.

COMPLIANCE, DOCUMENTATION & REGULATIONS:

• Knowledge of Michigan statutes, laboratory certification requirements, and code of Federal Regulations and knowledge of food microbiology testing and the ability to interpret results.
• Lead & manage regulatory, third party, and customer audits.
• Responsible for maintaining all requisite sanitation documentation for successful third-party audits.
• Experience with environmental monitoring programs and effective corrective actions.
• Maintain the Food Safety Programs including, but not limited to, Hazard Analysis Critical, Control Point (HACCP/HARPC), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Ensure accurate record keeping and document control practices.
• Monitor and ensure compliance to all MDA, FDA, and EEOC requirements.

ATTRIBUTES & SKILLS:

• Strong organizational, problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Good judgment with the ability to make timely and sound decisions.
• Ambitious problem-solver who balances addressing the needs/issues of today, while also keeping abreast of changing regulations and future requirements.
• Work collaboratively with all company operations, and third-party service providers.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Versatile, flexible, and a willingness to work with constantly changing priorities, with enthusiasm.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of various teams and committees.
• Ability to understand all safety requirements.
• Proficient on computer programs and software required (i.e. QT9, Nexcor Kleanz & CAMs)
• Proficient on Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.).
• Must be willing to work flexible hours including nights, weekends and holidays for the 24/7 operation
• Ability to travel overnight or on extended trips.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• 3+ years of experience in a dairy plant or related experience in the food and beverage industry
• Bachelor of Science Degree, with an emphasis in Food Science, Microbiology, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Dairy Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• GFSI Certification experience in FSSC 22000 or familiarity with ISO standards
• Trained in HACCP and PCQI certified.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to travel to both facilities located in Detroit, MI and to attend industry conferences and visit customers and suppliers, when needed.
• Perform work that requires walking and/or climbing in wet, hot, cold, or dusty environments

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