Director of Quality

Role Description

Location:          Allerton, Iowa

Start Date:        ASAP

The Director of Quality directs and leads a team of individuals to ensure effective quality execution, continuous improvement, and infant formula regulatory compliance. Provide leadership within the facility to drive positive change through influence and example. This individual, in conjunction with plant operations, will build and maintain an effective culture of Food Safety and quality within the facility. Is responsible for developing and maintaining facility systems and processes that ensure finished product is food safe and meets finished product specifications. This person should be a highly organized effective communicator with an inquisitive mind with the capacity to investigate and lead solution-based decision making in the plant. This role is the most responsible Quality individual as Department Head and is part of the sites Senior Leadership Team.

Role Responsibilities

• Drives quality ownership at all levels, collaborating with the organization to drive the right quality culture and mindset with our employees.
• Develops quality systems, training programs, and expresses consistent, clear philosophies, and practices that align with Corporate Quality policy and ensures effective and efficient implementation across the organization.
• Subject matter expert and thought leader on all aspects of Quality Assurance including cGMP compliance, Environmental Monitoring and Hygienic Zoning, Statistical Process Control, Continuous improvement, Laboratory Operations (including instrumentation and microbiology), PX Measures, procedural document control, release and stability testing protocols, root cause problem solving and new product development- quality assurance.
• Leads USFDA inspections as most responsible quality individual and responsible for observation resolutions and close out with agency.
• Directly oversees change management program to ensures compliance with related laws, regulations, and corporate directives.
• Defines and implements facility processes in alignment with Plant Management to ensure finished product safety and quality, including : ensuring all records/documentation, procedures, manufacturing operations are in compliance with company and other relevant regulatory requirements for ingredients & packaging used and products produced.
• Assists Corporate Quality and Supply Operations in the development of strategies to oversee compliance assurance at co-manufacturing sites, testing labs and warehouses
•  Provides business leaders with information and analytics when making key quality decisions.
• Provides supervision for direct staff including hiring, training, performance management, mentoring and development.
• Collaborates with Corporate Quality, Manufacturing Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Procurement, and other Supply Chain support areas in order to efficiently implement Quality Improvement for Right-First-time product release.

Skills & Qualifications

• Advanced ability to develop and manage Quality management systems and processes
• Extensive Knowledge of USFDA regulation (e.g., 21CFR106, 107, 113, 117) and proven ability to develop applicable SOPs that are compliant to regulations and corporate guidelines.
• Food Safety Preventative Controls experience is required
• IQ, OQ, PQ and part 11 compliance understanding preferred
• Experience in gathering data from a variety of sources, analyzing and interpreting complex problems, and utilizing effective decision-making skills to deliver superior business solutions preferred.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication of technical information. Working knowledge of laboratory information and quality systems required
• BS in a Science-based curriculum (e.g., Biology, Microbiology, Food Science/Technology or Chemical Engineering) is required. Advanced degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of USFDA Regulatory inspection experience
• Minimum of 5 years of Quality leadership experience (i.e., Quality Assurance, Control, Compliance, or Improvement) within a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of 10 years in infant formula powder manufacturing, or other relevant food industry (e.g. Specialty Dairy Ingredients [Powdered] used in Infant Formula) required.

Physical Requirements

• Need ability to stand, crouch and climb to perform adjustments to equipment, use ladders, and perform various types of manual labor.
•  Predominantly operates in an office environment.

Regulatory Requirements

• Adhere to all safety policies and procedures, follow CGMP's, and work in a manner consistent with all corporate and regulatory, food safety, quality and sanitation requirements
• Will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local standards for the manufacture of infant formula and other non-infant nutritional foods.

This role is eligible for relocation support for candidates requiring a move to Allerton, IA.  Additionally, you will be eligible for a discretionary performance based annual cash bonus and to participate in our company’s equity program, plus our robust medical, dental, vision, retirement, and other benefits.