Quality Assurance Manager

About Us

Founded in 1945, Ellison Bakery is a leading industrial bakery located in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Ellison produces cookies, snack bars, crunch and inclusion, and other products for the industrial market, foodservice industry, and retail and private label space.

Ellison Bakery credits ongoing growth to the commitment of its employees to excellence in all phases of the operation. Ellison Bakery believes that the only way to make the very best cookies is to hire the very best employees. It is their strategy to do just that and to let the employees apply the very best baking processes to the very best ingredients. Since only the best can make the best, Ellison Bakery prides itself on its most important asset, the employees.

Ellison Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Optical
• Life Insurance
• 401(K) with Matching
• Vacation Days
• Paid Personal Days Off
• Paid Holidays
• EAP
  
  

Purpose

The Quality Assurance Manager is a critical company role responsible for developing and facilitating a quality-based product philosophy by focusing on compliance to the production of safe, quality products. This position needs to demonstrate commitment to following all FDA regulations, the company HACCP plan, any customer requirements, and the SQF code through leadership by example and training of all team members. Qualified candidates should also demonstrate a track record of success within the food manufacturing industry, showing exceptional leadership, communication, and management skills.

Job Responsibilities

• Responsible for implanting and administering product quality data collection plans within an SPC program, identifying deviations outside of specification limits, and taking the necessary corrective actions with the team
• Direct responsibility for the supervision of the quality assurance team to ensure appropriate floor coverage that monitors activities from inbound raw ingredients to inspection of outbound shipments
• Administration of the facility’s HACCP plan, critical control points, preventative controls, allergens, labeling, internal audits, and all other related food safety programs
• Must demonstrate and lead best-in-class GMPs (good manufacturing practices) for the facility.
• Overall responsibility for the facility’s GFSI (SQF) program
• In combination with the food safety manager, must be present and participate in the successful completion of all SQF, customer, and regulatory audits
• Ensure that all specifications for raw, finished, and packaging materials are current and complete with all necessary information
• Establishes performance and program objectives for quality assurance staff to ensure the reliability and validity of testing protocols
• Advises on and assists in determining the disposition of “held” products not meeting quality parameters’ with production management and ensures substandard products are not packed or shipped.
• Maintains and periodically reviews manuals for standard lab procedures and other quality-related work instructions or documentation
• Develops and administers department budgets and additionally recommends equipment and supplies needed to meet quality goals
• Work closely with production and other departments, suppliers, and customers to determine the root cause of quality issues as they arise and take the lead in problem-solving
• Maintain well-organized, detailed, and progressive records. Support new product startups by working closely with production and R&D
• Ability to work well with all levels of personnel individually in a team environment and the ability to interface and communicate with all production line associates, customers, regulatory agencies, and executives
• Be engaged in day-to-day business by demonstrating leadership beyond normal / baseline job responsibilities that improve business results
• Knowledge of food safety management system policies and procedures
• Knowledge of sanitation procedures
  
  

Follow All

• Company Policies.
• Good manufacturing practices (GMPs)
• Food safety management system policies and procedures
• Sanitation procedures
• Food safety management system policies and procedures to protect the Brand by providing extraordinary value through food safety and product quality
• Safety policies and procedures
  
  

Other

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice
  
  

Equipment Used

• Computers
• Lab Equipment
• Safety Goggles
• Other office equipment (printers, faxes, staplers, etc.)
  
  

Shift

• Morning, afternoon, and evening shift
• Overtime and weekends may be required
  
  

Ellison Core Competencies

The following Leadership Behaviors are important to the success of the organization:

• Collaboration
• Develops Others
• Customer Focus
• Drive for Results
• Motivating Others
• Integrity & Trust
• Peer Relationships
  
  

Skills/Work Experience Needed

• Bachelor's. in an area of science, such as microbiology, biology, food science, and/or food technology.
• 5+ years of experience in food manufacturing
• Experience with SQF/BRC, HACCP, Allergens, Pest Control, and Sanitation programs
• Strong PC software application skills in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, ERP, and SPC software
• Communicate and cooperate effectively with co-workers, customers, and others as necessary with the ability to follow-up
• Read and write effectively to understand, communicate, and update necessary company policies as it pertains to Food Safety and Quality systems and procedures
• Have a strong work ethic to work independently; self-managed
  
  

Ellison Bakery is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.