At Saputo, we bring good to the table by making high-quality products, investing in our people, and supporting communities around the world . As a top 10 global dairy processor, we value contributions that matter and strive to foster an inclusive, growth-driven work environment. Ready to bring your best?

The Quality Assurance Lead person oversees and coordinates activities pertaining to QA team functions to ensure that the Food Safety and Quality programs are effective and continuously improving.  By providing leadership and coordination of activities between the QA Department team and production team members, this position ensures that the QA team is providing optimal services to the plant Management team. Understands and follows Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s) and Food Safety Guidelines.

Works with team members to maximize product quality and productivity.Ensures proper procedures are in place and being followed for product quality, employee safety, and state and federal guidelines.Participate in Food Safety External Customer and Third-Party audits including review pre audit requirements to create deficiency checklists, manage the audit, assist with post audit corrective actionsPerform data entry, reviews QA and production records, reports variances.Performs analytical and physical testing support as needed.Oversight and distribution of QMI-Needle Program. Monthly B-Mix assessment: Testing and shipping of samples.Manage the SQF plant systems such as Monthly Internal Audits, Glass & Brittle Plastic, Locker Inspections, and Plant record review.Support product and quality hold program and activities. Perform Positive Release as needed. Assist in generation of Certificate of Analysis. Review weight control records for daily positive release and generate database for statistical analysis (standard deviation, LCL, UCL, MAV, etc.)Draft and update standard operating procedures (SOP’s).Support Quality Assurance systems to satisfy customer requirements to include process specifications and standards; sanitation programs, HACCP and GMP programs; production labeling; and product storage and distribution.Recommends improvements to production methods, equipment performance and quality of product.Analyzes and resolves work, quality and food safety problems, or assists team members in solving problems.Maintains quality and food safety records. File QA records as needed.Collaborates with other team members to coordinate activities in other departments. Provides follow-up on special projects related to quality in assigned department.Assist with the new hire/temporary hire training and annual refresher training in Food Safety, HACCP, SQF, Allergens and Biosecurity.Maintain FT testing equipment by verifying pilots, running calibration sets, calibrating/adjusting equipment, collecting and running comparison samples, conducting in plant PM’s, replacing/ordering pieces as needed, and gathering data for Management review and adjustment recommendations. Coordination, scheduling, and assisting with instrument PM’s.Oversee weekly validations and chemistry comparisons for completion. Analysis of Food scan comparison and review for any necessary adjustments.Responsible for leading the review, reporting and project management functions pertaining to the following laboratory activities: Calibration and maintenance of all IR lab equipment, plant wide Environmental Monitoring program, lab validation program, laboratory testing validation programs.Oversee organization and completion of bakes and evaluation of finished products performance to include coordination of sample prep, paperwork set up and results database, special sample bakes to include customer complaints and RND samples, and/or any additional tasks as necessary.Oversee organization and completion of shelf-life evaluations to include a weekly update of progress and results.Assist QA Supervisor in daily GMP checks throughout the plant. May assist in coverage of QA Coordinator and Lab tech on approved basis by plant management.Adhere to the Saputo code of ethics and actively apply the Saputo values.Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Associate’s degree in a science-based area (ex: Microbiology, Food Science, Dairy Science preferred) and/or a minimum of 2 year’s laboratory experience.1-year prior leadership experience, leading a high-performance team.Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices.Experience leading and following policies and procedures.Ability to follow all Sanitation and Quality Policies and Procedures, and report and follow through on any deficiencies.Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and computer-based applications. Excellent verbal/written communication skills. Ability to adapt to changing organizational and operational needs; ability to lead others through change.Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.Skill in organization and prioritization, and attention to detail. Strong team player and leader with the ability to work across multiple functions and disciplines. Ability to lead, coach, influence, motivate and develop a team of employees.Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.Ability to understand cost containment and budgetary principles.Ability to work flexible hours including weekends.

Saputo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Additional Job Description

Hourly Range: $30.48 - $35.72

In the USA, Saputo ranks among the top three cheese producers and is one of the top producers of extended shelf-life and cultured dairy products, with a portfolio of well-loved brands such as Stella, Frigo Cheese, Montchevre, Stella, and Treasure Cave. We also boast a strong foodservice presence, partnering with reputable chain restaurants and broadline distributors.

Whether your expertise lies in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, sales, quality assurance, or in any other function, your role is integral to our success. You will make contributions that matter, all while working alongside colleagues who genuinely care about your success and who will roll up their sleeves to help.

Saputo Cheese USA Inc. and Saputo Dairy Foods USA, LLC endeavors to make CareersUSA.Saputo.com accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Human Resources at 214-863-2300 or email us.recruitingsupport@saputo.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

Saputo Cheese USA Inc. and Saputo Dairy Foods USA, LLC are equal opportunity employers. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you'd like more information on your EEO rights under law, please visit www.EEOC.gov.

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