USA Quality Control Manager

Company Background: Farmina is nature and science in perfect harmony. Our mission is to develop the best all-natural, nutritious, and scientifically validated food that dogs and cats will love. Farmina is an innovative Pet Nutrition Company focusing on servicing dog and cat pet parents to make the best personalized nutritional decisions for their pet's well-being while providing life changing solutions along the way.

We at Farmina firmly believe in our company motto: Happy pet. Happy you.

Position Purpose

As the Quality Control Manager at our Reidsville, NC-based pet food manufacturing facility, you will serve as the cornerstone of our commitment to producing safe, nutritious, and high-quality pet food products. Your primary objective will be to establish and maintain robust quality control systems that ensure compliance with regulatory standards, uphold product integrity, and exceed customer expectations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or a related field. Advanced degree (e.g., Master's or Ph.D.) preferred.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in quality control or quality assurance roles within the food or pet food industry, with at least 2 years in a managerial or supervisory capacity.

• Proven track record of implementing and managing quality control systems and processes in a manufacturing environment, preferably within the food or pet food industry.

• In-depth understanding of FDA, USDA, and AAFCO regulations and standards governing pet food manufacturing, labeling, and distribution.

• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and other relevant quality and food safety management systems.

• Strong technical expertise in quality control methodologies, techniques, and instrumentation used in food or pet food testing and analysis.

• Proficiency in conducting chemical, microbiological, and sensory evaluations of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products.

• Demonstrated leadership and management skills with the ability to motivate, mentor, and develop a team of quality control professionals.

• Proven experience in fostering a culture of quality excellence, continuous improvement, and accountability within a manufacturing environment.

• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities with a proactive approach to identifying, addressing, and resolving quality-related issues and challenges.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyze data, identify trends, and implement corrective and preventive actions to improve quality performance.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate quality control policies, procedures, and requirements to cross-functional teams and senior management.

• Experience in preparing quality reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.

• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy in conducting quality control tests, documenting results, and maintaining records in compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Production, Research and Development, Procurement, and Regulatory Affairs, to achieve quality objectives and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

• Flexibility to adapt to changing business needs, regulatory requirements, and industry trends while maintaining a focus on quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.

• Certifications in quality management systems (e.g., ASQ Certified Quality Manager, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing) are desirable but not required.

Key Responsibilities

• Quality Assurance Oversight: You will oversee all aspects of quality assurance, including raw material inspections, in-process monitoring, and finished product testing, to ensure adherence to specifications and standards. By implementing comprehensive quality control procedures, you will mitigate risks and prevent deviations that could compromise product safety or quality.

• Regulatory Compliance: You will ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards governing pet food manufacturing, including FDA, USDA, and AAFCO requirements. By staying abreast of regulatory updates and industry best practices, you will proactively address compliance challenges and maintain a culture of regulatory excellence.

• Quality Control Systems Development: You will develop, implement, and continuously improve quality control systems, procedures, and protocols to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and reliability. By leveraging technology and data-driven approaches, you will optimize processes and drive operational excellence across all aspects of quality control.

• Supplier Quality Management: You will establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors to ensure the consistent quality of raw materials and ingredients. By conducting supplier audits, evaluations, and performance reviews, you will identify opportunities for improvement and drive supplier accountability to meet our quality standards.

• Continuous Improvement Initiatives: You will lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, safety, and efficiency. By conducting root cause analyses, implementing corrective and preventive actions, and facilitating cross-functional collaboration, you will drive a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence throughout the organization.

• Training and Development: You will provide training and guidance to quality control personnel to ensure competency and proficiency in performing their roles. By fostering a culture of quality awareness and accountability, you will empower team members to uphold our quality standards and contribute to our success.

• Quality Metrics and Reporting: You will establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to monitor quality control performance and track progress against objectives. By analyzing data and generating regular reports, you will provide insights and recommendations to senior management to drive informed decision-making and strategic planning.

• Customer Satisfaction and Feedback Management: You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Customer Service and Marketing, to address customer feedback and complaints related to product quality. By investigating root causes, implementing corrective actions, and communicating effectively with customers, you will demonstrate our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Benefits Package including Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits and much more.

• 90% Company Paid Employee Only Medical Plan Option

• 401K with Employer Matching Program

• Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off

• Employee Discounts

This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of the Employer.

Farmina is An Equal Opportunity Employer