Plans, coordinates and directs the food safety, quality assurance, and sanitation programs designed to ensure that the plant and finished products conform to all customer, federal and state regulatory requirements, as well as, implements and maintains Ventura Foods Corporate Quality Assurance policies and procedures.  Serves as the plant liaison in dealings with regulatory agencies, certification bodies and customers' expectations. Provides leadership to the QA team by thinking strategically and driving continuous improvement at the plant level. Promotes a strong Food Safety Culture by use of leadership skills. 

• Provides direct support, leadership and direction to QA Supervision and Sanitation staff in a 24 hour facility. Provides direct and indirect to all subordinates (QA Supervision, Sanitation Supervision, and any other QA/Sanitation staff) including making staffing decisions, providing training and development opportunities, and conducting performance reviews, coaching sessions, and weekly 1x1 meetings with direct reports. 
• Maintains and improves product quality by completing product and compliance audits, investigating consumer complaints; collaborating with other members of management to resolve issues. 
• Maintains the food safety aspect of the plant by periodically performing internal audits of the facility to verify that procedures mandated by the company, state and Federal governmental agencies are being adhered to.  This includes GMPs, Sanitation, Food Safety Plans, and Safety. Ensures that all preventative measures as outlined in Food Safety plan are executed, monitored, and record reviewed to include corrective and preventative actions. 
• Ensure that all appropriate metrics and key process indicators are measured, tracked and trended. Report on metrics as needed on QA Business Plans, 1x1's and scorecards. Maintain department budgets to ensure fiscal responsibility. 
• Maintains all aspects of the Quality Assurance Laboratory, including microbiological, chemical, physical and sensory aspects of all food products manufactured at this facility. This also includes coordination of the sampling and testing with Production.
• Oversees the Pest Control program in the facility through coordination with contracted pest control service representatives.
• Ensure all applicable training is completed for QA and Sanitation staff. Ensure a training matrix is maintained to monitor training and bench strength levels. Ensure applicable and required certifications are held by appropriate team members.
• Acts as plant liaison in dealings with regulatory agencies and customer company representatives and auditors. Reviews and maintains all required processing records and regulatory inspections and reports.  Provides support to R and D on projects as needed. 
• Follow all company policies and procedures.  Comply with all safety policies and procedures to maintain a safe work environment.  Report all safety, food safety and quality issues to management. Work cooperatively and cross functionally  to drive continuous improvement efforts. 

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field is strongly preferred (Food Science or Microbiology a plus); 8–10 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 5+ years of management experience in Quality Assurance, Regulatory, Technical Services, R&D, or a related food science field.
• Strong statistical analysis and problem-solving skills (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams).
• PCQI and/or HACCP certification is a plus.

• Strong leadership and team building skills.  
• Ability to prioritize decisions and actions using problem solving and creative thinking approaches.  
• Good knowledge in executing and maintaining a Quality Systems program.  
• Must have basic knowledge of federal, state, and possibly local regulations and standards relating to Food Safety and Quality.  
• This should include aspects of FSMA.  
• Good project management skills, interpersonal and supervisory skills.