Food Safety Quality Assurance (FSQA) Assistant Manager -Days

The Assistant FSQA Manager role works directly with processing plant operations leadership team to ensure compliance with Foster Farms, FSIS/USDA, and customer requirements on assigned shift. Directs, oversees, and implements the Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) programs to ensure product safety, legality, and quality across multiple plant processes including first processing and second processing. Responsible for the management and development of supervisory and/or hourly FSQA personnel to achieve departmental goals.

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for the implementation, verification, and validation of Food Safety programs such as HACCP plans, SSOP compliance, ensuring adherence with audit standards such as BRC and managing regulatory relationship with local USDA/FSIS.
• Ensure operations management team and hourly employees are compliant with food safety and quality procedures. This includes direct observation of processes, as well as training as needed of production, sanitation, maintenance, and quality assurance groups.
• Manage the implementation, maintenance, evaluation, and enforcement of FSIS/USDA regulations, as well as corporate programs (pest control, allergen, product quality).
• This position is authorized to place non-conforming product on FSQA hold if it does not meet Foster Farms standards, customer expectations, or legal requirements. In addition, this position has authority to render decisions regarding product disposition, including release or disposal of product.
• Hire and lead procedural, regulatory, and food safety training for FSQA supervisors and hourly technicians to ensure high levels of competency, commitment and performance.
• Promote a food safety culture with FSQA supervisors and hourly team members.
• Work in conjunction with plant management staff to maintain a positive working relationship with in-plant FSIS/USDA personnel. This includes direct communications and meetings with FSIS to report non-compliance resolution, as well as Foster Farms response to trending concerns.
• Manage and improve the FSQA data reporting systems, communicating trends and root-cause analysis to management for deficiency resolution and process improvement.
• Actively participate in projects (FSQA or operations) and activities to modify, retrofit and improve performance from a food safety and/or quality perspective.
• Develop, implement, and maintain SPC programs

• BS Degree preferred (preferably Food Science, Meat/Animal Science, or related science field).
• Minimum of 3-5 years Food Processing and Quality Management Experience.
• Required – former supervisory experience or demonstrated potential to develop salaried supervisory employees.
• Detail oriented with analytical aptitude; exposure to Statistical Process Control is beneficial.
• Must have the ability to make sound judgment and good decisions regarding quality and wholesomeness of product.
• Strong leadership, managerial skills and the ability to coach and develop employees.
• Strong writing and presentation skills.
• Able to prioritize/adjust quickly to changing work environment with minimal supervision to meet changing plant needs.
• Previous experience with HACCP, SSOP programs, and/or FSIS food safety regulations is preferred.
• Proficient use of PC including Excel, Word, Access, and Power Point.
• Able to work flexible hours.
• Ability for limited travel for business related visits (other plants) or conferences.