Senior Specialist, Quality Assurance

The J.M. Smucker Company
United States, Alabama, Huntsville
Feb 10, 2025
Your Opportunity as the Senior Specialist, Quality Assurance Location: Decatur, AL manufacturing plant Work Arrangements: 100% on-site Willingness to work off shift (including nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays) and flow to the work as needed Reports to:Assistant Manager, Quality Assurance In this role you will: Lead and train the Quality Functional Leaders, Food Safety Technicians, and Sanitation Technicians as they execute their daily tasks relating to sanitation, pest control, and environmental standards Assign and verify the execution of sanitation, janitorial, and special project tasks among full-time, temporary, and contracted personnel Manage and led the execution and documentation of corrective and preventive actions relative to sanitation, pest control, and microbial data from the production environment and finished products through investigations and root cause analysis Direct staff to execute pre-operational & Right-to-Run inspections and the Master Sanitation Schedule Develop Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs) and train sanitation and operational staff on proper execution of cleaning and sanitizing standards Complete SSOP risk assessments to mitigate hazards during the cleaning and sanitizing process Supervise and oversee the positive release process of finished products following the verification of conformance to all critical criteria Organize activities with third-party pest control operators and third-party microbial testing labs Maintain an adequate supply of necessary chemicals, supplies, and equipment to perform sanitation tasks Plan and direct the activities of sanitation personnel within a 24/7 operation Oversee sanitation personnel staffing, time off, coverage, and timecard approval Ensure proper training of sanitation personnel to follow work policies and procedures Evaluate job performance of sanitation personnel and take corrective action as needed Ensure compliance with corporate standards and systems to monitor food safety, sanitation, environmental, and facility cleanliness Represent the Quality Assurance department and make recommendations to operation teams regarding sanitation and food safety improvements Collaborate with Health, Safety, and Environmental team to ensure environmental concerns are addressed pertaining to chemical disposal and cleaning/sanitizing techniques Monitor and maintain compliance to the sanitation budget Participate in 3rd party inspections (BRCGS) and programs at the site The Right Place for You We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in our Basic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs. What we are looking for: Minimum Requirements: Bachelor's degree in food science, food technology, meat science, microbiology, or other related science degree 3 years of quality assurance, food safety, and/or sanitation experience in a food manufacturing environment Working knowledge of sanitation chemicals - usage, applications, and potential hazards Demonstrated leadership capabilities - ability to teach, lead and develop others Additional skills and experience that we think would make someone successful in this role: Prior people management experience Analytical skills - ability to conduct Root Cause Analysis (Fishbone, 5-Why, etc.) and statistical process control for sanitation and quality monitoring, improvements, and problem-solving PCQI and / or HACCP certification 2 years of sanitation related experience in a food manufacturing environment Prior pet food and / or extrusion experience Knowledge of regulatory bodies (FDA/USDA) and BRCGS, or similar standard inspection procedures Understanding and knowledge of SSOP's, LOTO (lock out tag out), GMP's (Good Manufacturing Practices), HACCP, and other programs/policies within food manufacturing & sanitation Strong presentation and training skills Learn More About Working at Smucker Our Total Rewards Benefits Program Our Thriving Together Philosophy Supporting All Impacted by Our Business Our Continued Progress on Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Follow us onLinkedIn #LI-NO1 #INDSA