Associate Quality Assurance Manager - Remote -Beverage Manufact.

Lassonde Pappas & Co. is a US Leader in beverage manufacturing dedicated to our team members, customers and consumers satisfaction. We remain committed to our small-town roots and rural values. Hardworking and caring are qualities that make our teams special. Since 1942, we’ve been producing delicious products for our customers across the country!

To provide the best for our customers, we focus on building the best team by creating and advancing an inclusive environment amongst our diverse workforce. If you’re passionate about customer satisfaction, reliable, and committed to being and doing better, join us! 

We value each of our employee’s total wellbeing. To support employees in all stages of their wellness journey, we have a robust benefits program including: medical, dental, and vision coverage options, growth and development potential, along with 401-K, Life & Disability Insurance, PTO, Tuition Reimbursement, Health Fairs, Gym Membership Discounts, and so much more!

POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate Quality Assurance Manager reports to the Corporate Quality Manager.  will be responsible for managing and executing the investigation of product quality, product safety, and production-related issues, including the oversight of others involved in these operations.  The position supports the contract manufacturing facilities through complaint management, corrective action and preventative measures, corporate sampling, document reviews, hold logs, and other quality-related responsibilities. This role reports to the Corporate Quality Manager. 

Primary Responsibilities include:

• Manage and implement Quality System leadership for all finished products through policies and procedures, contact investigation and resolution, customer/consumer correspondence, analytical and trend analysis, and training to support established quality parameters
• Utilize ERP (QAD) to research when issues or complaints arise
• Assess and manage customer/consumer contacts and resolve them quickly through personal involvement and through direction to staff
• Assure all communication to customers/consumers follows corporate guidelines in collaboration with the Corporate Leadership, Sales, and external resources such as the Grocery Manufacturer's Association (GMA)
• Manage and implement corporate QA leadership for all external activities (e.g. cranberry receiving or external manufacturing) including monitoring data integrity, training of site personnel, on-site auditing of external operations, and facilitating technical support for these operations
• Maintain relationships with Sales and customers to ensure high levels of customer and consumer satisfaction
• Direct, establish and approve product samples, as needed, in support of manufacturing needs and/or quality issues in collaboration with Corporate R&D

• Preform manufacturing record reviews. 
• Assist in complaint, hold and CAPA investigations.

• Maintain contract manufacturers information in TraceGains and other related registries. Train new employees that are hired in the work area assigned.
• Grow understanding and knowledge of field
• Lead by example and assist others who may need guidance.
• Be accessible for employees to ask questions regarding area of expertise .
• Provide positive recognition to employees who exhibit good behavior in their work area.
• Provide feedback to managers on individual and team performance

• Travel to plants on an as-needed basis (up to 30%).

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in a Physical Science (Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology preferred; Biology, Physics, Mathematics acceptable) 
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in QA/Food with experience in a manufacturing environment preferred. 
• Must have technical understanding of food safety including manufacturing, quality, HACCP, and GMP operations.  
• Strong ability to apply basic statistical concepts to problem solving and root cause analysis, and an excellent ability to manipulate data in spreadsheets (e.g., pivot tables) and other data-management software programs
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills 
• Possess sufficient analytical skills to use laboratory equipment

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the food/beverage industry
• Experience in Manufacturing or production environment.
• Professional certifications in quality (e.g., ASQ) and/or food safety (e.g., SQF) are preferred.
• Proven organizational skills
• Ability to direct, coach and train others
• Consultative, influential, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Detailed oriented and can multi-task
• Excellent time management skills

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

This position requires sufficient physical ability to work in a typical office setting; driving a motor vehicle and occasionally working in the field.

FREQUENT:  sitting, upward and downward flexion of neck; fine finger dexterity and light to moderate finger pressure to include extended periods of keyboard and mouse use, side-to-side turning of neck, walking, standing, bending and stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting at waist, moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials.

OCCASIONAL:  squatting, kneeling, reach above and at shoulder height, moderate grasp to manipulate reference books and manuals; lifting objects weighing 20 – 35 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 feet.

VISION:  Ability to see in the normal visual range with or without correction.

HEARING:  Ability to hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Equal Opportunity at Lassonde Pappas

EEO/AA/M/F/Vet/Disability Employer

This job description is not intended to contain a comprehensive list of the responsibilities that are required to successfully perform in this position.  Other duties as assigned are part of every job description.  The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential job functions.