Purpose of the Position

Responsible for oversight and assistance on all requirements related to Quality Assurance programs and policies. Ensures the Quality Assurance department is effective at ensuring the facility is meeting customer specification requirements and audit requirements related to the facility and products being produced. Supports the facility in ensuring programs and regulatory requirements are being met.

Essential Position Responsibilities - This is a Salary Exempt position.

Ensures accurate inspection and reporting of required information. Establishes and maintains inspection procedures and frequencies. Oversees statistical charting and inspection findings. Uses available data to aid in continuous improvement on products and processes. Accomplishes all paperwork in accordance with established tim frames and record keeping requirements. Facilitates organization of quality related records. Demonstrates knowledge of inspection requirements and customer expectations. Schedules staff effectively to cover all required inspections and tasks.

Assists in management of food safety programs and audit requirements. Oversees implementation of HACCP, SSOP, GMP, prerequisite programs, and other audit related programs by appropriate personnel. Daily review of the records and inspections related to these programs. Demonstrates knowledge of food safety programs and regulatory requirements related to the programs. Facilitates organization of audit materials.

Manages people and resources to meet business goals. Manages people and resources to meet regulatory requirements and expectations. Ensures effective scheduling and spending to meet quality requirements and ensure product meets expectations.

Builds strong plant leadership and quality teams. Effectively communicates specifications, quality, and food safety related requirements to necessary personnel. Guides and develops cooperative relationships between plant and quality personnel. Effectively manages staffing to meet business and customer needs. Ensures accurate and effective training of necessary personnel.

Manage Employees. Directs and supervises employees' work activities and monitors work performance. Collaborates with Human Resources to screen, interview and hire candidates. Administers disciplinary actions and recommends performance improvement actions in collaboration with the HR Manager. Monitors work performance and recommends compensation decisions based on guidelines. Follows Simmons values to develop and maintain a favorable working relationship with all employees. Promotes a cooperative and harmonious environment in order to facilitate positive employee morale, productivity, and continued improvement.

Participates as a member of the Team . Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons' established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position's role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.

Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Communicates with Customers, Vendors, or Employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail. May present information to small or large groups. Must be able to work in various temperatures. Move about in a manufacturing environment and surrounding property. May travel via car or plane to various work locations. Must be able to stoop, bend, and climb ladders to perform inspections. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Hairnets, earplugs, slip resistant shoes, and any other protective equipment as needed or required.

Travel: Minimum local travel to other work sites. Occasional travel for training.

Technical Experience: Willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction required. Must be able to read and write English. Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resource management, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. Must be familiar with computers and be proficient in Microsoft Office suite.

Industry Experience: Preferred experience within a food processing organization

Minimum Education : Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Animal Science, Poultry Science, Microbiology, or related field, or 4 years related work experience with a minimum of 1 year experience in a leading role included in the 4 years related work experience.

Preferred Education: N/A