QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGER

Job Summary:

The Quality Assrance Manager has primary responsibility for the direction of the workforce to achieve all safety, animal welfare, food safety, export, and quality goals as set forth by the company.  This position is responsible for the supervision of Food Safety and Quality (FSQA) personnel, and oversee quality and food safety aspects of processing and live production. Responsible for product specifications testing, food safety systems, process improvements and quality programs within the plant and live operations.

• Maintain product integrity and food safety within the plant and live operations
• Run quality control area and delegate tasks within the area
• Organize and train all people within the quality assurance area
• Implement government mandates regarding quality control and food safety in all areas of the plant and live operations
• Maintain effective communication channels between government and plant officials
• Monitor all government regulations, programs, and policies regarding food safety both inside and out of the plant (FSIS, USDA, FDA, etc.)
• Keep employees focused on HACCP and GMP procedures
• Track microbiological trends, sanitation program performance, and product shelf life within plant and communicate results to plant team members and senior management.
• Create and write quality control programs to be implemented plant and company wide
• Adhere to specific customer request and specifications in reference to quality of products
• Develop and organize different means of evaluating product quality and then develop better ways to produce products
• Knowledge, background and expertise in egg/poultry operations is critical.  Areas of knowledge must include HACCP, specification adherence to incoming raw materials, ingredient and allergen control, chilling, styling & packaging specs, packaging modified atmosphere characteristics, final box/package configuration and shelf-life
• Evaluate sanitation and pest & rodent contractor’s performance to ensure they are completing their jobs in a safe, effective and professional manner
• Prepare, implement and monitor standard operating procedures for each production/processing area in the plant and barns
• Constantly review and update product quality control programs
• Manage special projects regarding quality and food safety for the plant and live operations
• Work tasks fluctuate demanding on the direction of government officials, plant/barn conditions, and business objectives
• Responsible for ensuring that all areas of the plant/barns are properly sanitized
• Conduct department meetings on a regular basis
• Coordinate efforts implementing new products/process with respective parties (i.e. engineering, production, management, maintenance)
• Develop, maintain and implement any programs relating to customer, or 3rd party requirements, to include leading audits and maintenance of BRC certification
• Monitor, track and evaluate all SPC programs mandated relative to customer requirements or plant performance  
• Work closely with operations to ensure regulatory compliance, customer specifications and performance metrics are maintained

• Responsible for maintaining the facility “audit ready” at any given time, in more specific terms: customer audits

Education:

• B.S. in Animal Science, Meat Science, Food Science or related science discipline preferred   
• College experience beneficial to develop writing skills and animal science knowledge  

Experience: 

• Minimum 4-7 years’ experience in the quality assurance area

• HACCP certification
• Processing and Live Production Experience.
• Egg Production Experience preferred.

Special Skills:

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Statistical/Math background
• Basic computer skills
• Strong Math skills
• Ability to review and analyze large amounts of data and identify trends.
• Knowledge, background and expertise in case ready operations is critical.  Areas of knowledge must include HACCP, specification adherence to incoming raw materials, trimming, chilling, styling & packaging specs, packaging modified atmosphere characteristics, final box/package configuration and shelf-life.

About Hickmans Family Farms:
Since 1944, Hickmans Family Farms has been a trusted provider of fresh eggs and quality feed in the Southwest. As the Feed Mill Manager, you will play a crucial role in supporting production efficiency and quality, contributing to Hickmans’ commitment to excellence and reliability.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
Hickman’s Family Farms is an Equal Opportunity Employer of all qualified individuals, including minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Hickman’s Family Farms complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding employment and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.