Quality Assurance Manager

Are you known for exceeding expectations? Do you embrace the Spirit of Hawai‘i? Then please keep reading because we’re looking for people like you at Hawaiian Host Group.

Who are we? Hawaiian Host Group (HHG) is a leading Hawai‘i-based consumer goods company with a portfolio of brands that includes Hawaiian Host, Mauna Loa, MacFarms, KOHO, and Kapua Orchards. Sold in over 23 countries, HHG produces a suite of products ranging from flavored macadamia nuts to artisan chocolates, and macadamia milk-based ice cream. Our dedicated team of Hosts of Hawai‘i is spread across our headquarters in Honolulu and offices in Hilo, Kona, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. HHG has 3 manufacturing plants in Hawai'i, as well as the state's largest single macadamia farm.   

We are an excited team of people that all have one vision in common: sharing the Spirit of Hawai‘i with the world. Expect camaraderie, product tastings, and other (virtual and in-person) events that make our culture unique. And more importantly, know that your work contributes to our purpose; to make the Islands’ future flourish. We do this through our Takitani foundation that grants scholarships to deserving local students, our solar farm on the Big Island, and other social & environmental initiatives.

That’s enough about us for now, we’d love to learn more about you. Read the job description below and let us know if you’re interested. We can’t wait to meet you!

The Quality Assurance (QA) Manager is responsible for managing QA programs and activities for the Hawaiian Host Honolulu processing plant to ensure compliance with Company policies, food safety standards, government regulations (FDA, FSMA), and industry best practices including BRC, GMP and HACCP. Assures excellence in food product quality, food safety, and legality throughout the manufacturing process. Leads teams towards continuous product and process improvement initiatives.

Shares responsibility with the Plant Management in maintaining the efficiency and profitability of the Company by reducing waste; oversees food safety and quality inspections, maintains the quality of products using documented processes, and prepares quality data and records to a recognized standard including training of staff for audit and development purposes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (EXECUTION & IMPLEMENTATION):

• Directs the activities of the plant Quality Assurance Department in the effective and efficient execution of their functional responsibilities. 
• Ensures compliance with all food safety and quality programs, including BRC, GMP, HACCP, and all other prerequisite programs. 
• Collaborates with Senior Management to develop, implement, and maintain Food Safety & Quality (FSQ) System, including policies, programs, procedures, BRC, HACCP, FSMA, etc. 
• Maintains FSQ Program and Manual. Reviews and updates QA documents and production records. Creates, revises, and manages BRC, HACCP Plans, SOP, SSOP, and other policies. 
• Conducts manufacturing facility audits, as directed by Senior Management to ensure regulatory, customer, and internal compliance. Serves as lead during inspections by regulatory and governmental agencies as it relates to food safety. 
• Oversees proper documentation from all co-manufacturers and raw material suppliers to ensure compliance with the Company vendor approval program. 
• Administers ‘QA Hold’ Program. Ensures proper execution of product or raw material final disposition. Resolves products and raw materials that are out of specification.
• Leads preventive programs, process optimization efforts, problem solving and troubleshooting efforts for resolution of incidents.
• Responsible for maintaining plant Recall and Food Defense Program.
• Leads and coordinates quality related activities associated with new product, equipment, and processes.
• Collaborates with management to improve employee safety culture with an annual goal of 0% incidents.
• Assures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (LEADERSHIP, COACHING, & DEVELOPMENT):

• Directs the activities of the QA Departments in the effective and efficient execution of their functional responsibilities and accountabilities. Ensures all Pre-Requisite Programs are implemented, monitored, documented, and verified. Leads plant regulatory compliance efforts and requirements.
• Assists the product and process continuous improvement team.
• Assists in developing training programs that support the Company’s objectives as it relates to quality, food safety, legality, food defense, and sanitation.
• Attends conferences and workshops for knowledge accumulation and disseminates information for training purposes.
• Leads execution of training programs to QA/Production staff.
• Oversees performance and development of QA staff. 
• Assists in hiring, leading, and motivating teams to achieve goals, and meet customers’ expectations.
• Assists to resolve employee relation issues by maintaining positive employee communications and relationships in union and non-union climates within the QA Departments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTION):

• Oversees audit responses and feedback for third party and regulatory audits.
• Responsible for the timely resolution of customer complaints and product non-conformance. 
• Guides the root cause analyses process.
• Performs all duties and maintains standards in accordance with Company policies and procedures.
• Behavioral conduct, both on-site and off, reflects Company values.
• Ability to operate independently and think quickly using a strong business sense. 
• Must possess a variety of analytical and technical skills with a high degree of tolerance for uncertainty for frequent changing conditions.
• Regular attendance is required for the position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (ENVIRONMENTAL):

• Under Plant and Senior Management, leads plant environmental and regulatory compliance efforts, delegating testing, tracking, and reporting, as necessary. 
• Supports the Plant Management and the Distribution System Operator (if applicable), to ensure compliance with all potable water and non-potable water requirements.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• May travel to off-site co-manufacturers, warehouses, distribution centers, suppliers, etc. (as necessary).
• Performs all duties and maintains all standards in accordance with Company policies and procedures.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, food engineering, biology/microbiology, or chemistry; or equivalent experience in Food Safety & Quality Assurance.
• Minimum of 7 years successful performance in food manufacturing Quality Assurance management experience. 
• 3-5 years of general management experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of food plant sanitation and laboratory techniques (physical, microbiological, and chemical testing).
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Ability to perform college level mathematical and statistical calculations. 
• Ability to summarize, interpret test data, and make recommendations.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills. Able to conduct clear, concise, and convincing business presentations.
• Proficient in computer systems and applications.
• Valid driver’s license and use of a vehicle.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule (i.e., night/day shift) and weekends, as needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here 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 with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
• The position requires carrying less than 30 pounds; bending; stooping; crouching; side bending; overhead reaching; handling; stair climbing; forward reaching; grasping; sitting; standing; walking, finger dexterity; vision; hearing; eye-hand-foot coordination.

COMMUNICATION DEMANDS:

• The position requires talking to employees, supervisors and managers and outside trade persons/vendors; written communication to employees, supervisors, managers, and outside persons/vendors; responding to written or verbal requests; reading; composing written language; receiving verbal and written instructions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work environment characteristics described here 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 with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• 1) For the majority of the work day, duties are performed in a typical office environment where the noise level is usually light.
• 2) This position goes to the QA Lab in the factory daily and does frequent inspections through the plant where there is exposure to high noise levels (85+ dB). Use of PPE is required in these areas. 
• 3) This position may be exposed weather conditions while traveling or when visiting the Husking and Power Plant facilities.

Hawaiian Host Group is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.