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A great job-and a great future-awaits you at Smithfield Foods. We are an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. We’re looking for motivated people who want to join our team and grow lasting and meaningful careers with us. Apply Now!
THE VALUE YOU’LL BRING:
The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.
Are you ready to play a pivotal role in ensuring the highest standards in pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing? We're looking for a passionate and driven professional to take on a full-time position reporting to the Head of Quality.
In this key leadership role, you’ll be at the forefront of Quality Control operations, championing compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and driving the integrity and excellence of our products and quality systems. Your mission: to uphold and elevate quality across all laboratory operations, from testing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) to critical medical device components.
You’ll ensure every procedure aligns with global regulatory standards, including 21 CFR Parts 210/211, ICH Q7, ISO 22442, and EU guidelines—safeguarding not just our operations, but ultimately the patients who rely on our products.
If you thrive in a fast-paced, quality-first environment where precision and leadership matter, this is the opportunity to make a real impact.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.
Quality Control Leadership
Take charge of QC operations by ensuring all testing is conducted accurately, reported promptly, and meets regulatory standards.
Provide hands-on leadership and sound decision-making in lab-related matters, keeping everything on track and in compliance.
Lead investigations for OOS, CAPA, Complaints, and Deviations, ensuring thorough and timely resolution in line with procedures.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as the QC voice in cross-functional discussions—working closely with Quality Assurance and Production teams to keep manufacturing workflows efficient and product release timelines on point.
Keep site management informed about critical lab needs, including software or equipment required for continued compliance.
Regulatory & Compliance Readiness
Maintain a state of constant inspection readiness in the QC lab, supporting FDA and other regulatory authority inspections with confidence.
Report laboratory deviations and Out-of-Specification (OOS) occurrences to QA and ensure appropriate follow-up.
Assist in testing of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished goods for compliance with SOPs and regulatory expectations.
Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement
Monitor and report key quality metrics to senior leadership, using data-driven insights to support continuous improvement.
Regularly review and collaborate on updates to laboratory SOPs to reflect best practices and evolving standards.
Method Development & Validation
Develop and validate new laboratory methods and support computer system validations through the preparation of protocols, execution of studies, and reporting.
Training & Equipment Oversight
Manage lab equipment usage and maintenance to ensure peak performance and cGMP compliance.
Support the training and onboarding of QC analysts and management on laboratory methods, instrumentation, and procedures.
Skills & Competencies
Detail-Oriented: A sharp eye for accuracy with the ability to spot and resolve lab-related challenges before they escalate.
Strong Communicator: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills to articulate technical issues across all levels.
Tech-Savvy Analyst: Solid understanding of analytical technologies such as HPLC, FTIR, ICP, AA, and UV/VIS Spectrophotometers.
Team Player: Proven ability to collaborate effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional team environment.
Analytical Thinker: Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to navigate complex QC issues.
WHAT WE’RE SEEKING:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in a chemistry, microbiology or other relevant technical field and 8+ years of demonstrated experience in FDA cGMP compliance environment in a QC laboratory.
2+ years of demonstrated experience in team management/development or project leadership is required
Candidates with a Master’s Degree chemistry, microbiology or other relevant technical field from an accredited four-year college or university and 6+ years relevant experience will be considered qualified.
Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to uphold regulatory, company, and customer standards.
Proficient with complex mathematical calculations, technical writing, interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
Ability to structure work plans and organize employees to achieve results with demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Capable of working well with cross-functional teams in a dynamic setting to achieve company goals.
Works well in high pressure situations.
Strong Communicator: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of articulating complex technical issues clearly and concisely across all levels of the organization. Bilingual communication in Mandarin and English is preferred.
EEO Information
Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.
Top Skills
What We Do
Headquartered in Smithfield, Va. since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with agricultural roots and a global reach. With more than 60,000 jobs globally, we are dedicated to producing "Good food. Responsibly®" and serve as one of the world's leading vertically integrated protein companies.
We have pioneered sustainability standards for more than two decades, including our industry-leading commitments to become carbon negative in U.S. company-owned operations and reduce GHG emissions 30 percent across our entire U.S. value chain by 2030. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to our communities. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield®, Eckrich® and Nathan's Famous®, among many others.
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