The Quality Control Manager is responsible for ensuring finished product meets food safety and quality standards set by both Hudsonville Ice Cream and regulatory authorities. This role, with the support of the Quality Team and Senior Leadership, seeks to continuously improve quality systems and instill a culture of quality throughout the organization.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Acts as the facility owner for the quality control program. Confirms conformance to Hudsonville Ice Cream’s food safety plan and quality requirements. Ensures program effectiveness and results are communicated promptly to all stakeholders.
• Tracks and communicates Key Performance Indicators related to FS&Q including: First Pass Quality, Consumer Complaint Rate, On Time Release, Environmental Passing Rate, etc. Drives organizational awareness, problem solving, and improvement to these.
• Partners with the Quality Assurance team to continuously improve upon quality systems and processes.
• Serves as an FS&Q resource for business initiatives involving the execution of quality functions.
• Provides development opportunities and coaches team of direct reports. Helps to set targets for individual and career goals. Removes roadblocks to assist team in achieving these.
• Oversees all aspects of release for finished goods. Coordinates and expedites necessary actions to secure disposition when needed.
• Supports Quality and Operations teams in the maintenance of an effective CAPA program. Provides root-cause analysis tools and expertise, helps drive CAPAs pertaining to food safety and quality, and implements corrective actions.
• Identifies opportunities and completes initiatives to drive cost reduction.
• Manages all aspects of the sensory and microbiological laboratories. This includes calibration, maintenance and repair of lab and test equipment, proficiency testing, ordering supplies, 3rd party lab testing, compliance to laboratory methods, timely reporting of results, onboarding new laboratory equipment, and compliance to GLPs and company standards.
• Prepares the organization for and participates in customer and 3rd party audits, serving as a technical resource in areas of food safety and company food safety programs. Responds to findings in a timely and effective manner.

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Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, Food Science or related field of study. 5+ years of job-related experience in a food manufacturing plant with exposure to regulatory and customer audits.
• 3 years of applicable leadership experience.
• HACCP, PCQI and SQF Practitioner certifications.
• Must possess ability to interpret both analytical and microbiological laboratory data.
• “Food Safety First” mindset with an exceptional eye for detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with team members and other manufacturing or supporting departments.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office.

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Physical Requirements

• Mobility: Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching and communication with teams in a factory setting.
• Temperature Conditions: Ability to work in varying temperature environments, depending on the plant's conditions.
• Physical Strength: Capable of lifting, pushing, and pulling product and equipment.
• Visual Acuity: Clear vision with or without correction for reading documents and recipes, analyzing data on screens, and observing details.
• Auditory Acuity: Ability to listen attentively during meetings, presentations, and while conducting interviews.
• Taste and Smell Acuity: Ability to distinguish subtle differences in flavors and aromas.
• Work Environment : This role primarily operates in a manufacturing facility where the environment is subject to varying temperature and noise level changes. May be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Laboratory settings : May involve handling chemicals or biological samples, requiring proper handling techniques and safety protocols.

Benefits

• 401K with a generous match
• Vacation
• Insurance (Health, Dental, Vision, STD/LTD, starting day 1 )
• Bonus Plan
• Monthly Wellness Stipend