Quality Assurance - Pacific Foods

Pacific Foods, Tualatin, OR


Position Summary:
Responsibilities include management of aseptic and retort processes, Quality Assurance (QA) Leads and Technicians at Pacific Foods. Organize and direct a quality system that will ensure maximum quality of all products. You are responsible for ensuring all food safety and quality protocols are followed. Responsible for developing and maintaining systems to assure compliance with Safe Quality Foods (SQF) Certification and initiatives. Acts as Preventive Control Qualified Individual (PCQI).



Essential Functions

• Lead and direct QA leads and Technicians to accomplish quality improvement and compliance initiatives.
• Coordinate the procedure, documentation, isolation and disposition of product on Hold.
• Develop and implement Documentation Control Program for QA and operations.
• Develop, maintain and update all QA procedures for aseptic and retort processing plants.
• Resolve quality issues related to batches and finished goods.
• Oversee environmental monitoring program
• Maintain and improve Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) requirements.
• Maintain appropriate Container Closure procedures and records.
• Report and summarize all relevant quality information to PFO management.
• Furnish pertinent information regarding product complaints.
• Select and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Monitor and report Quality Key Performance Indicators (KPI).
• Investigate and identify root causes of non-conformance products or processes, and provide corrective actions.
• Conduct Mock recalls.
• Oversee Pest Control Program.
• Coordinate Internal and External Food Safety audit.
• Act as SQF practitioner for Food Safety and Quality.
• Provide Food Safety self-audit training to QA and production staff.
• Develop and maintain Allergens Control Program.
• Set up and participate in sensory testing.
• Work closely with Regulatory Compliance & Food Safety manager and other managers to ensure effective Hazard Analysis Risk-based Preventive Controls(HARPC), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) programs and compliance with Low Acid Canned Foods (LACF) regulations.
• Work closely with R&D to implement and maintain Food Quality Plan.
• Use statistical process control (SPC) to reduce process variation and drive root cause analysis of non-conformities.
• Work with Contract Manufacturers to ensure contract manufacturing products meet Pacific Foods specifications

Secondary Functions

• Act as a temporary QA Shift Lead at anytime due to employee absence
• Perform other duties as assigned

 
Supervisory responsibilities:  
Manages all activities of QA Leads.  Carries out management responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training employees, planning, assigning and directing work, appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints and resolving problems.  
 
Knowledge, skills and abilities:  

• Thorough understanding of  high volume food manufacturing quality
• Advanced knowledge of thermal processing and packaging
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize
• Interpersonal verbal communication and advanced math skills
• Self-directed with ability to work effectively under pressure and stress
• Strong decision making skills
• Proven leadership, mentoring, and coaching skills
• Teambuilding, training, presentation, and teaching skills
• Ability to read, write, speak and understand English  
• Physical activities require standing, walking, bending, and some lifting
• Physical ability to taste test all of our products
• Excellent investigating, analysis and problem solving skills

 
 
Minimum Qualifications:  
The position requires a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent specializing in Food Science or related field. Better Processing School certification.  Five years of relevant experience managing a food quality department required. Aseptic and retort processing experience preferred. Prior experience with FSMA, SQF, USDA, FDA and PMO requirements.
 
Working conditions:
Primary work area is in the office, laboratory, production floor, and warehouse area.  While performing the duties of this job, work will be around moving mechanical parts. There may be exposure to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock.  

To apply, send resume to Natasha Ryan at natasha.ryan@pacificfoods.com