The Quality Assurance (QA) Manager is responsible for coordinating the QA activities in Castroville and all satellite locations. This position is located in Castroville, California and reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer. Primary duties include but not limited to upholding Ocean Mist Farms product standards, overseeing all inspections, maintaining accurate reporting and monitoring outside services. This role will work under general supervision and supervise others, including and up to, providing employee feedback, disciplinary communication, performance reviews and training.
This position requires that employees work Monday through Saturday, including some Sundays and holidays; travel and seasonal relocation will be required to our remote facilities and surrounding areas including reoccurring travel in California (including Huron, Oxnard, Coachella, Westmorland), Arizona (Yuma), and Mexico (Baja California, Mexicali).
- The physical and mental demands of the work environment are described as 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.
- One – three years experience as a Harvest Crew Leader is preferred;
- One – three years employee supervisory experience is preferred;
- Experience in the agricultural industry is a must and direct experience in the fresh produce sector is highly desirable;
- Two years experience in a quality assurance operation;
- Bilingual in English/Spanish is required; basic math and reading skills are required;
- Advanced working knowledge of Famous, Excel and Word;
- Knowledge of GMP’s, HACCP, GAP and Food Safety gained through education and at least 1-year experience working with food manufacturing;
- Experience implementing statistical analysis such as 6 sigma, in prior jobs is highly desirable;
- Able to correctly use radio frequency hand held devices is required;
- Ability to operate a company vehicle; must maintain a valid class C California drivers license, and be insurable is required;
- Office equipment to be used (not inclusive list): telephone, computer keyboard, photocopy machine, fax, 10-key calculator by touch, postage meter and other clerical and office equipment;
- Majority of time spent working outdoors, often sitting, walking, standing, kneeling, turning, reaching, climbing stairs for long periods of time; ability to lift 35+ pounds without undue physical exertion; ability to work in an office, cooler and field environment with an average range between 33 degrees and 110+ degrees;
- Ability to travel and work in the field, cooler and office environments;
- Ability to communicate, comprehend verbal and written instructions; requires sufficient sight and hearing to perform all duties;
- Ability to learn new duties with minimal repetition; strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to carry out defined procedures with specific instructions; ability to manage a project from its initiation to completion with minimal supervision;
- Strong interpersonal skills including; ability to maintain effective working relationships with Employees, Peers, Supervisors, Vendors and Customers.
The qualified candidate will be an effective advocate and, at all times, maintain a professional image that supports Ocean Mist Farms values, image and goals. A strong work ethic, unsurpassed integrity, confidentiality, punctuality, and job dedication is essential to be successful in this position.
Oversee and Control all In-House Inspections and Reporting
- Maintain the Quality Assurance Standards for all pack styles;
- Develop quality standards for new products;
- Oversee shelf life studies and ensure their follow through from start to final reporting;
- Daily inspections for each commodity and lot;
- Five-day and other aging-related inspections and reporting;
- Daily reporting within the company regarding pack, appearance, color and condition;
- Maintain a database for average reporting as required monthly, seasonally and by Harvester.
Staff Management
- Hire and evaluate internal QA staff;
- Train, mentor and develop QA staff;
- Advocate quality from field – cooling – shipping.
Additional Responsibilities
- Monitor and interface with outside inspectors and published reporting services;
- Maintain quality standards in our production and cooling processes;
- In collaboration with the food safety department uphold and apply food safety standards at all times;
- Lead and act as the chair person of the quality steering committee. In addition, participate on the carton team, food safety, and other committees as assigned;
- Administer and drive the quality incentive program;
- Work with the Product Development Manager as requested to create new products;
- Work with the marketing department to give tours and prepare customer product presentation set up;
- Set up training and educate field crews, supervisors and other personnel on proper handling of our products with quality and food safety in mind;
- Organize public demonstrations of our products such as fair exhibits and trade shows;
- Prepare annual departmental budget;
- Respond to and provide rejection reporting from the sales department;
- Ensure fulfillment of product for the sales department;
- Maintain and update product records as required;
- Document and update the Quality Assurance manual with changes, updates, and new products specifications;
- AA or BS in management, food science, quality assurance or related field is preferred;
- Requires continuing education in supervision, safety and other job related areas.
