Sr. Manager, Quality Technology Advancement

job purpose:

The purpose of this role is to lead the quality related validation activities for new low acid/ESL manufacturing lines, extended runs for existing lines and technology advancement for analytical capabilities across all manufacturing locations. Also, to implement novel, efficient, and effective technologies to reduce finished product release time in collaboration with operations quality and manufacturing teams.

responsibilities:

• Lead validation activities for new manufacturing lines across ESL and Aseptic platforms, ensuring compliance with internal standards and state/FDA regulatory requirements.
• Manage the process for obtaining state and FDA approvals for new products and facilities.
• Oversee the design, setup, and operational readiness of laboratory spaces for analytical testing.
• Lead and collaborate with operations quality and manufacturing teams towards extended runs initiatives to ensure internal, state and FDA compliance and certifications.
• Develop and implement strategies for expanding analytical capabilities, including instrumentation, methods, and data systems.
• Implement novel, efficient, and effective technologies to reduce finished product release time in collaboration with operations quality and manufacturing teams.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Quality, R&D, Regulatory, and Operations teams to ensure seamless execution of validation and analytical initiatives.

skills/qualifications required:

• Bachelor's degree in Dairy, Microbiology, Food Science or a related discipline required, with a strong working knowledge of the science of low acid aseptic products. Masters or PhD preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in quality field within a LAA manufacturing platforms
• Proven track record of leading successful line validations across ESL and LAA platforms
• Excellent knowledge of LAA processing and filling equipment
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills
• Able to demonstrate an entrepreneurial approach to innovation leadership to thrive in fast paced, entrepreneurial environment
• Demonstrated excellence in relationship building, communication and presentation

working conditions and physical requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Frequent travel to manufacturing sites

food safety requirements:

• Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety.
• Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas.
• Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company.
• Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.
• In the event of absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required.

position location: Chicago, IL, Coopersville, MI or Webster, NY

reports to: Sr. Director, Quality Systems and Technology Advancement

travel requirements: 25%-50%