Manager, Sensory And Quality Compliance

Summary

Join Chomps, a rapidly growing food brand, as the Manager of Sensory and Quality Compliance. This critical role ensures the highest quality and safety standards throughout the product lifecycle. You will manage recall plans and programs, train cross-functional teams, and directly communicate with customers on food safety and quality issues. The position also involves overseeing a third-party sensory consultant, developing quality benchmarks, and collaborating with various teams to enhance customer portal functionalities. Strong team management and communication skills are essential. This remote, full-time position offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in quality assurance management within the food industry, preferably in meat or shelf-stable products
• Proven experience in managing recall plans and quality compliance programs
• Strong knowledge of USDA FSIS regulations and food safety standards
• Excellent training, communication, and team management skills
• Experience with quality management systems and software
• Self-motivated and autonomous
• Positive attitude, adaptable to change
• Experience with sensory evaluation and working with sensory consultants
• Familiarity with contract manufacturing and 3PL logistics operations
• Ability to travel up to 30% to various manufacturing and warehousing facilities

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage the company's recall plan and programs
• Coordinate recall activities, ensuring swift and effective action in the event of a product issue
• Conduct annual company-wide recall training sessions to ensure all employees are prepared and compliant
• Partner with 3rd party crisis management team – ensure programs and procedures are collaborative
• Work cross functionally to develop and implement department-specific programs as needed during a recall or crisis
• Collaborate with Sales and BAT Teams to stay current with all customers specific recall procedures and requirements
• Take ownership of QA’s role within NetSuite – become the expert. Provide training to other team members who may need to pull traceability reports for product investigations
• Collaboratively work with Chomps QA team to maintain the recall plan and programs; edit/update after each mock recall drill to continuously improve Chomps systems and readiness. Identify areas of potential risk across all departments and work with teams to integrate better systems and programs
• Assist the Director of FSQA in maintaining and enhancing quality assurance programs
• Stay updated on industry trends, USDA-FSIS regulatory changes, and best practices in quality assurance
• Support cross functional teams with new and existing projects including product development, new packaging designs, and artwork approvals. Collaborate with Quality Systems to submit for USDA approvals
• Develop and management of a materials quality hold program for all packaging across Chomps supply chain to assist with artwork refresh/rebranding. Spearhead the development and implementation of Chomps specific item numbers for all materials
• Collaborate with R&D and production teams to ensure new product development meets quality criteria
• Manage third-party sensory consultants, ensuring their assessments align with company standards
• Participate in sensory reviews to maintain product quality and consistency. Place questionable product on QA holds pending additional evaluation
• Create dashboards and establish a path towards product improvement across all manufacturing facilities
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for manufacturers to ensure sensory quality standards are met
• Develop and management of product and ingredient risk mitigation strategies
• Develop and maintain gold-standard quality benchmarks for our products
• Oversee the management of customer complaints, ensuring timely and effective resolution
• Directly communicate with customers to address their concerns and provide support
• Develop and implement strategies for improving customer satisfaction based on feedback and complaints
• Monitor and analyze consumer and customer complaints related to product quality and safety. Identify and escalate possible complaint trends
• Create monthly dashboard reporting categorizing complaints by manufacturer, product, customer, and type. Present reports to senior operations leads and discuss results during weekly meetings
• Work alongside CX and operations teams to maintain complaint logs and reporting. Audit and edit logs to ensure reporting accuracy and consistency
• Manage customer portals, developing strategies to enhance user experience and streamline communication
• Work closely with the Sales/Ops team to ensure customer portal functionalities meet business needs and customer expectations
• Serve as an expert on our product lines, providing guidance and support in quality-related matters

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in food science, microbiology, or related field

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401K 6% match
• Monthly reimbursements for wellness and home office
• Unlimited PTO and 11+ paid holiday days
• Hybrid & flexible remote schedule
• Paid maternity and paternity leave
• Bi-annual total team in-person activities
• Company-wide Continual Education budget
• Unlimited snacks
• Salary range for this role is $115,000 - $120,000 + 20% annual bonus