Quality Assurance Manager

Quality Assurance Manager

Baltimore, MD

Welcome to Halperns'! The dedicated employees who work at Halperns' are passionately committed to this business and the customers they serve. Being part of Halperns' means being part of something important, something unique, and something special. This commitment is made clear by the superior meat and seafood specialty products we distribute.

Position Summary:

Responsible for ensuring robust Food Safety & Quality systems and programs are in place. These systems and programs result in the food safety and quality of products provided by Halperns' Steak & Seafood meeting or exceeding internal Halperns' standards, customer's expectation and regulatory compliance requirements. Must be well versed in systems and programs including, but not limited to: USDA/FSIS Regulatory Regulations, HACCP, Product complaint, Traceability, Product Recall, Food Safety Plans, Supplier Compliance, and Quality Management Systems. Responsible for executing continuous improvement strategies to strengthen food safety and compliance, efficiency, integration and value for the business. Leads the division through a variety of different food safety and regulatory emergency situations, using critical thinking, collaboration and ensuring customer safety and regulatory compliance are of highest priority.

Essential Functions:

• Ensure continuous improvement and adequacy of quality and food safety systems to support end to end compliance meeting regulatory, business, and customer expectations (e.g., Product Complaint, Recall, Quality Management System).

• Enforce processes and programs for Food Safety Programs to ensure regulatory compliance, including those utilized by Halperns' divisions (e.g., Food Safety plans, Preventive Control plans, Meat HACCP plans, Seafood HACCP plans). Ensures validation and adequacy of the programs.

• Conduct 3rd party and internal quality assurance audits.

• Manage audit/inspections conducted by government agencies, customers, etc.

• Responsible for the Halperns' QA Traceability/Recall management process and system. This includes managing the entire recall process, from product isolation to customer communication, in addition to any follow-up communication with regulatory agencies.

• Executes traceability activities.

• Provides food safety training and support for divisional staff and customers as needed to communicate Halperns' Quality Assurance values and requirements.

• Implements and oversees programs and processes to ensure compliance with governmental regulations. Interprets, understands, and communicates governmental regulations (FDA/USDA/State Department of Agriculture) as applicable to quality assurance/food safety. Communicates information and requirements to Halperns' associates, suppliers, and customers as necessary.

• Overseas supplier management programs, such as the Supplier Approval Program. Ensures the adequacy and continuous improvement of Halperns' supplier management expectations.

• Collaborates with stakeholders to provide food safety subject matter expertise to support the division during quality failure incidents and emergencies with potential impact to food safety or quality.

• Leads and coaches direct reports in attaining personal and department goals and supports their continued development to achieve their desired growth within Halperns'.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:

• Knowledge of governmental regulations (FDA/USDA/State Department of Agriculture) as applied to quality assurance/food safety.

• Must be detail-oriented and display good project management and organizational skills.

• Must be able to prioritize, and schedule accordingly, on multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Must possess and display excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Must demonstrate the ability to produce results through effective, cross-functional teams and partnerships, working collaboratively with a variety of teams and individuals, including possessing the willingness to engage with others and be challenged.

• Must have the ability to listen, interpret, and determine appropriate direction based on established protocols, or identify needs for new or revised protocols and lead their development and implementation.

• Interpersonal skills include ability to work independently and in a team environment, coaching and mentoring skills. Leadership abilities and a positive attitude with a commitment to personal and professional success.

• This position also requires a professional demeanor, honesty, integrity, drive, tenacity, determination, and a willingness to learn.

• Must possess and display strong analytical, critical thinking, collaboration and problem solving skills. Must think strategically, develop a winning vision and be a leader of influence.

Equipment / Tools / Technology:

• Knowledge of spreadsheet, word processing, email and internet software applications.

• Knowledge of Inventory Management Systems and reporting software applications preferred.