Quality Manager

Role & Responsibilities

• Understand customer needs and requirement and translate into specifications and quality defects manuals.
• Develop and implement effective quality control and quality assurance processes.
• Set requirements for ingredients, packaging material or intermediate products for suppliers and monitors compliance.
• Ensure adherence to health and safety guidelines as well as legal obligations.
• Develop people and build capabilities so that the team is delivering to their maximum potential.
• Plan the strategic activities and define goals for the quality team.
• Ensure that quality standards are meet during product development.
• Define AQL and sampling plans.
• Perform statistical analysis to identify trends and define priorities to reduce defects or waste.
• Solicit feedback from customers to assess whether their requirements are met.
• Generate quality monthly reports.
• Drive continuous improvement.
• Develop processes to maximize efficiency and defect reduction.
• Develop and lead a Zero Loss journey through Loss Analysis on quality related issues, i.e. cost of poor quality. Lead PQ pillar.
• Improve quality system implementing digital solutions.
• Monitor supplier’s performance using supplier’s evaluation system.
• Planning the dual sourcing plan.
• Conduct Root Cause analysis.
• Management of quality complaints system.
• Monitor the GMP and HACCP system.
• Improve and manage Quality Laboratory.

Key Competencies

• Planning/Organizing--Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Business Acumen--Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals. Making decision timely, define priorities in function of business needs.
• Problem Solving--Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyses information skilfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Communication--Communicates clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings; Writes clearly and informatively.
• Teamwork--Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Change Management—Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.
• Managing People--Includes staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating and process improvement; Takes responsibility for subordinates' activities; Makes self-available to staff; Provides regular performance feedback; Develops subordinates' skills and encourages growth; Solicits and applies customer feedback (internal and external); Fosters quality focus in others; Improves processes, products and services; Continually works to improve supervisory skills.

Knowledge and Experience

· Bachelor’s degree in related field required.

· Minimum of 5 years’ experience in the field required.

· Experience working in the spirits industry preferred.

· Previous experience with TPM, Lean Six Sigma and High-Performance Work Systems preferred.

· Certification focused on Quality and Food Safety for Supply Chain Management required: PCQI and HACCP preferred.

· Knowledge of laws governing the area of Quality and Food Safety in the US and Canada.

· Experience in Excel or statistical software for data analysis.