Yuma, AZ
Full-Time Regular
$90,000.00 - $110,000.00

The Quality Control Manager supports the development of category/commodity QC standards and enforces their application within Quality Control and Quality Assurance processes to include reporting and communication to the Sales, Procurement, Operations, and Inventory Management Departments. Oversees the timely and accurate inspection and reporting for successful customer product allocation. Manages 3rd Party QC Inspection Service providers as well as QC inspection software utilization and reporting.

The primary goal of the position is the leadership and management of the QC Department as well as execution of company quality standards.

Responsibilities*

Department Operations and Management

• Develops effective plans and procedures for the efficient operation of the department.

• Creates department forecasts.

• Participates in the preparation of annual strategic plans in support of overall company objectives.

• Implements tactical plans that drive measurable process improvements.

• Analyzes industry and regulatory trends and suggests appropriate activities in response.

• Enforce customer specifications to support allocation of the Right Product to the Right Customer.

• Provides guidance on inspections, inventory management, and reporting

• Manages the application of inventory rotation and secondary inspection.

• Oversees product data integrity (e.g., product quality and condition, inventory aging, manufacturing, and reconditioning activities) is entered and maintained within databases.

• QA advocate that will ensure brand standards are met and exceeded.

Team Leadership & Management

• Monitor, communicate with and lead both third party QA personnel as well as company QA personnel.

• Monitors QC team activities and performance to ensure achievement of departmental goals.

• Owns and is accountable to setting objectives, coaching and performance results of the QC team.

• Evaluates and directs the day-to-day activities of the team to include planning, organizing, and assigning work, and develops and communicates strategies and goals.

• Coaches, trains, and motivates QC team in developing new processes, optimizing existing ones, and implementing strategies to achieve budgets, goals, and operating efficiencies.

• Advises staff of formal policies and procedures. Manages all human resources-related actions in accordance with Company policies and procedures.

• Completes performance reviews and provides ongoing performance coaching and training and development to team members.

• Conducts new-hire onboarding and training activities to ensure successful team and organizational integration.

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities

• Ability to openly communicate and effectively work through competing priorities.

• Proactively and systematically addresses problems and sees them through resolution.

• Ability to work in both in a team setting as well as independently to meet deadlines.

• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office applications and inventory management systems.

• Team Player, assertive, friendly, and effective leadership skills required.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Excellent time management skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to effectively work through conflict and address issues.

• Ability to adapt and function effectively in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.

• Strong knowledge of USDA standards for melons.

• Strong working knowledge of USDA Grade Standards for Fresh Fruits

• Strong working knowledge of USDA Import Requirements for Fresh Fruits

• Strong working knowledge of Labeling Requirements for USDA - North America commercial distribution

• Strong working knowledge of customer packaging and labeling requirements

• Working knowledge of Canadian Import Requirements.

• Working knowledge of the roles and responsibilities for CBP, PPQ, FDA, and Customs Brokers

• Working knowledge and application of FSMA standards.

• Fact-based decision-making ability.

• Flexible and open to new ways of doing things.

• Ability to be on-call and work extended days and/or weekends.

Education / Experience / Certifications

• Bachelors or foreign equivalent degree, in Agriculture Engineering or closely related degree from an accredited institution.

• 3 years of working experience in import requirements from regulatory divisions of USDA, PPQ, CBP, and FDA as related to fresh fruit Import requirements and regulations.

• 1 year of working experience with Food Safety standards based on FSMA and 3rd Party Audits (Primus).

• Bi-lingual Spanish (preferred)

• 3 years management experience in Quality Inspections and program controls in the produce industry.

• 3 years of experience leading and managing a Quality Control Department/Operation and employees.

Travel

• Ability to travel for extended periods of time.

Physical Requirements and Working Environment

• Work in an office environment with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, speaking on the phone, and working on a computer.

• Must be able to occasionally lift 45 pounds and work in cold 32-degree cold temperature environments.

*Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for this job.