**Description** Principle Responsibilities: + Meet and exceed quality and food safety goals set forth by plant management by leveraging advance engineering skillsets + Coordinates the activities of the Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) team for implementation of quality and food safety programs (HACCP and SSOP) and procedures + Conducts investigations of plant Quality Assurance and Food Safety processes and suggests process improvements projects and tasks that to be completed + Participates in Operational Excellence project, meeting project team no less than twice per year + Look for continuous improvement in operating processes and procedures and encourages hourly team member’s ownership of all processes + Conduct microbial R&D testing. + Responsible for minimizing customer claims through engineering controls + Monitors product and procedures to assure company, customer and government specifications are met or surpassed and make corrective action + Coordinate and supervise pre-operation sanitation, examining and verifying the cleanliness and sanitation of equipment and facilities daily + Improve employee safety by identifying hazards and problem shooting solutions + Manages labor to a zero budget + Proactively looks for ways to reduce cost through the elimination of foreign material + Completes daily production plans by scheduling and assigning employees; accomplishing work results; prioritizing; monitoring progress; revising schedules; resolving problems; reporting results on end of shift production summaries + Manages hourly employee’s timecards and vacation requests, ensuring accurate pay + Increases employee retention and maintains good working relationships with Production Supervision, USDA (meat), and all employees + Ensures food safety, human resources, and safety policies compliance by all production employees + Resolve problems and issues with products and employees as they arise + Communicate frequently with USDA inspectors regarding product, employees, safety, etc. + Ensure compliance to HACCP plan for all products + Establish and maintain shelf-life requirements, finished product specifications, leaker testing, formulation weights, temperatures, and other necessary standards + Direct, motivate, and monitor Q.A. employees. Conduct interviews and hire new employees; evaluate performance of current employees + Conduct sampling of finished product and raw materials for bacteria + Monitor and ensure proper procedures, safety, and cleanliness of production employees + Ensure completion of all QA duties + Test new equipment for quality aspects + Other assigned duties Working Conditions: + Production setting + Exposure to various chemicals, machinery and knives + Slippery floors, extreme temperatures and loud noises + High level of interaction with other departments and employees + 40+ hours per week, occasionally on weekends Requirements: Education: Bachelor’s Degree in related field preferred (Food Science, Meat Science, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology Engineering, Food engineer, or related field) Experience: Extensive knowledge and technical skill in a variety of QA and production jobs, and in supervisory positions. Special Skills: + Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully, both written and verbally + Bilingual skills preferred + Capable of independent decision making + Ability to manage multiple priorities + Excellent conflict resolution skills + Demonstrates integrity and fairness + Able to quickly and effectively adapt to new and changing situations + Desire for continuous improvement + Shows compassion towards and has an interest in others + Basic computer knowledge required + Good organizational skills + Able to work assigned hours/days, including occasional weekends as required + Good attendance and safety records The applicant who fills this position will be eligible for the following compensation and benefits: + Benefits: Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment; + Paid Time off: sick leave, vacation and 6 company observed holidays; + 401(k): eligible after the 1st day of employment including company match which begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule + Base salary range of **$58,800- $68,000** + This position is eligible to participate in the Company’s annual bonus plan; the amount of bonus varies and is subject to the standard terms and conditions of the incentive program; The company is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our team members and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct a drug, alcohol and background checks for all new team members post-offer and prior to the start of employment. The Immigration Reform and Control ACT requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work. **EOE/VET/Disabled**