ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.  Other duties may be assigned as needed.

 

Coordinates all inspection activities on the respective shift, including dispositioning of materials. Conducts and documents investigations as necessary. Oversees and monitors day-to-day operation of assigned area(s) including work flow, management of work in process, job assignments, rotations, etc. to insure smooth flow and efficient production. Implements quality and process improvement initiatives in conjunction with quality and operations personnel. Develops, recommends, and implements systems, processes, activities to improve inspection and sampling productivity on all shifts. Ensures the availability of adequate materials and supplies necessary to conduct sampling and inspections. Conducts cGMP and on-the-job training of QC personnel and operations personnel where applicable. Assists with customer complaint investigations. Conducts internal audits for cGMP compliance. Performs inspections, as necessary.  Provides long term preventative action measures for plant deviations / holds. Assists packaging and processing departments with troubleshooting and resolving daily issues. Coordinates the implementation of rework with production personnel and tracks the status of lots that are on hold status. Reviews and updates departmental standard operating procedure to assure cGMP compliance. Ensures key performance indicators in the quality area are met or exceeded.  Measures productivity on a daily basis, with goal of meeting standards. Supports positive employee relations, fair treatment and respect in all aspects of interaction with employees; address employee concerns/requests in a timely and caring manner; insures all employees and ideas are respected and valued and their unique and diverse perspectives are leveraged to improve business results. Actively engages in the performance of his/her team through setting objectives and measuring performance.  Serves as a coach and mentor to ensure the ongoing development of his/her team. Actively participates in Tier II meetings. Complies with safety and cGMP requirements.

 

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

Supports a culture of safe production and operations; follows all safety procedures.  Responsible for safety performance in their respective area. Responsible for incident investigations, job hazard analyses, risk assessments, Safety Observations, inspections, training, employee involvement, and enforcement of workplace health and safety policies and requirements.  Acts as the primary communicator of safety information in the department.  Encourages employees’ participation in the safety effort.  Fulfills responsibilities as outlined in the company safety management plan.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly supervises QC inspectors on the shift.  Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, training, employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints and resolving problems.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree AND minimum of three years quality control experience in a cGMP environment OR minimum five years’ experience in quality control or food manufacturing or equivalent combination of education and experience.     Minimum three years lead or two years supervisory experience required.  Strong computer skills required, including proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.  Familiarity with the Oracle Applications Suite 11i/Oracle Process Management module desired.  Dietary supplement industry experience preferred.     General understanding of quality concepts involved in food manufacturing and the ability to relate these concepts to any problems that arise.

 

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as product specifications, departmental instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.  Able to communicate and articulate plant and departmental polices and processes with staff.

 

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to apply mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, averages, ratios, proportions, and the metric system to practical situations.

 

COMPENTENCIES 

Safety Awareness - Considers the impact on safety when making decisions and ensures safety is top priority. Acts with Integrity – Demonstrates responsible, ethical and honest behavior and models NOW’s core values. Leads Change and Innovation – Challenges the status quo, embraces technology and process improvements, gathers ideas of others, high level of adaptability. Coaches and Develops Others – Builds teams, develops and cares about team members, values and manages diversity, provides candid and constructive feedback. Communicates Proactively and Effectively – Communicates clearly, candidly, directly and concisely. Keeps others informed and listens carefully to input and feedback.  Strong verbal and written communication skills. Approachable, relates well to others, engages people and helps them understand change, provides feedback, articulates clearly, and actively listens. Customer-Driven – Servant minded leader in which excellent service is provided to all customers, sees business through the eyes of the customer, and acts with the customer in mind. Executes with Excellence – Self-driven, action-oriented, drives for results and motivated to accomplish objectives in a fast-paced environment.    Displays a sense of urgency to meet all business objectives.  Sets clear expectations and acts decisively.  Flexibility – Ability to prioritize and to shift directions as business needs require.  Maintains a positive attitude and high quality workload.    Ability to work a flexible schedule, including off shifts and weekends to support business need.   Leads through Positive Influence – Ability to coach, mentor and train less experienced staff. Ability to lead the work of others. Demonstrates strong character, builds partnerships, takes personal responsibility for developments, acts as role model to others. Problem-Solving – Reacts quickly and appropriately to opportunities and problems and makes sound decisions.  Follows up in a timely manner to issues not immediately resolved.   Strong analytical skills to troubleshoot and resolve issues while driving towards root cause analysis.  Strong decision making, ability to make independent decisions and ability to problem solve complex issues.  Ability to identify multiple solutions and implement the best solution. Quality - Strong attention to detail skills required.   Achieves Results through Teamwork – Open to diverse ideas, works collaboratively, holds self and others accountable, and involves others to accomplish individual and team goals. Time Management - Plans and organizes well, multi-task abilities, stays focused on priorities, visualizes and plans for the future, and executes tasks and projects in a fast-paced environment.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and/or walk throughout the facility; enter information into a computer; ascend and/or descend stairs; use hands to finger, handle, and feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to sit at a desk and use the telephone.   Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to herbal aromas, dust, and/or airborne particles.

 

This position works in all areas of NOW’s manufacturing facilities with direct exposure to ingredients (powders and liquids), mixes (powders and liquids), equipment, and packaging.

 

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud.