POSITION SUMMARY:

The Quality Assurance Manager participates in managing the National Quality Management System to ensure product safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. They provide guidance on QA issues, support continuous improvement programs, and ensure national quality and product safety objectives are met. The role involves leading cross-functional teams to implement new QA programs, coaching QA staff, and obtaining and maintaining certifications. They also manage quality metrics, customer feedback, and conduct root cause analysis investigations. Additionally, they coordinate internal and external audits, vendor qualifications, represent QA on cross-functional teams, and stay updated on industry’s best practices and regulatory requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists in the development, implementation, management, and tracking of the Quality Management System program, including systems, standards, procedures, measures and tools to assure product safety, quality, facility sanitation and ensures applicable certification and regulatory requirements are met.
• Provides effective guidance and subject matter expertise on various QA issues with appropriate awareness and knowledge of Quality Assurance standards, program updates and process changes to assist internal and external parties with matter of compliance or audit inquiries.
• Supports, and complies with all quality management systems, continuous improvement programs, product safety plans, employee safety, preventative maintenance programs, and regulations.
• Follows company project management process ensure that national quality and product safety requirements and objectives are adequately met.
• Leads cross-functional project teams and/or sub-teams that develop and implement new QA programs and procedure improvements.
• Collaborates cross functionally and globally to create alignment of QA programs across the company and represents national quality assurance on company-wide cross-functional teams.
• Manage the quality function by providing leadership and guidance for site operations and quality team members proper coaching, training and counseling.
• Develop and manage the Training program to ensure uniform interpretation and application of standard and procedures for cultivation, manufacturing, sanitation, pest control, and disposition of ingredients or finished products.
• Manages and analyzes national quality metrics, customer feedback, and emerging product trends.
• Supports root cause analysis investigations related to materials and product cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution.
• Assist in monitoring the results of raw material, in-process product, and finished product testing.
• Support transition from R&D to commercial manufacturing.
• Ensures local sites obtain and maintain applicable certification.
• Coordinates audit schedules and performs internal audits, external audits, and vendor qualifications.
• Leads the national quality assurance and product safety program and related regulatory, certifying body, and customer inspections and/ or audits.
• Stays up to date and builds expertise in product safety best practices, public health regulations and industry best practices.
• Travel Requirements: Up to 50%.
• Perform other duties as assigned

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Relevant degree such as Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Science, Education, Chemistry, Microbiology, Engineering, Technical, Management, Business, Biology, Technology.
• 7+ years of Experience in a Quality Management position within the Cannabis, Food, Pharmaceutical, and/or Nutraceutical industry.
• Previous supervision of QC/QA department and staff.
• Previous experience in developing or managing training programs.
• Deep understanding of Food Safety and Quality Management Systems.
• Supervise Quality Control Technicians and food safety monitors.
• Understanding of QA KPIs.
• Experience managing regulatory and customer visit and/ or audits.
• Experience in managing Quality using eQMS and/or LIMS systems.
• Ability to apply sound technical and business principles and practices to project and change management processes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• ASQ CQA, CSQ, HACCP, SQF Practitioner certifications preferred but not required.