Sr Supervisor, QA

POSITION TITLE: Quality Operations Supervisor

REPORTING TO: Senior Quality Assurance Manager

LOCATION: St Albans, VT

ABOUT THE COMPANY:

The Zurich-based Barry Callebaut Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products – from the origination and processing cocoa beans to producing the finest chocolates, including chocolate fillings, decorations, and compounds. The Group runs more than 59 production facilities worldwide selling in 140 countries and employs a diverse and dedicated global workforce of over 11,500 people.
The Barry Callebaut Group serves the entire food industry, from industrial food manufacturers to artisanal and professional users of chocolate, such as chocolatiers, pastry chefs, bakers, hotels, restaurants, and caterers.

SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Quality Operations Supervisor is an integral member of the site team and is responsible for the daily tasks of the Quality department including maintaining quality assurance programs as per Company Policies & Procedures and ensuring that all production shift runs smoothly and meet the required quality standards. This role involves developing and implementing quality control procedures, conducting audits, and managing a team of quality assurance professionals. The Supervisor will collaborate with other departments to uphold product integrity and compliance with industry regulations. This role is also responsible for the day-to-day management of the laboratory, including supervising staff, managing resources, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and overseeing experimental protocols.

Key Responsibilities:

The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and that additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time; or the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Direct oversight of the daily work activities of the Quality staff including laboratory staff
• Directly interact with internal departments and other functional areas to facilitate QA operations
• Oversee daily laboratory operations, inventory and ensure adherence to safety and quality standards.
• Participate in third party and internal audits as assigned (FSSC, Customer, and Regulatory)
• Oversight of the analytical testing program and micro releases
• Manage sensory program, releases and training
• Manage customer requirements for retail business
• Completion of CAPA reports for critical customer complaints.
• Train Quality/Lab staff according to BC protocol in quality, analytical, sensory micro and food safety test procedures and methods, conduct performance evaluations
• Oversee daily quality control activities, ensuring adherence to GWP and regulations.
• Conduct regular internal audits and inspections across departments
• Analyze quality data and prepare reports to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with all departments to address quality concerns/issues.
• Manage non-conformance and corrective action processes, ensuring timely resolutions for non-conforming and block products
• Responsible for incoming material checks and Production compliance
• Responsible for maintaining relevant container & Tanker inspection procedures & Practices.
• Develop and implement laboratory protocols and procedures to improve efficiency and productivity.
• Manage laboratory budgets, supplies, and inventory, ensuring availability of necessary materials.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and maintain accurate records.
• Coordinate with other departments and stakeholders to support research and project goals.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues within the laboratory.
• PCQI certified and work with the QA Manager to oversee the requirements of FSMA and product releases
• Know and understand thoroughly the laboratory instrumentation and equipment including calibration and preventive maintenance
• Ensure data is entered into the Quality Module of SAP accurately and in a timely manner
• Oversee analytical sensory testing, review results and communicate non conformances, maintain appropriate Non-Conformance logs
• Submit reports to QA Manager: First time quality, KPI, Food Safety, GMP, Internal Audits as required
• Oversee plant-wide training as well as specific plant employee training as it pertains to principles of Food Safety, Laboratory Safety and Quality Systems.
• Perform projects and special requests as assigned (site committees, continuous improvement)
• Build and maintain quality systems
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry standards
• Hire Quality staff as needed
• Serve as acting QA Manager in the absence of the Senior Quality Manager

About You: 

The Quality Operations Supervisor must be able to communicate and interact with all levels of personnel and assimilate pertinent information and data. The Supervisor must possess the ability to manage multiple activities as well as urgent requests in a professional and timely manner.
Excellent understanding of principles of Food Safety, Laboratory Safety and Quality Assurance and Control with ability to train fellow employees and facilitate plant wide programs.
• BA/BS degree (Food Science, Microbiology, Biology, preferred)
• Minimum 5-7 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment
• Minimum 2-3 years’ of experience in a quality leadership position
• Exposure to and experience with ISO, GFSI (BRC/SQF), Kosher, regulatory
• Know and understand Food Safety Principles: HACCP, GMPs, and Allergens etc.
• Know and understand Laboratory Testing Techniques, Methodologies, Safety Principles and GLPs
• Know and understand Principles of Food Microbiology
• Know and understand Quality Assurance and Control principles as they relate to the daily QA activities
• Strong leadership, organizational skills, and a deep understanding of laboratory practices and procedures.
• 25% of time to be spent on the shop floor for coaching & training for staff, focus on Quality Culture and other critical areas
• Advanced and creative problem solving skills, analytical ability, continuous improvement mindset.
• Capacity to manage change and improve efficiency in the organization
• Ability to adhere to GMPs and all other food safety requirements
• High level of computer competency (SAP, Microsoft Office)
● Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Able to explain complex concepts to non-technical audiences in presentations, reports, verbally, etc.
• Be able to present to an audience
• Flexibility in working hours and on call as we are a 24/7 facility
• Twist, stretch, reach overhead, frequently
• Able to stand/sit for long periods of time
• Able to walk up and down stairs
• Must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures inside and outside the facility
• Noise level can exceed .85 decibels
• Ability to use computer screens, mouse, keyboards, phones, copiers, general office equipment

What you can expect from Barry Callebaut:

● Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including relocation assistance
● 12 paid holidays, generous PTO, plus your birthday off
● Environment that welcomes workplace flexibility
● An atmosphere where diversity is embraced, and inclusivity is second nature. We call it #OneBC! Just ask our champions with the Americas Women’s Forum and the Racial Equality Forum!
● Ability to grow personally and professionally within an organization that values development and internal career growth
● Be part of our mission in making sustainability the norm through Forever Chocolate with priorities centered around prospering farmers, zero child labor, carbon and forest positive, and creating 100% sustainable ingredients in all of our products.