Foremost Farms USA is one of the largest, leading dairy cooperatives in the United States and major dairy food and ingredients manufacturing business. We represent hundreds of Midwest dairy farmer members located in seven Midwest states, and we produce about 500 million pounds of cheese and 50 million pounds of butter in plants across our network every year. "We Bring Dairy to Life" in seven manufacturing plants across Wisconsin and Michigan and in our headquarters in Middleton (Madison), Wisconsin; and we’re looking for employees who are innovative and aim for excellence in our wide variety of production, field and business roles. Join us!
JOB TITLE: Quality Control Supervisor
POSITION TYPE: Full time
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
Monday - Friday, 5:00AM - 2:00PM
- Every 3rd weekend required to be on call for facility needs or emergencies. This may require physical presence at the facility. Time off will be given to employee following on-call weekend, as necessary.
Position Overview:
The Quality Control Supervisor assists in the development, implementation and monitoring of the plant quality programs and procedures to ensure compliance with corporate policies, regulatory and customer requirements.
Key Accountabilities:
Evaluates processes and methods and recommends measures to improve quality, equipment performance, utilization of people, and quality of product.
Assists in developing and maintaining current FSQA programs to ensure compliance with regulatory and internal standards.
Prepares and administers training for plant employees and management with respect to GMP’s, allergens, food safety, quality systems, record keeping, and other key quality elements.
Ensures timely and accurate monitoring and/or verifying of control points and that required documentation is completed. This includes Critical Control Points (CCPs), Preventive Controls (PCs), Critical Quality Points (CQPs), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), and Food Safety Plans.
Performs pre-shipment reviews and release of finished product.
Provides support to sanitation and/or production staff to ensure adherence to the master sanitation program(s) (MSS).
Oversees and coordinates activities of the environmental monitoring programs.
Provides support to the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager and plant management to ensure consistency and maintenance of high-quality products, proper food safety and quality performance.
Identifies and coordinates the resolution of production related quality issues.
Investigates root cause and implements corrective actions for customer complaints and out of spec products including downgrades and reclassifications.
Reviews and reports quality metrics in cross-functional meetings. Provides support in implementing process improvements.
Acts as a technical resource to address and resolve inquiries and issues regarding production or quality and assists with problem solving process.
Participates in cross-functional teams to ensure the continuous, on-going improvement of processes, methods, productivity, GMPs, and quality while reducing costs.
Performs trace exercises/mock recalls on all materials (packaging, raw ingredients, finished products).
Leads the sensory and retain programs including finished product and raw ingredient evaluations, and product functionality and organoleptic assessments.
Serves as the backup to the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager, Laboratory Supervisor, and/or Laboratory Technicians.
Participates in internal, customer and regulatory agency visits and audits, including accompanying visitors and accommodating their requests.
Maintains the SQF certification and compliance of the plant, laboratory, testing equipment and laboratory technicians as needed.
Maintains SQF Practitioner, PCQI, and other certifications as needed with responsibility for food safety and quality at the plant.
Performs final review of FSMA and regulatory documents as the Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI).
Performs internal food safety and quality audits in accordance with the SQF program to ensure compliance with company standards.
This role is accountable for ensuring that monitoring and/or verifying of control points occurs and that the required documentation is completed. For example, Critical Control Points(CCP), Preventive Controls(PC), Critical Quality Points(CQP), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points(HACCP), and Safe Quality Food(SQF) plans. This is not an all-inclusive list.
Minimum Qualifications:
3-5 years of experience in dairy or food manufacturing in quality, food safety, food facility auditing or related discipline.
Strong attention to detail and the ability to work accurately and efficiently.
Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to successfully interact and communicate with internal cross-functional teams, and all organizational levels.
Preferred Qualifications:
Associate degree in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science or related field of study, or equivalent experience.
Experience in QA/QC or laboratory in a food manufacturing environment.
General knowledge of GMPs, quality systems and/or good laboratory practices.
HACCP Certified, PCQI, SQF Practitioner (preferred but not required).
Comprehensive knowledge of HACCP and FDA food safety regulations.
Job Setting: Plant Based
Benefits:
At Foremost Farms, we believe that you and your family matter most. That’s why we’re proud to offer one of the most comprehensive and competitive benefits packages in the area — designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance.
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Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – Flexible coverage with options to meet the needs of you and your family
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401(k) Retirement Plan – 100% company match on up to 8% of your contributions
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Generous Paid Time Off – Start with 200 hours of PTO (pro-rated for first year)
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10 Paid Holidays – Enjoy time to rest and recharge
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Paid Parental Leave – 6 weeks fully paid
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Health Savings Account (HSA) – when you elect the high-deductible health plan
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Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) – Save for medical and dependent care expenses
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Life and Disability Insurance – Financial protection for you and your loved ones
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Daily Pay Option – Access your earnings when you need them
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Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential support for life’s challenges
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Referral Program – Earn rewards for bringing great people to our team
Don’t meet every single requirement? At Foremost Farms we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
