Regional FSQ Manager

Job Summary:

SunOpta is seeking a Regional FSQ Manager for the SunOpta Corporate team.

The Regional FSQ Manager is responsible for managing, developing, and ensuring the plant FSQ Managers are equipped to meet/exceed all regulatory and Food Safety and Quality requirements, customer expectations, and compliance to all GFSI standards.

The position will actively manage and mentor Food Safety/Quality personnel in the SunOpta Manufacturing network and will support initiatives to improve plant performance against SunOpta food safety and quality measures resulting in reduced non-conforming product/customer complaints., be a member of the Manufacturing FSQ leadership team, and act as a primary liaison with Corporate FSQ, customers, and external regulatory agencies.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Leads with integrity, respect, teamwork, and equity in all aspects of the job including dealing with employees, customers, suppliers, and regulatory agencies.
• Provide proactive guidance to assure that adequate controls, programs, and organizational structure is in place to comply with all Food Safety, Regulatory, customer, and GFSI requirements.
• Coach and mentor Food Safety and Quality SOP’s, Food Safety Plan/HACCP, GMP’s, Pest Prevention, Allergen Control, Environmental Monitoring Plan, Good Laboratory Practices, Traceability, Recall, as well as other food safety/quality programs as applicable.
• Oversee Environmental Monitoring Plan and ensure appropriate activities occur, results are reported in a timely manner and direct any escalation tasks as appropriate.
• Coach, mentor, and train Sr/FSQ Plant teams to ensure individual goals are understood and that robust development plans are in place. 
• Provide technical expertise to Manufacturing plant teams inclusive of regulatory, quality and food safety, and continuous process improvement.
• Stay current with all key regulatory and certifying agency guidelines. Ensure factories maintain all certifications needed to manage customer needs, e.g. SQF, Kosher, Halal, Organic, etc.
• Provide oversight for all product/equipment/line commercialization including updates to Food Safety and Quality programs.

• Leads plant FSQ teams in the development, execution and tracking of corrective action plans that drive improved compliance, continuous improvement, and increased performance efficiencies
• Oversee evaluation, investigation, and resolution of customer/consumer product quality issues and reporting to Corporate FSQ team.
• Ensure all food safety and quality related information required for regulatory reviews and reporting is maintained by the plant.

• Escalate critical gaps to management and at times corporate partners
• All other duties, as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Directly manages FSQ Managers of multiple sites within SunOpta Manufacturing network
• Responsible for the overall support, coordination, and evaluation of all FSQ staff.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Food Science/Technology, or related field.
• 8-10 years of experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of 5 years in a FSQ leadership role.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Aseptic manufacturing experience.
• Experience with Oracle.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office – Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Candidate must possess a strong working knowledge of Food Safety, i.e.: development/maintenance of Food Safety Plans/HACCP, FSMA requirements, GMP’s, sanitary design and controls, local/state/federal food regulations and food technology.
• Experience leading Design/Installation/Production Qualification (DQ/IQ/PQ) processes.
• Outstanding verbal, written, multi-tasking and presentation skills. 
• Ability to create momentum and foster organizational change. 

Additional Considerations:

• Travel Expectation: 50-70%, flexibility to travel on short notice
• Location: This role will be based at the SunOpta Corporate office facility in Eden Prairie, MN; however, there is also potential for also working out of one of our Plants in Niagara or Allentown.
• Work Environment: Approximately 60% of work is performed in an office environment; 40% of work involves being in manufacturing / production environment.
• Relocation will not be considered.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.