Quality Assurance Manager

Company: Blommer Chocolate Company
Location: Chicago
Posted on: February 2, 2025

Job Description:

Chicago-Merchandise MartBlommer Chocolate Company (Headquarters)222 Merchandise Mart PlazaSuite 120Chicago, IL 60654, USABlommer has been providing delicious, high-quality chocolate and cocoa products to customers since 1939. Built as a family business, we are continuing to grow and are looking for motivated and reliable associates to help in our mission of Bringing Chocolate to Life!Position Title: Quality Assurance ManagerReports to: Corporate Quality ManagerPay Range: $135,000- $145,000 annually, Bonus EligibleEssential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain accurate information and testing equipment for the facility
• Ensure laboratory technicians meet production needs, maintaining proper flow of product and raw materials
• Verify in-process and finished product samples are pulled, prepared and sent to external laboratory for analysis
• Notify production immediately if product is out of specification; work closely with production to resolve issues and identify acceptable use of product
• Perform internal audits in conformance with Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) and other quality procedures and customer requirements
• Conduct quarterly internal inspections to validate compliance in operations, storage and manufacturing of quality procedures and policies
• Accompany external auditors onsite for inspections at the plant
• Ensure all required products are included in scheduled sensory tasting sessions
• Update training and testing methods as necessary, ensure operators are effectively trained and documentation is properly retained
• Ensure effective operation of all laboratory equipment
• Effectively communicate technical quality information that allows the customer to take appropriate actions
• Validate customer complaints, concerns or issues; coordinate with Quality Assurance, production, R&D, customer service, sales to evaluate and determine appropriate course of action
• Support Quality Assurance in the effective response to customer complaints; as requested work with customers to provide a satisfactory corrective action
• Ongoing development of Quality Control staff to meet the current and future needs of the organization
• Drive the organizational culture of quality at the location
• Provide leadership for quality control staff through effective communication, coaching, training and development
• Define future state, set departmental goals, communicate goals with staff, and gain support and commitment
• Measure staff against core values and ensure commitment and accountability
• Manage defined Key Performance Indicators (KPI's)
• Identify areas of need for hiring and cross-training to ensure qualified employees available on each shift
• Communicate and ensure compliance with Blommer established policies and procedures
• Operate within the Blommer core values of respect and care for othersEducation:
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in related field; food science preferredSkills and Work Experience Requirements:
    • 7+ years managerial experience in food manufacturing or laboratory environment
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
    • HACCP and Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) audit experience preferred
    • Demonstrated team leadership experience
    • Strong organizational skills
    • Must be able to taste and consume chocolate and related products
    • Proficient computer skills with Microsoft Office suite, and familiarity with warehouse and laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and enterprise resource management systems (ERP)
    • Expected to identify, communicate/escalate and problem-solve as issues ariseNote: The employer reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position.Blommer Chocolate Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
      #J-18808-Ljbffr

Keywords: Blommer Chocolate Company, Schaumburg , Quality Assurance Manager, Executive , Chicago, Illinois