Kemps is a farmer-owned brand of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a dairy marketing cooperative owned by more than 12,500 family farmers. Since 1914, Kemps has provided families with fresh, delicious dairy products, fresh milk, frozen yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese and frozen novelty treats.

By joining Kemps, you can help us continue to make a difference that matters. We care deeply about the well-being of our neighbors and friends, and we celebrate the diversity of our company and our world. It takes an incredible team to deliver the goodness of dairy and enrich our communities – come join us!

We are currently seeking a Quality Assurance Manager at our cultured products plant in Rockford, IL. In this role you will plan, direct, and control all activities for the Quality function within the plant.

BENEFITS:

• Health and Welfare benefits begin 1st of the month after start date
• 401(k) with company contribution – 100% vested at day one of eligibility
• Competitive pay
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Career growth opportunities – we promote from within!
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits
• Service recognition and employee rewards
• Employee referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Work for dairy farm families

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Implement and maintain DFA Dairy Brand food safety & quality assurance programs. Develop and lead implementation of technical plans, clearly defining the critical issues and approach to be used in resolving food safety issues.
• Ensure that the facility and products meet and maintain all required company, customer and regulatory guidelines.
• Lead and participate in all regulatory, third party and customer audits and inspections. Seek to establish constructive working relationships with inspectors and auditors.
• Maintain SQF systems throughout the facility.
• Monitor plant sanitation and good manufacturing practices daily so that high standards of sanitation are maintained. Work with Plant Manager or designate to resolve issues.
• Evaluate daily production samples to ensure that products meet DFA Dairy Brands food safety & quality standards.
• Lead consumer and customer complaint follow-up process for the facility.
• Monitor incoming raw materials to ensure that they meet DFA Dairy Brands specifications and work with suppliers and corporate purchasing department for issue resolution.
• Conduct monthly plant and warehouse inspections.
• Train and supervise laboratory personnel and laboratory testing to ensure quality standards are maintained.
• Keep Director of Quality Assurance informed of activities that may require his/her attention.
• Coach and partner with direct reports to effectively manage performance. Provide on-going performance feedback following DFA Dairy Brands Performance Management process. Actively work with direct reports to cultivate capabilities and utilize strengths.
• Responsible for preparation and/or review of SOP's and SSOP's that support the plant food safety and quality systems.
• Perform other responsibilities as determined by business needs.

• Bachelor of Science in Food Science, Dairy Science, or related curriculum.
• Minimum of 5 years' quality assurance and manufacturing experience in the food or dairy industry with at least 2 of those years in a management role. Dairy manufacturing experience preferred.
• PCQI and HACCP Certifications
• Knowledge of Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO), state and federal regulations is preferred
• Advanced knowledge of quality assurance processes and methods, preferably in a dairy or food industry setting.
• Familiarity with dairy manufacturing and microbiology.
• Working knowledge of fundamental quantitative analysis and statistical methods.
• Technical writing skills to create policy documents and audit reports.
• Ability to support, demonstrate, and promote DFA Dairy Brands' Leadership Effectiveness Factors: Establish Trust and Demonstrate Integrity, Set Clear Direction, Grow Relationships, Focus on Results, Cultivate Capabilities, and Promote Innovation.

An Equal Opportunity Employer