Regional QA Manager, Co-Pack Operations

This position will be located our of a home office when not traveling. An ideal candidate would have a home office location in the Eastern United States.

SunOpta Inc. (Nasdaq: STKL) is an operator of high-growth ethical businesses, focusing on integrated business models in the natural and organic food markets. The Company has three business units: the SunOpta Food Group, which specializes in sourcing, processing and distribution of natural and organic food products integrated from seed through packaged products; the SunOpta Minerals Group, a producer, distributor, and recycler of environmentally friendly industrial materials; and the SunOpta BioProcess Group which engineers and markets proprietary steam explosion technology systems for the pulp, bio-fuel and food processing industries. Each of these business units has proprietary products and services that give it a solid competitive advantage in its sector.

We offer:
Competitive SalaryBonus PlanHealthy Benefit Plan (Medical, Dental and Vision)Matching 401KEmployee Stock Purchase Program
Job Overview:
The location of this position is negotiable, with the majority of travel on the East Coast. Preferrably the selected candidate would work from a home location in the Eastern US.
50-75% required travel. The location of this position is negotiable. We have operations throughout the US.Oversee, direct and manage the Quality Assurance function, working with other members of the management team, to ensure highly disciplined compliance with all product and process quality parameters and standards for SunOpta co-pack partners.  Ensure highly disciplined compliance with all regulatory and Company defined food safety and sanitation standards, systems, procedures and practices in order to guarantee absolute wholesomeness of product.   Monitor HACCP plans and SSOP’s as the process and/or regulations change and initiate improvements and upgrades at co-pack partners. Develop product and process specifications for all finished goods. Monitor incoming shipments of product and product processing to ensure compliance.  Maintain accurate and up-to-date regulatory, food safety and quality documentation for the qualification and maintenance of new and incumbent co-pack partners.  Work closely with Co-pack auditor in the development, execution and tracking of partner corrective action plans that drive improved compliance, continuous improvement, and increased performance and efficiencies.Develop KPIs, track and report the partner performance to the Quality team and management of SunOpta. Ensures that program and system implementation internally, and externally allows for solid traceability of all products produced and shipped.Works cooperatively with all Quality team members in the implementation and execution of cohesive and consistent expectations and programs.
Requirements:
The successful candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree (BS) in food science or biological sciences. Other technical degree may be considered. Prior QA management experience (4-6 years) with beverage or other food products and knowledge of Microbiology, Food Manufacturing processes, HACCP, and Organic (USDA NOP) requirements.The individual will also possess strong analytical and problem solving skills. Person must have sound administrative and computer skills.Critical thinking, and the ability to articulate verbally and written to all levels of management are essential.Person must be self-directed, assertive and possess the maturity commensurate with being an effective manager.Have the ability to travel 50% or more with little notice.