Regional FSQ Manager

SunOpta Overview:
SunOpta (Nasdaq: STKL) (TSX: SOY) is an innovative and sustainable manufacturer fueling the future of food. With roots tracing back over 50 years, SunOpta drives growth for today’s leading brands by serving as a trusted innovation partner and value-added manufacturer, crafting organic, plant-based beverages, fruit snacks, nutritional beverages, broths and tea products sold through retail, club, foodservice and e-commerce channels. Alongside the company’s commitment to top brands, retailers and coffee shops, SunOpta also proudly produces its own brands, including SOWN, Dream, and West Life. For more information, visit SunOpta and LinkedIn.

SunOpta is looking for talented individuals that demonstrate our most valued behaviors: Passion, Dedication, Speed, Entrepreneurship, Customer-Centricity, and Problem-Solving, to help create a brighter, healthier, and sustainable future of food!

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:

1. Leads with integrity, respect, teamwork, and equity in all aspects of the job including dealing with employees, customers, suppliers, and regulatory agencies.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Oversee Environmental Monitoring Plan and ensure appropriate activities occur, results are reported in a timely manner and direct any escalation tasks as appropriate.
5. Coach, mentor, and train Sr/FSQ Plant teams to ensure individual goals are understood and that robust development plans are in place.
6. Provide technical expertise to Manufacturing plant teams inclusive of regulatory, quality and food safety, and continuous process improvement.
7. 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.
8. Provide oversight for all product/equipment/line commercialization including updates to Food Safety and Quality programs.
9. Leads plant FSQ teams in the development, execution and tracking of corrective action plans that drive improved compliance, continuous improvement, and increased performance efficiencies.
10. Oversee evaluation, investigation, and resolution of customer/consumer product quality issues and reporting to Corporate FSQ team.
11. Ensure all food safety and quality related information required for regulatory reviews and reporting is maintained by the plant.
12. Escalate critical gaps to management and at times corporate partners.
13. All other duties, as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

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

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Food Science/Technology, or related field.
2. 8-10 years of experience in a food manufacturing environment.
3. Minimum of 5 years in a FSQ leadership role.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Knowledge and Skills:

1. 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.
2. Experience leading Design/Installation/Production Qualification (DQ/IQ/PQ) processes.
3. Outstanding verbal, written, multi-tasking and presentation skills.
4. Ability to create momentum and foster organizational change.

Additional Considerations:

1. Travel Expectation: 50-70%, flexibility to travel on short notice.
2. 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.
3. Work Environment: Approximately 60% of work is performed in an office environment; 40% of work involves being in manufacturing / production environment.
4. 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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED