Assistant Quality Assurance Manager

Description

Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200+ local family farms, is one of America’s largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms®, Bison®, Milk for Life®, and Intense Milk®. Here, you’ll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day.

Job Summary

The Assistant Quality Assurance Manager supports the Quality Assurance Manager in overseeing plant-wide Quality Assurance activities to ensure compliance with Upstate Niagara Cooperative Inc. standards and regulatory requirements. The role involves managing Good Sanitation Practices (GSP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), auditing processes, maintaining regulatory compliance, and overseeing laboratory and sanitation practices. Responsible for overall direction, coordination and evaluation of this unit. Management of the unit and supervision of employees are critical responsibilities. This position also plays a key role on the Food Safety team and serves as a representative of Corporate Quality Assurance at the plant level.

Shift Details

• Schedule: Monday through Friday, 1st Shift

• Overnight Coverage: Required approximately twice per month (11:00 PM - 8:00 AM)

• Flexibility: Hours may vary based on business needs and operational demands.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Plan & Compliance Management

• Collaborate with QA Manager and Plant Management to develop and implement a Plant Quality Plan including GMP.

• Define and communicate the role of quality across the facility to promote continuous improvement.

• Review and audit manufacturing procedures, ensuring compliance with established protocols.

• Identify nonconformances and lead corrective action initiatives.

• Maintain regulatory compliance with federal and state requirements.

• Act as plant liaison during inspections and audits.

GMP & Sanitation Oversight and Guidance

• Maintain, update, and enforce GMP guidelines.

• Validate sanitation practices and conduct regular audits.

• Evaluate new sanitation techniques and products.

• Assist sanitation department by conducting visual inspections and verifying effectiveness of CIP systems

• Provide coaching and guidance to sanitation supervisor and technicians performing sanitation duties.

Product Quality & Documentation

• Maintain and review product specifications.

• Implement systems to manage product release, hold, and disposition procedures.

• Collect, review, and file food safety and quality records according to document control standards.

• Prepare customer Certificates of Analysis.

• Collaborate with production to assess incoming raw materials and goods.

• Work with purchasing to establish quality standards with vendors.

• Support the implementation and maintenance of the SQF program.

• Address nonconformances related to quality and food safety promptly.

Management and Supervision

• Manage all plant quality control personnel to assure compliance with both UNC policies and regulatory requirements

• Develop and monitor training programs for Operations, Sanitation, and Quality staff.

• Interview, hire, and train employees and appraise employee performance

• Plan, assign and direct work; address complaints and resolve issues.

Laboratory & Testing Operations

• Supervise lab activities and staff, ensuring appropriate training and scheduling.

• Perform laboratory analyses and maintain calibration of testing equipment.

• Purchase lab supplies and oversee lab-related data entry and record keeping.

• Provide coaching and guidance to lab technicians for continuous improvement.

• Prepare and manage customer and regulatory sampling requirements.

• Ensure timely and accurate documentation of all testing and quality control results.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in food, dairy or natural sciences, microbiology, biology, or a related scientific field preferred. Associates degree with 5-7 years related experience and/or training may be considered

Experience

• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in food manufacturing or quality assurance.

• Prior experience with regulatory audits and food safety programs (e.g., SQF) preferred.

• Demonstrated excellent management and supervisory experience

Skills

• Strong knowledge of GMP, GSP, and food safety regulations.

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Proficient in data entry, documentation, and laboratory testing procedures

• Effective verbal and written communication abilities.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and quality systems software.

Competencies

• Attention to detail and commitment to quality standards.

• Ability to lead and train cross-functional teams.

• Adaptability in a fast-paced, regulated manufacturing environment.

• Collaborative mindset with strong decision-making capabilities.

• Integrity and confidentiality in managing sensitive quality data.

Working Conditions (Physical demands)

• Willing to work off shifts to support the cleaning & sanitation program.

• Willing to travel to UNC facilities to support the development of food safety and quality programs and support third party audits

Pay: $80.8K-$105K/yr.*

*The salary range indicated in this posting represents the minimum and maximum of the salary range for this position. Actual salary will vary depending on factors including, but not limited to, budget available, prior experience, knowledge, skill and education as they relate to the position’s qualifications, in addition to internal equity. The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.