Manager, QA Product - Food Scientist

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Job description

We are looking for a strong Quality Assurance Product Manager to manage assigned food categories. This individual will develop specifications, manage products for compliance to specification, and commercialize new products in a cross functional environment. This role will work closely with the Quality Assurance team, cross-functional team, suppliers, distribution and must have strong communication, the ability to multi-task, organize and display strong ability to collaborate in order to help the franchisees deliver the best guest experience.
Responsibilities

• Manages and participates in ongoing QA efforts in at least one major food supply category including supplier communication, product auditing, continuous improvement initiatives, product optimization and/or alignment, and commercialization of new products cross functionally
• Manages and drives complaint resolution including investigation, troubleshooting, collaboration with the supplier and proper documentation
• Provides technical expertise for new product development including specifications, labels, microbiological testing, formulas, and shelf life
• Ensures all products are acceptable (food safety and food quality) for testing and/or launch
• Manages suppliers to assure that quality and food safety initiatives are met on a continual basis
• Drives alternate suppliers approval including product development through completion of specifications and communication to internal clients of approval/disapproval of products
• Conducts food quality and process audits; analyzes data, develops and presents recommendations to correct compliance issues and to facilitate continuous improvement
• Manages sensory testing, process modification, specification alignment and/or development efforts as required to develop supply source and foster continuous improvement
• Is the technical resource to both brand's Culinary teams
• Works cross-functionally with the internal Quality Assurance team, Brand Culinary, Training, Marketing and Strategic Operations teams as well as the suppliers
• May manage and provide direction to a direct report
  

Skills & Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline including food science, microbiology, chemistry or meat science, or equivalent professional experience
• 5+ years' experience in manufacturing or a chain QSR/CDR concept
• Experience working with protein (e.g Beef, Poultry, Pork, Seafood)
• Strong working knowledge of HACCP, auditing principles, and process control
• Proficiency in food testing protocols, methodologies and food microbiology
• Demonstrated experience in specification development and implementation
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Excellent project management skills; ability to manage multiple projects of moderate to complex scope
• Excellent communication skills; demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with business leaders
• Ability to develop creative solutions to problems and to seek alternatives, new ideas, and or approaches to problems
• Strong intrapersonal skills and demonstrated success within a cross functional environment