Corporate Quality Technical Manager

The ASR Group® family of companies make up the world’s largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar. The companies produce a full line of grocery, industrial, foodservice and specialty sweetener products. Across North America, ASR Group® companies operate five sugar refineries, located in California, Maryland, Louisiana, Canada and Mexico. In Europe, ASR Group® companies operate sugar refineries in the United Kingdom, Portugal, and, with a joint venture partner, Italy. The companies also farm sugarcane and own sugar mills in Mexico and Belize. The ASR Group® portfolio includes the leading brands Domino®, C&H®, Florida Crystals®, Redpath®, Tate & Lyle®, Lyle's®, Sidul® and Whitworths®.  ASR Group® companies also produce and market Tellus®, a single-use, compostable tableware and foodservice product made from plant fibers, including sugarcane.

OVERVIEW

The Corporate Quality Technical Manager is responsible for managing corporate laboratories, including raw sugar and specific products analysis, providing direct support to site operating laboratories through their own actions and those of their team, and providing timely, accurate, and meaningful technical and quality assistance to customers, both internal and external.  The position serves as an interface between quality, production, research, and sales and drives the Corporation’s quality goals and laboratory objectives at all facilities within the organization.

GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE

• Global

REQUIRED EDUCATION & WORK EXPERIENCE

• A formal education in the technical field with a minimum of seven (7) years’ experience working in an industrial manufacturing environment
• Knowledge of Quality Assurance/Control practices and procedures
• Knowledge and understanding of sugar refining and required process aids preferred
• Knowledge statistical analysis (SPC), spreadsheets, and word processing, as well as strong communication, problem resolution and organizational skills
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions
• HACCP and/or related food safety training
• Knowledge of the operation and calibration of laboratory equipment
• Experience in ISO/IEC 17025 implementation and maintenance of accreditation preferred
• Continuous Improvement (CI) knowledge and experience preferred (i.e. Lean Six Sigma, Black/Green/Yellow Belt, 5S, etc.)

PREFERRED EDUCATION & WORK EXPERIENCE

• M.S or B.S in microbiology, biochemistry, food science, or related field

TRAVEL

• 20-40% primarily in North America including short notice travel requests.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages a Corporate Quality laboratory providing technical and analytical services for the Company, to sales, customers, and manufacturing related to all our products including sugarcane molasses and other specialty products.
• Drives standardization of site laboratories through the development of training materials, uniform methods, proficiency testing programs, and on-site auditing.
• Is the subject matter expert for the implementation and maintenance of chemical hygiene plans with company laboratories.
• Establish, maintain, and monitor unique testing for specific customers (i.e. quarterly & annual testing)
• Prepares post-event reports, analyses, and regular status reports on Corporate Quality lab operations and projects
• Coordinate and provide training programs and technical presentations for customers, staff, and sales team related to all our products including sugarcane molasses and other specialty products
• Acts as a technical resource and advisor to company affiliates, subsidiaries, and academia
• Participates in and contributes to Quality Improvement efforts
• Participates in the preparation and maintenance of product formulations and documentation (e.g. specification, nutritional, etc.) for all our products, sugarcane molasses and other specialty products
• Supports SAP Certificate of Analysis (COA) system as a member of COA Support
• Responds to customer inquiries related to COA’s.
• Manages and coordinates the internal auditing of company laboratories and approval of 3rd party laboratories.
• Assist Research & Technology (R&T) and New Product Development (NPD) in both new products or product line extensions from laboratory through plant scale-up trials.
• Assists location startup and production QA/QC oversight at all domestic contract manufacturing locations.
• Maintain and act as ASR technical liaison in matters concerning the pharmaceutical (NF/EP/USP/etc.) business
• Manages purchase requests and invoice approvals for corporate testing and other associated costs incurred by the corporate quality team or are completed in support of site quality activities.
• Complete laboratory testing for corporate samples as required
• Performs all other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY 

• Conducts regular meetings with direct reports to keep them informed of current problems, changes and new developments in the department and company
• Monitors work productivity, recommends, and implement changes to improve work productivity
• Plans and monitors workload for timely and accurate completion
• Coordinates workflow and procedures to maximize service
• Coaches and counsel’s direct reports on performance issues
• Complete annual and semi-annual (where appropriate) performance appraisals for all direct reports in a timely manner and meets with staff to discuss and deliver the final appraisal
• Arranges for cross training of teams to maximize productivity and provide coverage of all functions
• Counsel’s direct reports on educational and job opportunities which will enhance their career development
• Completes time off approvals and scheduling for coverage as needed
• Administers all policies and procedures set forth by ASR Group 

ESSENTIAL ABILITIES & CRITICAL SKILLS

• Ability to analyze complex information and perform root cause analysis
• Ability to recognize areas for Continuous Improvement strategies; recommend and implement CI strategies as assigned
• Ability to utilize ERP information and analyze results
• Ability to always maintain confidentiality of proprietary business information
• Ability to effectively manage time, including the ability to prioritize, work within assigned deadlines, and work independently or collaboratively to accomplish organizational objectives
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects while maintaining quality & accuracy standards
• Ability to utilize Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel, Word, and Outlook on an Advanced Level
• Ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing, fostering strong lines of communication across the business
• Ability to establish unity of purpose and direction and create conditions in which people are engaged in achieving the organization’s quality objectives
• Ability to oversee all activities and tasks needed to maintain a desired level of excellence. This includes the determination of a quality policy, creating and implementing quality planning and assurance, and quality control and quality improvement
• Ability to plot a course of action that leads to results, considering opportunities, obstacles and change, and ensuring actions are implemented in the right way and at the right time to achieve the desired outcome
• Ability to effectively apply planning and scheduling by which raw materials and production capacity are optimally allocated to meet demand
• Ability to work through details of a problem to reach a solution, which may include mathematical or systematic operations and can involve critical thinking skills
• Ability to capture relevant information and identify key issues and relationships from a base of information

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Managing Complexity: Keeping focused on key objectives and results when addressing the details of a situation. Making timely decisions using available facts in ambiguous situations.
• Regulatory Matters: Demonstrates understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements for area of responsibility.
• Working with Ambiguity: Achieves forward progress in the face of poorly defined situations and/or unclear goals; able to work effectively with limited or partial information.
• Accountability: Takes accountability for delivering on commitments; owns mistakes and uses them as opportunities for learning and development; openly discusses his/her actions and their consequences both good and bad.
• Credibility: Adheres to a set of core values that are represented in decisions and actions. Does the right thing, even when it is difficult. Demonstrates technical proficiency, reliable customer service and delivery of results in supporting clients; speaks with authority and is respected by others; maintains objectivity in dealing with issues. Removes/ minimizes bias from decisions.
• Managing People: Organizing, planning, and directing people in order to achieve organizational objectives; Coaches employees to ensure skill development and maximized performance; Measures and manages employee performance, including communication of work activities and expectations ensuring adherence to such expectations.
• Quality Management: Knowledge and application of food industry quality systems;  Knowledge and application of procedures required for testing food quality.
• Acting with Integrity: Clearly states goals and beliefs; lets people know his/her true intentions; does what he she said they would do; follows through on commitments; Understands and follows company policies
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Expresses ideas and information in a clear and concise manner; tailors message to fit the interests and needs of the audience; delivers information in a manner that is interesting and compelling to the listener
• Energy & Initiative: Takes action on his/her own without being prompted; handles problems independently; able to resolve issues without relying on extensive help from others; does more than is expected or asked; asserts one's influence over events to achieve goals
• Judgment & Decision-Making: Bases decisions on a systematic review of relevant facts and information; avoids making assumptions or rushing to judgment; provides clear rationale for decisions
• Customer Orientation: Addressing internal and/or external customer needs by providing and delivering professional, helpful, high-quality service and support

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

• HACCP

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.