Farley’s & Sathers Candy Company, Inc., a $615 million dollar manufacturer of quality sugar, gum and chocolate products, has an immediate opening for a Quality Assurance Manager - Exempt - First Shift in Winona, MN in Winona, MN  (0011) .

As an international candy company, Farley’s & Sathers offers full line, full service opportunities to leading retail customers and consumers throughout the United States. The company’s success in the industry, experience with acquisitions and significant capital resources established Farley’s & Sathers Candy Company, Inc. as the 5th largest confectioner in the United States. Farley’s & Sathers Candy Company has developed its business both through internal growth and through the acquisitions of famous confectionery brands, including BRACH’S®, TROLLI®, NOW AND LATER®, JUJYFRUITS®, BOBS®, SWEET STRIPES®, SUPER BUBBLE®, FRUIT STRIPE®, RAIN-BLO®, CHUCKLES®, as well as FARLEY’S® and SATHERS®.

• Ensures compliance with product specifications and customer requirements.
• Analyzes performance data against defined parameters of standards and quality objectives.
• Ensures compliance with Federal standards and regulatory and compliance issues.  Also is the primary contact for FDA visits
• Communicates quality and regulatory guidelines and assures production compliance.
• Reviews the certificate of analysis for raw ingredients, film, and other packaging material.
• Enforces policies and procedures related to product safety and quality while maintaining the quality controls and documentation to support such efforts.
• Suggests methods for improving product quality, design, or manufacturing processes.
• Ensures the effectiveness of allergen control procedures.
• Maintains a process for tracking foreign objects in product.
• Coordinates QA staff in carrying out tests and quality checks.
• Ensures tests and procedures are properly documented, understood, carried out and evaluated and that product modifications are investigated.
• Formulates sampling procedures and develops forms and instructions for recording, evaluating and reporting quality data.
• Conducts analysis to determine root cause and recommends solutions to manufacturing problems.
• Conducts GMP and sanitation inspections and is responsible for conducting in-house food safety and quality system audits, including lead practioner for BRC.
• Primary contact and liaison for all external customer and 3rd party audits, including BRC.
• Has the authority to reject product, directs the approval for the release of final product, and plays a key role in recall decisions.
• Maintains professional employee standards through proper orientation, training, and counseling.
• Perpetuates fair and equitable employee relations, resolves employee grievances, and administers discipline according to established personnel policies.
• Conducts special and annual employee performance appraisals.
• Safeguards confidentiality of company information.
• Performs other duties assigned.

• BS/BA in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field, and/or equivalent work experience.
• Must possess at least 5 years of QA management experience in food related industry.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with problem solving skills are essential.
• Knowledge of raw material, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effectiveness of manufacturing and distribution of goods.
• Must be proficient in standard computer applications including Excel, Word and Access.  Knowledge of CICS preferred.
• Excellent statistical, organizations and analytical skills are required.
• Knowledge of product labeling regulations and nutritional information helpful.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds; be able to stand, climb steps, and crawl to inspect equipment, rooms, and products as necessary. 
• Travel is required (~10%).

• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred, but not required.