Assistant QA Manager, FL

Title: Assistant QA Manager

Reports To: QA Manager

Location: Delray Beach, FL

Type: Full-Time | Onsite | Exempt

COMPANY SUMMARY

Pero Family Farms is a market share leader with over a century of dedication, commitment, and integrity. Operating since 1908, Pero is the farm trusted by retailers and consumers alike. We are a fully integrated farming operation, with departments that specialize in organic farming, logistics, global supply chain management, national sales operations, food processing operations, and strategic marketing functions. Our operation includes over 35,000 acres spanning across the East Coast of the United States from Florida to New York, with distribution and production facilities in several different states. We pride ourselves in maintaining a strong family heritage and tradition that has been dedicated to quality, innovation, and excellent customer service that has been feeding America’s families for over a century. Our family’s passion for farming remains unwavering, with a vision to continue the tradition for many generations to come, whilst maintaining the reverence and trust it has established with the American consumer. As we expand our offering to include an assortment of organic vegetable options; we have become one of the largest organic vegetable growers in the country and we are looking to grow our workforce family. Join us in continuing and strengthening our position as a market share leader dedicated and trusted by retailers and consumers alike.

JOB SUMMARY

The Assistant QA Manager is responsible for supporting the QA Manager with ensuring compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and guidelines, as well as maintaining adherence to all customer expectations, internal quality, and Food Safety Standards and Policies. The nature of this position requires flexibility and the ability to embrace change. The Assistant QA Manager must be highly self-motivated and exemplify the capability to work effectively as a team player, with the ability to interact across departmental and cross-functional boundaries, minimizing conflict, and maximizing continuous improvement and goodwill. Significant weight is given to this last qualification in assessing leadership capabilities.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include the day-to-day activities associated with process and product improvements and ensuring the integrity of materials and finished products, including, but not limited to:

• The coordination, scheduling, and execution of On-Line Quality Control
• Incoming Materials Inspections
• Shelf-life/Retained Samples Programs, Validation, and related activities
• Ensuring the collection of required samples for Microbiological Evaluation and other Sample Requirements
• Management, coordination, monitoring, and execution of the above, including development, updating, editing, reviewing, and management of all documents, processes, and programs applicable to any of the above activities as assigned

Other management duties

• Enforce all Company policies and procedures.
• Maintain an efficient and productive line of communication and cooperation with other departments.
• Prepare all paperwork in a neat, legible and timely manner.
• Effectively perform additional assignments.
• Complete special projects as assigned.

JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Implement and manage all necessary QA programs as required by company policy and/or applicable regulations. Programs to include HACCP; Sanitation; Allergen program, Bio-Security program; traceback/recall program, incoming raw material, in process and finished goods testing; FDA and USDA audits and other programs as required.
• Monitor operation for compliance to Company’s quality assurance and food safety policies.
• Manage in house microbiological testing laboratory, including personnel, supplies and budget.
• Monitor finished product specifications and enforce compliance.
• Review and provide follow-through on customer comments/complaints from a QA perspective.
• Resolve product quality, health and safety issues and communicate with management on a regular basis on the status of all complaints.
• Coordinate “mock recalls” on a semi-annual basis.
• Audit plant sanitation processes. Audit and document the effectiveness of chemicals and procedures and communicate/follow through on corrective actions.
• Manage plant Pest Control Program, coordinate services with pest control operators to ensure optimum program.
• Ability to effectively manage and interview QA staff. Provides coaching, counseling, and disciplinary action when required. Effectively evaluates employees’ performance against agreed-upon objectives.
• Provide technical and other assistance to Operations as required. Areas to include plant safety training, chemical usage and handling, GMP training, regulatory compliance and other technical assistance as required.
• The Assistant QA Manager will be responsible for making sure company products are safe and meet or exceed company quality standards, and fully comply with food regulations. This individual will lead the development and daily management of the plant quality system and quality control staff. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Basic math skills. 
• Advanced HACCP training or be HACCP certified or gain these as a priority. 
• Prepared to complete relevant training and certification provided or requested by the Director of Quality and Food Safety. 
• Proficient working knowledge of Food Plant Quality, HACCP, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). 
• Must be able to follow complex verbal and written instructions and be able to work independently to evaluate and resolve Quality-related problems and identify and communicate short term remedial actions. 
• Must have a high level of problem solving skills. Solid proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Primarily based in a food manufacturing and fresh produce processing facility.
• Combination of office and production floor environment.
• Regular exposure to refrigerated areas (35–45°F), wash-down areas, and wet or humid conditions.
• Exposure to food-grade cleaning chemicals, sanitizers, and laboratory materials.
• Moderate noise levels in production areas requiring hearing protection at times.
• Frequent interaction with production staff, sanitation teams, warehouse personnel, and senior management.
• Required use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including hairnets, beard nets, gloves, smocks, safety glasses, and slip-resistant footwear.
• May require occasional early mornings, evenings, weekends, or extended hours during audits, peak production seasons, or recall situations.
• Periodic participation in internal, third-party, FDA, USDA, and customer audits.
• Fast-paced environment requiring multitasking and quick decision-making.
• May require occasional travel to other facilities or fields, if applicable.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while on the production floor.
• Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, squatting, and climbing stairs.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25–40 pounds occasionally.
• Manual dexterity to handle product samples, laboratory materials, and documentation.
• Visual acuity sufficient to inspect product quality, read labels, review documentation, and operate a computer.
• Ability to work in cold and wet environments for extended periods.
• Ability to wear required PPE for long durations.
• Ability to respond quickly to production or food safety issues.
• Frequent use of hands for typing, writing, and handling small instruments or testing tools.

COMPANY BENEFITS/PERKS

• 401(k)
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance and more
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

The company (Pero) reserves the right to alter, amend, expand or contract these duties and responsibilities as the companies needs evolve.