Research & Development and Quality Assurance Manager

Work is Sweet!

'Quality without Compromise' is not just a motto at See's Candies. It is the most important ingredient in our recipe for success. See's Candies has been in business since 1921 and maintains a reputation for producing the highest quality candy and providing superior customer service.
See's is a leader in the confectionary industry with over 250 retail shops across the USA. We are seeking friendly, enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about providing great customer service.

Job Description Summary:
The Research & Development and Quality Assurance manager (RNDQA) is a hybrid role responsible for creating and developing new candy products, enhancing current ones, boosting and maintaining their quality and improving all aspects of quality manufacturing process of confectionary products in the San Francisco manufacturing plant. This position works closely with cross functional areas within the organization to ensure that all parties understand pertinent requirements and to ensure that compliance to product and process specification is maintained.

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $105,000K - $120,000K per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Job Description:

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop new candy and other food offerings from concept through launch working cross-functionally.
• Supervise the activities of the FSQA Supervisors, Coordinators and the Laboratory Team.
• Design, lead and participate in plant tests and consumer tests
• Troubleshoot product issues and support continuous improvement initiatives
• Conduct and analyze shelf-life studies independently and cross-functionally
• Monitor development and scale up of candy and ensure proper specifications are set.
• Partner with operations to investigate quality problems with the candy in equipment, processes, ingredients, and formula compliance Identify opportunities for product/process improvement and cost reduction
• Train and develop operators, technicians and other team members on relevant development and scientific topics as needed.
• Responsible for input of recipes into Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, ensuring appropriate processing steps and yield are captured.
• Evaluate raw materials from new suppliers to assure consistency with the spec for each piece; participate in qualifying/review of new suppliers for ongoing supply.
• Establish/confirm shelf life of ingredients, intermediate/works in process (WIP) products and finished goods through structured studies and tests which include sensory evaluation. Communicate progress to all departments associated with projects in writing and/or in person, as situation dictates.
• Improve and maintain written product formulas. Audit current product formulas and revises them as needed to ensure they are detailed enough to yield consistency in manufacturing steps and product quality.
• Maintain timely and accurate records of all product/process improvement activities as well supplier visits. Generate monthly status report of improvements accomplished.
• Attend and participate in the daily Operational meeting in San Francisco plus other designated meetings on as-needed basis.
• The Manager's success will come from people and process; developing positive working relationships and using a collaborative approach will ensure overall success.
• Responsible for identifying opportunities to enhance technology and innovation that will improve departmental effectiveness.
• Provide appropriate training in site-specific SOPs and OPLs. Serves as the back-up personnel of any of these roles as necessary.
• Verifies and validates internal records and efficacy of tasks performed by the FSQA team.
• Ensures sound and prompt decisions are made and documented to release of equipment, ingredients and finished products.
• Reviews and updates work aids (OPLs, SOPs, Registers and Forms etc.) essential for assurance of product safety and quality.
• Utilizes SPC and other statistical tools to improve Food Safety and Quality Assurance. Analyzes data generated by the laboratory.
• Utilizes the root cause analysis process for the investigation of consumer and customer complaints and quality related losses and
• Ensures all assigned sites are in compliance to the latest edition of the SQF code and leads the sites during SQF recertification audit and internal Corporate audit.
• Leads the review, verification and update of HACCP/HARPC plans, OPLs, SOPs, registers and forms.
• Leads and supports in training programs for all plant individuals on food safety and quality related topics. Leads site mock recall and traceability exercises.
• Maintains a safe work environment at all times by having safe work instructions, practices, and procedures in place for the laboratory and operational quality teams. Applies corrective action consistently when required. Reports all unsafe working conditions immediately to Management.
• Keeps current with food safety requirements, consumer protection, public health regulations, and industry best practices to ensure continued compliance with regulatory changes.
• All See's staff must be committed to the company's core principles and workplace values, including a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years' experience in product development or other relevant category of food processing industry.
• BS Degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or related field; M.S. preferred.
• Sufficient understanding of product, process, systems, and equipment to troubleshoot problems and provide solutions to senior management.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Proven problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership and coaching skills.
• Proven ability to learn new technologies quickly and manage change efficiently, proactively and in a positive manner.

The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, in addition to a full range of generous medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

See's is an EOE
See's will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable local, state or federal law (including San Francisco Ordinance #131192 and Los Angeles Municipal Code 189.00).