Site Quality Manager

The Site Quality Manager is a key member of the site leadership team responsible for ensuring products manufactured at the site are safe, wholesome and comply with all applicable Balchem, customer and regulatory requirements.

Their leadership and can-do attitude will drive effective change where needed to move the site forward to be recognized as best in class. Effective coach and communicator who can lead by example and create a culture of an empowered and engaged workforce. This role will champion product safety, quality and continuous improvement through effective data analysis and decision making. He/she contributes to the development of operating plans, capital plans and plant budgets.

The position reports to the VP Quality and dotted line to the Plant Manager.

Responsibilities include:

• Leadership of the onsite Kappa/Oslo Quality team that supports activities at both the Silurveien and Grini manufacturing locations.

• Assure that QA & QC employees are appropriately trained, coached and developed in support of individual career development paths and Balchem growth plans. Identify potential successors within the organization and develop them towards this goal.

• Ensure proper operations of the Silurveien QC laboratory , as well as of the QC related activities associated with Grini raw materials and finished goods assessments.

• Develop and execute employee training in cGMPs, HACCP, Food Safety Plan and annual refresher training for all employees. Will coordinate hiring, training and scheduling for core quality and food safety competencies.

• Coordinates with the Manufacturing personnel to ensure that products are manufactured in accordance with industry and regulatory standards for quality and food safety.

• Final review and approval of all specifications, procedures, test methods, and labeling before being used to manufacture product.

• Oversight of completed batch record review, product release and issuance of Certificates of Analysis

• Responsible for site Customer Complaint program

• Champion effective Root Cause Analysis and provide oversight of the Corrective & Preventative Action Program. Includes review and approval of all investigations related to Out-Of-Specification Results, Non-Conforming Material Reviews, and Batch Deviations

• Issuance of the Annual Quality Review

• Verify that QC laboratory results are accurate and timely and compliant with QA requirements. Ensure compliance with the ISO17025 quality system.

• Lead site internal audit program and take a leadership role in external audits by customers and regulatory or certifying bodies. Ensure timely audit responses and corrective/ preventive actions for all findings.

• Champion continuous improvement and best practice programs for site.

• Oversight of Change Control and, when appropriate, Customer Notification in alignment with Corporate/Global Customer Quality and Commercial Sales Leadership

• Accountable for the site GFSI, Food Safety and HACCP programs.

• Provide support for regulatory registrations as needed

• Responsible for escalating major quality issues and any incidents affecting food safety to Balchem leadership.

• Uses effective negotiation skills to resolve conflict and drive alignment

• Provides coaching and constructive feedback in a timely manner

• Works effectively with team and cross functional partners

• Strong bias for action with the ability to evaluate data, assess and develop options, and lead execution of projects through to completion.

• BSc or MSc in a related discipline with a minimum of five years of experience in quality management. Demonstrated leadership experience within the field. Equivalent work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

• Demonstrated working knowledge of cGMP for Food and manufacturing practices, or other related industries (Animal food / feed, pharma, medical devices, vaccines etc.). Demonstrated ability to understand and organize technical data for communications and analysis, working knowledge of Statistical Process Control and process capability.

• Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills and possess good interpersonal skills. Must be an effective communicator, possess good listening skills and have effective presentation skills. Demonstrates the ability to make sound decisions based on data.

• The ideal candidate possesses certifications in HACCP/PCQI; and training in environmental monitoring, auditing and statistical process control.

Balchem Corporation develops, manufactures and markets specialty ingredients that improve and enhance the health and well-being of life on the planet, providing state-of-the-art solutions and the finest quality products for a range of industries worldwide. Our corporate headquarters is located in New Hampton, New York, (Hudson Valley area) and we have a broad network of sales offices, manufacturing sites, and R&D centers, primarily located in the US and Europe. Founded in 1967, Balchem is a publicly traded company (NASDAQ – “BCPC”) with annual revenues over $1 billion and a market cap exceeding $5.0 billion. The company consists of three business segments: Human Nutrition & Health; Animal Nutrition & Health; and Specialty Products. Balchem employs over 1,400 people worldwide who are engaged in diverse activities, committed to developing the company into global market leadership positions. To learn more about our dynamic, stable and growing company, visit www.balchem.com