SQF Practitioner

At Novolex, we take pride in supporting our families across the globe. Our team is rich in diversity and our entrepreneurial culture encourages continuous personal growth and teamwork. Our careers include manufacturing, engineering, procurement, supply chain, finance, HR, product development, sales, marketing and an ever-expanding array of others to support our continuing rapid growth.

• Paid Holidays and Vacation
• Full Health Benefit Package starting the next month
• 401(K) with company match
• Employee Assistance Program

The Novolex sustainability vision is built upon three pillars: our products, our operations and our people. Each is critically important to our growth and future as a business. These pillars form the foundation of our company-wide commitment to sustainability, helping us achieve our ambitious goals through our wide-ranging initiatives.

Position Summary:

Reporting directly to the Plant Manager and leading the Quality Team, the SQF Practitioner is responsible for implementing and managing the SQF Program as well as on-site Leader in Quality Assurance. This individual will partner with all members in the workforce to write, validate, and ensure that the Quality Standards are maintained and followed as well as provide optimum service and quality for all products.

Essential Functions & Key Responsibilities:

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  Essential Functions & Key Responsibilities:

  
  
  
  
  • Responsibilities include but not limited to understanding of customer specifications.
  • Maintain quality and ensure customer specifications are being met.
  • File incoming certificates for suppliers.
  • Assist with evaluating activities related to the Safe Quality Food Program (SQF).
  • Develop, administer, and maintain all applicable Food Safety Policies and related Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Safe Quality Food (SQF) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP).
  • Conduct Food Safety and Customer meetings.
  • Conduct monthly GMP, HACCP and GFSI internal audits, procedures, paperwork, and inspections.
  • Lead and manage the development of food safety programs. Track the effectiveness of these programs including standards, training and quality documentation and strive for continuous improvements.
  • Coordinate with internal stakeholders and enterprise to ensure initiatives meet quality, regulatory and food safety standards.
  • Keep current on knowledge of all food safety regulations and laws within the assigned region.
  • Stimulate and cultivate a "food safety culture" throughout the facility, and follow all safety policies, procedures, and regulations.
  • Evaluates and facilitates all activities related to the Safe Quality Food Program (SQF).
  • Participate and prepare for all food safety audits.
  • Ensure consistent and thorough follow-up to non-conformities as it relates to quality and food safety.
  • Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices in compliance with all Food Safety Requirements.
  • Ensure all employees are educated on the latest procedures, regulations, and processes.
  • Participate and prepare for all food safety audits.
  
  
  
  
  • Ensure all company safety standards are being utilized throughout the facility.
  • Perform safety and quality audits.
  • Ensure Quality System programs, processes and procedures are implemented successfully and function as designed throughout the operation to ensure the quality and integrity of manufactured products and services.
  
  
  
  
  • Assess and evaluate facility personnel and make recommendations to the Quality Food Safety Manager regarding strategies to remedy training, skills, or performance deficiencies.
  • Conduct root cause analysis on defective materials.
  • Ensure consistent and thorough follow-up to non-conformities as it relates to quality food safety.
  • Help maintain a root cause database and provide feedback to customers when required.
  • Assess and suggest modifications to improve the efficiency of the SQF program.
  • Other duties and tasks as assigned.
  
  
  
  

COMPETENCY OR POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Preferred 5 years combined of, manufacturing, and/or quality management experience preferably in a printing, converting, or other flexible packaging operation.
• Exposure in a manufacturing environment utilizing TQM, SQF, is necessary.
• Quality Assurance experience preferably in a poly-converting environment is a plus.
• SQF Implementation experience.
• The ability to utilize structured problem-solving methods to deliver results.
• Demonstrated competence to work and communicate effectively with all levels in the organization.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with willingness and ability to learn new systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills required.

• Auditing experience a plus.
• Ability to lead, delegate, mentor a team to ensure compliance of Quality and SQF standards.

• Ability to work overtime when required/some weekends may be required.
• Core Competencies: Accountability, Change Agent, Flexible, Communications, Simplifies the Complex, Teamwork, Strategic Thinking, Commitment to Excellence, Leadership.

• Other Competencies Required: Organization, time management and attention to details.

Candidate Requirements:

• Degree in a related field or equivalent work experience preferred.
• Experience with product testing, past quality experience required.
• Working SQF experience.
• Ability to work within a team environment
• Eligible to work in the United States

Benefits

With safety as our top priority and a commitment to employee well-being an important focus, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits that include medical, dental and vision insurance (including Telehealth options) as well as a variety of other well-being resources focused on mental, physical and financial health. Specific benefits and well-being programs may vary depending on where you work.

Community Engagement

At Novolex, giving back to the local communities that support us is important. Our Focused Giving Program prioritizes support for organizations whose missions promote sustainability initiatives or address food and hunger needs. We also encourage facility level support of activities in the communities where our employees live and work.

Training and Development

We offer constant opportunities for advancement. From skills development to advanced education programs, training and development programs and courses are available through Novolex University. Programs include company and industry training curricula, support for formal education through the Tuition Reimbursement Program, and a Learning Management System that supports and enhances employee skills at all levels of the organization.