Summary/Objective
The Quality Manager for Mixed Berries is responsible for leading and managing the quality system at Central West Produce. This role collaborates with internal production teams and external suppliers to ensure that all products meet the required specifications of our customers. The position also champions innovation and continuous improvement in the quality function, serving the needs of both our growers and customers.
Essential Functions
Production
• Design and implement a comprehensive Quality System aligned with company objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate and adopt quality control software to improve traceability and communication across the supply chain.
• Develop and deliver berry-specific training programs and inspection methodologies for QC staff.
• Review product specifications monthly in response to changing customer requirements.
• Supervise internal and third-party QC resources across all operational areas to ensure proper coverage.
• Provide growers with updated pack style and branding guidelines before each season begins.
• Attend weekly supply meetings to share quality data, rejection trends, and customer insights.
• Manage third-party inspection agencies (e.g., QIMA) and integrate their findings into internal quality systems.
• Ensure inspections of all externally sourced products occur within 24 hours of arrival.
• Conduct end-of-season reviews with growers to support continuous quality improvement.
• Compile and present weekly quality data to senior leadership.
• Conduct field visits at season start or in response to urgent quality concerns.
• Develop systems to ensure inbound QC reports are communicated to growers within 24 hours of product arrival.
• Support the Compliance Manager by maintaining quality documentation for audits and certifications.
Customer Relations
• Provide weekly commodity- and region-specific quality updates for Sales to share with customers.
• Monitor and report OTIF (On-Time In-Full) performance on a weekly and monthly basis.
• Deliver quality summaries to senior management weekly to ensure issue visibility.
• Facilitate adjustments to customer specifications in coordination with Sales.
• Maintain a complete, current database of customer specifications.
• Investigate customer rejections, assess validity, and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Notify growers of any customer rejections or claims via non-compliance documentation within 24 hours.
• Present customer-facing quality data in the weekly Sales & Distribution meetings.
• Provide OTIF metrics and analysis for customer or internal presentations.
• Collaborate directly with customer quality teams to ensure mutual understanding and resolution of issues.
Stakeholder Interaction
External Contacts:
• Growers, Customers, Third-party Inspectors
Purpose: Coordinate quality activities across the supply chain and ensure alignment with customer requirements.
Internal Contacts:
• QC Team, Sales, Operations, Compliance, Finance, Senior Management
Purpose: Facilitate collaboration and communication for consistent product quality and operational efficiency.
Skills and Competencies
• Proven leadership skills and ability to promote a culture of quality and accountability.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with sound judgment.
• Clear and professional communication, both written and verbal.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Teams, and Power BI.
• Working knowledge of FAMOUS ERP or similar systems.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel on short notice.
• Availability to work outside of standard business hours, including weekends, as needed.
Physical Demands
This position requires frequent standing, walking, sitting, and driving to and from field or facility locations. The employee must be able to use hands and arms to handle, feel, or reach for objects and operate basic tools or equipment. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
Position Type / Expected Hours of Work
This is a non-exempt hourly full-time position. Regular working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with flexibility required for evening or weekend work based on operational needs. All overtime will be paid in accordance with California labor laws.
Work Environment
This role operates in both office and field environments. Exposure to varying temperatures and agricultural conditions should be expected during site visits.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties and responsibilities may change or be assigned at any time, with or without notice, based on business needs and operational conditions.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Central West Produce is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Our company is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state or federal law.
This policy applies with regard to all aspects of one’s employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, eligibility for benefits and termination.
