Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs

COMPANY BACKGROUND

At Taza Chocolate we make stone ground, organic chocolate. We want our cacao’s complex flavors to shout loud and proud. That is why we stone grind cacao beans into minimally processed chocolate with bold flavor and texture, unlike anything you have ever tasted.

JOB SUMMARY

The Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs Manager performs an important role on the Production team. The person in this role will be responsible for the coordination, audit, and implementation and update of quality systems in Taza’s Production facility and factory store. This position will have responsibility for leading implementation and on-going program management, in addition to guiding continuous improvement and education of our production team regarding quality, ensuring compliance with product specifications, labeling, and regulatory standards. They will participate in regulatory inspections, follow-up corrections, and maintain appropriate records needed to satisfy the requirements of the various internal programs as well records needed for the FDA, Organic, Kosher, and Gluten-Free certifications.  

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Quality Assurance:

• Responsible for developing, maintaining, updating, and making continual improvements to the Food Safety and Quality Management System.
• Oversees and enforces compliance and remains current with all applicable regulatory and GFSI requirements, specifically the SQF Food Safety Code for Manufacturing and the SQF Food Quality Code. 
• Manages and enhances plant sanitation.
• Involved with the new product development process to ensure label regulatory requirements and Food Safety and Quality Management programs are followed during the process.
• Develops, implements, audits, and sustains all Quality and regulatory programs.
• Develops, implements, and maintains the company's HACCP program and pest control programs.
• Revise, implement and execute facility QA training program.
• Develop and monitor KPIs for quality.
• Manage FDA and plant visits and audits and executes corrective actions.
• Communicates customer complaints according to procedure/as necessary.
• Lead a HACCP team to provide a preventative approach to food safety.
• Manages monthly self and Internal audits.
• Manages Sanitation systems.
  

Regulatory:

• Maintain up-to-date Kosher, Organic and Gluten-Free certifications for all raw ingredients.
• Participate in Regulatory inspection by being involved in tours, documentation review and closing meetings. 
• Follow-up and assist to complete Regulatory observations noted during Regulatory inspections and ensuring completion by the committed deadline(s).
• Participate in compiling details for product certification renewals and new product and ingredient filing for approval.
• Review new artwork and revisions with development team to ensure regulatory compliance. 
  

Alternative Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Effectively manage and provide leadership to staff.
• Communicate effectively with both internal and external customers to define and enforce company standards.
• Ensure critical limits and food safety and quality controls remain current and effective.
• Remain current and ensure compliance with product labeling requirements.
• Ensure the plant is “audit-ready” at all times and oversee any customer, third-party, or regulatory audits.
• Evaluate non-conformities and/or deviations through root cause analysis and provide recommendations and guidance for resolution.
• Develop and oversee the plant’s microbiological testing program to ensure food safety and quality and effective sanitation practices.
• Develop and deliver employee training, as it relates to the Food Safety and Quality Management System.
• Oversee the sanitation staff and ensure effective plant sanitation.
• Contribute to and advise on  plant safety concerns.
• Support management in other related duties, as required.
  

EXPERIENCE & REQUIREMENTS

• FSMA PCQI Certification preferred
• HACCP Certification preferred
• SQF Practitioner Certification preferred
• 3+ years related experience 
• Proven experience developing, implementing, and maintaining systems 
• Highly effective communication skills both written and verbal.
• Must be proficient in Word and Excel and other Microsoft applications
• Must be organized, reliable, trustworthy and demonstrate good judgment
• Proven ability to multi-task and prioritize
• Exposure required to external audits
• Experience working in a professional environment
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds, as necessary
  

HOURS

This is a full-time, hourly position. Hours for the position are determined by the Taza production schedule and defined by the Plant Manager and will reflect the needs of the Production team. The employee is expected to work at least 32 and up to 40 hours per week. This position must be on site at our Somerville production facility.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a full-time position and is eligible for Taza's full benefit package including:

• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, vision insurance programs with an HRA option
• Group life and long-term disability
• Additional voluntary benefits 
• Paid Family and Medical leave
• And plenty of great chocolate!
  

The salary range for this position is $80,000 - $95,000 annually (depending on experience).