Quality Manager, Beverage

As the Quality Manager, Beverage, you will drive high-quality standards with our manufacturing partners as we build our product portfolio. This role ensures our suppliers and contract manufacturers comply with relevant cGMP's, regulations, and company procedures and policies. The role creates and manages agile and risk-based processes and inspection programs that can effectively support a diverse supply-chain. The Quality Manager, Beverage builds relationships with our suppliers and contract manufacturers and collaborates on mitigation to deliver quality improvements that provide value to our consumers.

Key Accountabilities

• Create a robust contract manufacturing network capable of supporting beverage needs

• Successful launch and transfer of new SKUs to manufacturing partners

• Limit deviations, product failures, and recalls due to manufacturing issues

Essential functions:

• Develop SOPs for management, transition, and qualification of contract manufacturers

• Help with contract manufacturer selection and identify possible risks during new product planning

• Conduct contract manufacturer audits

• Define GTI quality standards and Quality Agreements for contracts

• Supervise manufacturing and release products through review of COAs and batch records

• Lead investigations and CAPAs related to products that test outside of specifications or other process deviations

• Establish complaints system for beverages and conduct root cause analyses

• Prepare and maintain product specifications

• Participate in technical transfers

• Integrate contract manufacturers into eQMS system

• Develop KPIs and report on contract manufacturer performance

• Monitor supplier changes and determine impact to process or product

• Own 3rd party lab communications and testing

• Ensure raw materials are inspected, handled properly, and within specifications

• Review and approve packaging artwork

• Regularly travel (up to 85%) to contract manufacturer sites

Safety & Compliance:

• Be aware of hazards in the workspace.

• Retain and understand department specific training.

• Report safety incidents/ concerns and comply with follow-up actions.

• Be compliant with area safety requirements, state regulations and PPE requirements.

• Follow GMP, biosecurity, sanitation or other quality and compliance requirements.

• Perform record keeping accurately and completely as directed by a lead or supervisor.

• Report and escalate safety & quality concerns.

Working Conditions

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing, and challenging environment

• Travel up to 85% may be required - possibly with little notice

• Remote role - Chicagoland area or Midwest preferred

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a related technical field preferred

• 5+ years experience with a proven track record of Quality Management experience in a CPG manufacturing environment

• 2+ years experience with beverage manufacturing is preferred

• Experience with auditing is required

• Experience with analytical testing is preferred

• Strong project management and communication skills

• Exceptional attention to detail

• Thorough understanding of consumer product industry testing and inspection standards

• Strong knowledge of product-specific standards, materials, and manufacturing processes/techniques

• High level of accountability and technical experience in a manufacturing environment

• Willingness to travel up to 85% to meet with contract manufacturers

• Must have the knowledge and skills required to work in a fast paced and challenging environment

• Knowledge of the GMP and food safety programs

• Track record of engaging teams and creating a collaborative culture

• Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills

• Exceptional computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher, Word)

• Understanding of the hemp laws, rules and regulations and passion to further their understanding and knowledge of the industry and the laws is desired

Additional Requirements

• Must be at a minimum of 21 years of age.

• Must possess valid state ID.

• Must possess a valid driver's license.

• Must be able to obtain, and maintain, state badging requirements to work in the cannabis industry (requires background check and state review)