Director of Quality

Ready Seafood Company is a rapidly growing wholesale lobster business located up and down the coast of Maine with headquarters based in Saco, ME. As the largest lobster processing facility in the State, we have quickly become a leading seafood exporter, shipping millions of pounds of live lobster, fresh HPP, cooked and whole frozen lobster meat to nearly every corner of the world. With over 400 employees, our team-based employee model makes for a competitive, fast paced work environment with tremendous growth opportunities.

Our core values are team , adaptability , forward thinking and authenticity .

Position Summary

The Director of Quality will lead the quality efforts of the Ready Seafood groups Maine Seafood Ventures and Ready Seafood, our live distribution business. Approximately 90% of your time and attention will be subject to our lobster processing division (MSV) and our value add plant (RPF), with the remainder of the time with our live team. This position reports to the Director of Operations and is based out of Saco, Maine.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Hires and trains Quality Assurance staff
• Oversees the daily workflow and schedules of the department.
• Conducts performance evaluations that are timely and constructive.
• Handles discipline and termination of QA employees in accordance with company policy.

QA Responsibilities

• Serves as the primary contact for all Quality, Food Safety and Regulatory issues for the plant.
• Develops, implements, and manages the Quality and Food Safety System.
• Ensures the effectiveness of the Pest Control programs for the facility and any associated food-grade storage areas.
• Analyzes QA data and trends KPIs to improve product quality performance.
• Oversee the completion and verification of daily documentation.
• Oversee product testing, review results, and maintain responsibility for test-and-hold program.
• Communicates compliance results to operating groups, ensures timely feedback, and provides technical support to achieve FSQA targets.
• Utilizes customer and consumer complaint data to identify root cause, then communicates and provides support to implement process/product improvements.
• Determines the disposition of all raw materials, packaging, and finished product HOLD orders.
• Develops a Quality and Product Safety System that consistently meets regulatory, customer, and third-party audit requirements.

SQF Responsibilities

• Acting as In-House SQF Practitioner , this role will ensure conformance with SQF Version 9, and all other customer and regulatory requirements (key coverage in absence by alternate SQF practitioner).
• Lead the development and implementation of HACCP-FSMA plans.
• Ensure that everyone throughout the organization (as appropriate) is aware of customer specifications and expectations.
• Inform Management of ANY Food Safety or Quality issues, or of any processes which become noncompliant.
• Ability to initiate corrective- and preventative actions relating to FSQA system.
• Conduct root cause investigations, trend customer feedback.
• Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming products in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues, until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.
• Perform internal audits and routine facility inspections.
• Maintain Approved Supplier Program.
• Develop daily forms to support production team, overseeing the training, upkeep, and usability of controlled documents.

Knowledge & Skills Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, engineering, or related field.
• Three to five years of food safety and/or QA experience.
• HACCP certification required.
• SQF certification recommended.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Experience with ERP systems a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods standing and walking.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds at times.
• Manual dexterity as needed to operate a variety of machinery and equipment.
• Must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions and tolerate exposure to typical noises and smells associated with the plant.

Ready Seafood is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ready Seafood does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Quality assurance: 3 years (Preferred)
• Food safety: 3 years (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Saco, ME 04072: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person