Audit Manager – QA

General Description:

The Audit Manager-QA is responsible for leading internal audits of operational programs and processes to ensure customer, team member, and vendor satisfaction. The Audit Manager-QA does this by developing and conducting operational audits of facilities, processes, and documentation to ensure adherence to internal standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. The Audit Manager-QA does these functions in support of the manufacture of dairy-related products.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive audit schedule for all manufacturing, packaging, and distribution facilities that drive compliance with Federal and State regulatory agencies including but not limited to the USDA, FDA, NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets as well as regulatory and quality requirements including the PMO and SQF.
2. Conduct internal audits across various stages of the production process, including raw material receipt, processing, packaging, and distribution.
3. Provide training and guidance to facility staff on quality standards, audit procedures, and regulatory requirements.
4. Prepare detailed audit reports, including findings, non-conformances, and corrective action recommendations. Report audit findings to senior management, providing clear and actionable insights for decision-making.
5. Maintain accurate records of audit activities, ensuring all documentation is complete, current, and readily accessible.
6. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement corrective and preventive actions based on audit findings.
7. Assess the effectiveness of existing quality control measures and identify potential risks or areas for improvement.
8. Evaluate compliance with company quality standards, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), and relevant regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, USDA).
9. Verify the effectiveness of CAPAs through follow-up audits and ongoing monitoring.
10. Assist with external audits and inspections conducted by regulatory agencies or certification bodies.
11. Serve as a subject matter expert on regulatory requirements related to ESL and Aseptic processing, providing guidance to internal teams.
12. Responsible for complying with GMP’s, SOP’s, corporate and/or plant policies, rules, and regulations
13. Works in a safe manner and reports safety concerns promptly to their supervisor/lead and takes corrective actions as necessary to ensure a safe environment.
14. Responsible for reporting food safety problems and initiating action and for supporting SQF by maintaining food safety and food quality.
15. Ensures work areas are sanitary and strictly adheres to sanitation practices.
16. Communicates effectively between shifts and other departments.

Essential Knowledge, Skills:

1. Ability to apply basic to complex mathematical concepts such as adding, counting, subtracting, multiplying, dividing and knowledge of weights and measure, to sufficiently handle job tasks.
2. Understand and respond appropriately to basic to complex employee, vendor, and customer inquiries.
3. Read, write, and communicate using English language sufficient to perform job functions (Other preferences will be given for special language skills when there is a business need).
4. Knowledge of company’s mission, purpose, goals, and your role in achieving each of them.
5. Ability to operate facility equipment as required in assigned area.
6. Satisfactorily complete all company training requirements.
7. Ability to interpret company documents and literature and UPC/code information.
8. Familiarity with the PMO, SQF and other food safety regulations.

Education/Experience:

1. Bachelor’s degree in food science, Microbiology, Quality Management, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
2. Minimum of 5 years of experience in quality assurance or auditing within the food manufacturing industry, preferably in dairy or aseptic processing.
3. In-depth knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and relevant food safety regulations (e.g., FDA, USDA, NYS PMO).
4. Experience with ESL and Aseptic processing technologies and quality control measures.
5. Proficiency in quality management systems (QMS) and audit software tools.
6. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple audits and projects simultaneously.
7. Certification in quality auditing (e.g., ASQ Certified Quality Auditor) is a plus.

Performance Standards:

1. Responsible for reporting to work at scheduled times and communicating tardiness and absences with the assigned Supervisor/Manager prior to the occurrence.
2. Responsible for reporting to work in a condition to work.
3. Responsible for being well-groomed and always dressed in business-and position-appropriate attire including ensuring compliance with GMP dress code standards.
4. Comply with performance criteria, standards of conduct as contained in company policy, employment procedures and responsibilities as described in the company handbook.
5. Always maintain a safe work environment and immediately report and take appropriate action to correct a safety concern.
6. Responsible for completing all assigned tasks and responsibilities as assigned.

Work Schedule:

1. Requires morning, afternoon, and overnight availability any day of the week based on assigned shift.
2. Requests to be scheduled off for a specific day require advance notification and approval by Supervisor/Manager.
3. Salaried: Generally scheduled for 40-45 hours; more hours may be required based on the needs of the business.

Environmental Concerns:

1. Normally protected from weather and temperature changes, possible exposure to hot cold wet, humid, or windy weather conditions does exist.
2. May be subject to exposure to ingredients used in the manufacture of food products including allergens.
3. May be subject to exposure to chemicals involved in the manufacture and sanitation of a food processing facility.

Physical Job Requirements:

1. Ability to travel to various manufacturing, packaging, and distribution facilities as required (up to 50% travel within limited area).
2. Ability to move throughout all areas of the facility including but not limited to office, production, and warehouse environments. Including the outside perimeter of the building.
3. Able to wear all necessary personal protective equipment to perform job functions.
4. Stand and/or sit continuously and perform job functions for a full shift with meal break.
5. Physically able to stand, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, twist, lift, push, pull, climb, balance, crouch, handle and move items weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance and move objects exceeding 50 pounds with reasonable accommodations.
6. Visual acuity corrected to perform job functions.

Work Location:

• East Syracuse, NY
• Cortland, NY

The wage range for this role considers the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. At Byrne, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $105,000.00 to $159,890.63.

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