MMPA is currently hiring a Quality Manager to oversee our Quality Assurance programs and ensure food safety and product quality. You will manage food safety initiatives, regulatory and customer audits, and the QA laboratory.
This role includes conducting process inspections, employee training, verifying food safety plans, and resolving customer complaints. You’ll also collaborate with Sales and Operations and be a key member of the plant leadership team.
Join us to help maintain the highest standards in dairy processing and contribute to our continued success.
The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA), established in 1916, is a dairy farmer-owned and operated milk marketing cooperative and dairy processor. As the 10th largest dairy cooperative in the U.S., we proudly serve dairy farmers across Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Indiana. With a workforce of around 625 employees spread across four states, MMPA is deeply rooted in the dairy industry. We operate multiple facilities, including the Middlebury Cheese Company in Indiana, Superior Dairy in Ohio, and two SQF Level 3 dairy ingredient plants in Michigan. Our product lineup includes fluid milk, cheese, ultra-filtered milk, ice cream, butter, nonfat dry milk, cream, and condensed skim milk.
Why You’ll Love Working Here: At MMPA, we believe in investing in our people and fostering an environment where you can grow both personally and professionally. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll enjoy working with us:
- Competitive Salary: We offer a competitive salary to attract the best talent.
- Health & Wellness Benefits: Comprehensive medical coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield, including mental health services to support your well-being.
- Disability Insurance: Protection for you in case of illness or injury.
- Paid Time Off: Enjoy a generous PTO package to maintain work-life balance.
- Retirement Benefits: Secure your future with 401k contributions from us.
- Growth Opportunities: We are committed to your personal and professional development.
- Employee Appreciation: We regularly host events to show our appreciation for your hard work and dedication.
- Wellness Initiatives: Participate in wellness programs designed to help you stay healthy and engaged.
- Employee Feedback: Your voice matters, and we offer forums for your suggestions and input.
Responsibilities & Duties:
- Leadership of Quality team at the Plant
- Oversee, implement and maintain quality programs related to vendor certification, raw materials, product mock recall, hold and release, food safety and quality programs
- Data analysis and trending to improve quality
- Work on customer complaint resolution (root cause analysis and development of corrective and preventive actions)
- Ability to work with cross functional teams (Operations, Maintenance, Sales, Supply Chain etc.)
- Development and maintenance of all food safety regulatory programs to meet FDA/USDA/State regulatory requirements
- Oversee employee training for Food safety and GMPs
- Responsible for disposition of all held product, with input from the Plant Manager and Director Quality (as needed)
- Act as a backup for Director of Quality
- Oversee product quality with regards to meeting the specifications, and identification of defects
- Leadership of Plant Laboratory
- Track, report, and review the Quality Performance Indicators on a regular basis to drive continuous improvement
- Manage cost of quality
- Conduct Effective Root Cause Analysis and implement corrective action and preventative action
- Direct management of quality assurance staff and testing laboratory
- Perform other duties, as assigned
Experience & Education:
- BS Degree in Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry or related field required
- 5-7 years in quality/manufacturing/sanitation management roles working in food manufacturing environments
- Equivalent combination of education and experience
- Leadership skills
- Good communication skills to share ideas/technical information in an easy to understand way
- Basic data analysis skills (collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions)
- PCQI certified and SQF practitioner preferred, but not required
- Demonstrated initiative and desire to learn about the dairy industry
- Ability to ask questions and maintain accountability
- Be able to interact with employees at levels in the organization
- Shows interest to learn from and share the knowledge with other
Physical Requirements and Essential Functions:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, handle, reach above the shoulders, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl. The employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
