Quality Assurance Manager

If you're someone who has a genuine desire to help people live better and healthier lives, join us as we work to be a trusted resource in our communities, offering real people, real food at real affordable prices across the Midwest. If you are ready to immerse yourself in an environment, that helps shoppers naturally, intuitively, and enjoyably find real, honest, affordable goodness to meet them wherever they are on their wellness journey, we'd like to hear from you. Join us to begin YOUR journey and be a part of the Fresh Thyme Market Team!

Fresh Thyme Rewards

• Weekly pay

• Scheduling flexibility

• Paid parental leave

• Team member discount

• Career growth opportunities

The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for leading the distribution center's quality control and food safety programs. The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for ensuring that all Fresh Produce distributed within our supply chain meets or exceeds Fresh Thyme Market quality standards and regulatory grading requirements; by working collaboratively with the Buying Office, through the inspection of incoming and outbound loads at the distribution facility, working with warehouse staff on product rotation, and creating weekly recaps and period end assessment reports. Supervises, trains, and coaches assigned QA Inspectors and QA Lead Inspector in execution of inspection receiving inspections, inventory quality management, and other duties as assigned.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Communicate proactively to the distribution center procurement team and management on information related to inbound inspections, aged produce inventory and quality.
• Manage assigned DF Quality Assurance Inspectors and Lead Inspector as related to training, standardization, time-off, work schedules, training, quality evaluations, metric reporting, while influencing a positive culture of quality with Fresh Thyme Market DF staff and leadership.
• Keep DF leadership and the buying team informed through various reporting on incoming product quality, rejections, cGMP and food safety metrics, as required.
• Reviews all receiving and aisle inventory inspections performed by QA Inspectors/Lead to ensure inspections are conducted in accordance with USDA and Fresh Thyme Market specifications and standards, confirms inspection results, and works directly with Buying Team to address product quality concerns to make final product disposition; to include rejection.
• Conducts Produce Quality Receiving and Aisle Inventory Inspections as necessary in order to support the team in meeting receiving and shipping transition times and requirements.
• Ensures the inspection of all inbound produce loads to ensure they meet and/or exceed Fresh Thyme Market specifications and standards for quality and temperature control, as well as USDA grading standards.
• Ensures banana receiving specifications are met from a temperature, condition, and quality perspective during receiving inspections.
• Utilizes quality inspection software programs to assist buying team in assessing potential supplier chargebacks for product that does not meet Fresh Thyme Market standards.
• Completes computer-based produce quality inspection curriculum to enhance knowledge and remain up to date on current quality inspection techniques, standards, and requirements.
• Audits the DF in accordance with FDA cGMP guidelines, the DF Food Safety Plan as it pertains to the Preventative Control Rule, and the DF Seafood HACCP plan, and performs recall effectiveness checks as required.
• Perform all duties and responsibilities in a highly ethical manner and in accordance with Company policies and procedures. Lead and serve as a role model for others in the organization by consistent demonstration of high ethical standards.
• All other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• B.S./ B.A. degree in a business or department specific and/or equivalent work experience preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of quality assurance/control supervisory/department management experience in Food Retail, Food Distribution, or Food Manufacturing environments
• Preferred retail or wholesale distribution experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of PACA regulations and produce inspection processes.
• Ability to adapt to the ever changing retail environment while working in a cross-functional team environment.
• Must have the ability to take initiative when problems arise.
• Ability to adapt and be flexible in a variety of situations.
• Ability to analyze data and information and make effective and timely decisions.
• Ability to work under pressure and to react to situations with a strong sense of urgency.
• Multi-tasking: must be able to organize time efficiently and make decisions based on factual findings.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and with a team environment.
• Ability to influence and train others to achieve results.
• Must have advanced attention to detail with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written communication and documentation skills.
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills for dealing cross functionally with peers and senior management.
• Must have expert knowledge with MS Office including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Understanding of specific knowledge pertaining to Grocery and encompassing departments.
• Must be able to lead, support and contribute to team goals.
• Quality Assurance is a 6-7 day operation and must be able to work on weekends and holdiays or as needed.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• The potential for prolonged standing, walking, squatting and/or bending.
• Team Member will be working in a 34-55oF or up to 80oF environment daily. During this time hundreds of cases of product will be received where they will be inspected for grade and condition defects.
• The ability to lift up to 80 lbs.
• Prolonged sitting behind a computer screen
• Occasional high stress when dealing with systems/customers/staff.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required.

At Fresh Thyme, our team members Thrive. We offer competitive compensation, incentive programs, and recognition programs that allows our most successful team members to be rewarded for their passion, dedication, and the results they consistently drive. Therefore, we are committed to offering competitive pay that reflects market standards and ensures consistency within our organization.

The pay range for this position is listed below. The actual rate offered will meet or surpass the legal wage requirement for the job's location.

This pay range represents the minimum and maximum base pay for the position, which is determined by factors such as market data, the qualifications required, the level of responsibilities associated with the role and other roles at this same level. Specific pay rates will be within this range and based on your experience, qualifications, and skills compared to the internal team of this role.

Compensation for this position also includes incentive bonus opportunities that may vary based on individual and company performance. Specific details will be discussed during the hiring process.

Our team members Thrive because we are committed to the whole person. Not only do we offer a comprehensive benefits package for our full-time team members that includes medical, dental, and life insurance, but we also offer a variety of programs designed to support our part-time members as well. ALL Fresh Thyme team members enjoy paid parental leave, our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program, and our 401(k) plan with an employer match. We are dedicated to creating a work environment that promotes work-life balance, long-term health and financial security, and continuous professional development. Come Thrive with us!