This position works within Horizon Family Brands as a member of the Quality & Food Safety organization. The primary responsibility of this role is to ensure and lead the Quality and Food Safety efforts through technical expertise in statistical analysis, laboratory methodology, document management, and testing requirements.
In this role, you will act as a subject matter expert in testing methods, specifications and quality systems. Your role will guide the team in verification and validation efforts for the commercialization of new materials, formulas and finished products.
This position is part of a team working to make certain that materials, procedures, formulas, manufacturing processes, and equipment used to produce Horizon Family Brands products meet our Quality and Food Safety requirements. This individual serves as a liaison between the QFS organization and several functions across the enterprise, which can include project management office, procurement, research and development, and operations.
This role is hybrid based in Broomfield, CO.
Key Responsibilities:
Mitigation of risk through application of scientific principles, technical experience and employment of Quality and Food Safety Standards. Collaboration with internal functions including Procurement, Research & Innovation, Sustainability, Regulatory, Project Management, Operations. Collaborate in the development of specifications of raw materials, packaging, and finished goods, to ensure Quality and Food Safety requirements are appropriately definedDetermination of appropriate methods and frequency for testing against ingredient and product specifications. Development of sampling plans and success criteria for new materials, formulas, shelf-life validations, or changes to existing processes. External lab selection and approval based on needs of the business.Support Milk QFS on Raw Receiving Rejections (on call)Document Control, Change Management, and management of the repository systemFind and propose opportunities to lead changes and improve ways of working.Utilizing Six Sigma, Lean, and/or other continuous improvement concepts to improve quality, efficiency, and waste.Staying current with all key regulatory and certifying agency guidelines and relevant Horizon Family Brands standards.All other duties as assigned.Travel: Estimated at < 25%
Qualifications:
Required:
Bachelor’s Degree in Science/Food Science/Technology or similar major5+ years of combined experience with food, ingredients, quality, and manufacturingSolid understanding of Quality Systems, Food Safety, and Quality Assurance and current Food RegulationsStrong understanding of data analysis, analytical methods and developing sampling plans and success criteriaStrong understanding of laboratory testing and methodologiesAbility to put standards and regulations into clear, concise documentation policies and proceduresBasic understanding of plant production systems, manufacturing equipment, GMPs, sanitation and EHSBasic Quality & Food Safety auditing knowledgePreferred:
Trained in SQF or FSSC (GFSI) auditing schemes.Previous experience managing external suppliers/co-manufacturersPrevious experience in Food or Food Packaging Research and InnovationPrior or present responsibility as QA Manager/Engineer for a food manufacturing facilityWorking knowledge of SAP and/or similar ERP databasesPrevious experience in Organic RegulationsKey Competencies
Must be collaborative and have leadership abilityAbility to work under deadlines, with multiple prioritiesAbility to work cross-functionally within organizationMust be adaptable and flexibleSelf-driven, results-oriented, able to work independentlyAbility to work with confidential materialsExcellent communication / presentation skillsExcellent record keeping / documentation skillsDetail orientedAble to quickly learn new systems, tools, and programsCOMPANY DESCRIPTION:
At Horizon Organic, we’re growing a culture of passionate people driven to do good for the horizon we all share. We’re building the tomorrow we want to see. Every single day.
Joining our team means being part of a dynamic environment where your skills are valued, and your contributions make a real difference. We offer diverse opportunities for career growth and development. Embark on a rewarding journey with us in shaping the future of organic dairy! Two generations of families—and counting—have grown up on Horizon Organic® milk. From the start, as the leading organic milk producer in the U.S., Horizon has been committed to delivering innovative, nourishing dairy that growing families can rely on. In 2023, Horizon Organic became a brand of Platinum Equity. Today, Horizon works with more than 500 farmers across the U.S. to bring high-quality, certified organic milk to consumers. For more information on Horizon’s full portfolio of organic dairy products, visit Horizon.com.
Horizon Organic Benefits:
Base Hourly Wage $26.28Medical, Dental and Vision after 30 daysPTO after 90 Days401K with Company Match after 90 daysEmployee Assistance ProgramShort / Long Term DisabilityEmployee Discount ProgramEssential Duties and Responsibilities:
Support the plant’s continuous improvement efforts Participate in required DDS (Daily Direction Setting) meetingsTrain new employees.Follow all safety policies and procedures.Complete required paperwork timely and accurately.Operate equipment safely.Understand and follow CILT (Clean, Inspect, Lube, and Tighten) Troubleshoot and perform minor repairs on equipment.
Preferred Candidate Qualifications:
Education and Experience
High School Diploma or equivalentMinimum 1 year experience in manufacturingMinimum 1 year experience in operating fluid dairy fillers
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Analytical and problem-solving skillsFundamental skills in influencing and persuasionStrong interpersonal skills associated with developing trusting relationshipsExcellent verbal and written communication skills Ability to prioritize and multitaskGood negotiations skillsProficiency in Microsoft Office and SAPAbility to work in a fluid environmentAbility to identify problems, draw conclusions, and make recommended solutionsAbility to be self-directed with little supervisionAbility to adjust schedule to support 24/7 Manufacturing Operation, may include working overtime, graveyard shift and/or weekends as needed.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functionsWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and may be exposed to loud noises in the plant. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to extreme cold, risk of electrical shock and vibrationDISCLAIMER
We’re proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All hires to our team are based on qualifications, merit and business needs. We recruit, employ, train and promote regardless of race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, genetic characteristic or any other protected status. Faithful to our values of openness and humanism, all of our employees share in the commitment to engage one another with dignity and respect. http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCP_EEO_Supplement_Final_JRF_QA_508c.pdf