The Grafton Village Cheese Company produces premium, aged cheddar cheese using traditional methods and milk from local dairy farms. It is a national leader in artisanal cheese making. It is a for profit business of the nonprofit Windham Foundation, based in Grafton, Vermont. The mission of the Windham Foundation is to promote the vitality of Grafton and Vermont’s rural communities through its philanthropic and educational programs and the GVCC is an important contributor to these endeavors.

Position Summary

The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for maintenance of all food safety and quality programs for Grafton Village Cheese facilities and acts as an integral part of the plant management team, actively engaging with plant management and plant personnel regarding plant operations and processes, especially those related to quality assurance and policy.

Reports to: This position reports to the Vice President of Operations

Essential Job Functions

• Review and maintain of all SQF records and documents: includes HACCP, SOPs, GMPs, microbiological control programs, regulatory compliance, sanitation, hold and release, food defense, customer programs, continuous improvement and others
• Supervises laboratory and plant testing: demonstrates high level of understanding of plant testing requirements regarding product quality assurance, and assists, manages records and maintenance of technical procedures, lab methods and work instructions for laboratory
• External audit management: acts as lead for all food safety and quality audits for both GVC plants
• Quality assurance training and compliance: works with plant personnel to ensure all employees have up-to-date training, and ensures compliance with GMP and Food Safety requirements for all plant personnel
• Acts as a key resource for the management team, provides timely feedback to plant leadership team regarding food safety and quality issues, concerns, actions and programs
• Responsible for quality budget and personnel.

Required Skills

• Good analytical ability, including the ability to analyze statistical data and make sound recommendations
• Ability to work as a team
• Excellent presentation and communication skills
• Organized and detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks with varying priorities
• Innovative
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and/or relevant software packages

Required Experience

• SQF Practioner/ SQFI preferred
• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required
• Previous experience working in food production Quality Assurance or related experience helpful
• Performance and quality driven
• Must be able to demonstrate leadership skills and capabilities as a part of the plant management team

Grafton Village Cheese Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, place of birth, military status, disability, positive HIV-related blood test, or any other legally protected status.

Interested parties please respond to: ellyn.ladd@graftonvillagecheese.com