Sr Manager, Quality Assurance
Panera Bread is a fast-paced constantly changing environment that embodies our concept essence and cultural values. Panera’s people are as unparalleled as our quality products and we offer careers as diverse as our breads. Here you can be part of a vibrant culture, where teamwork and collaboration are encouraged, excellence is rewarded, and diversity is respected and valued.
The Senior Quality Assurance Manager will play a critical role in overseeing the quality and food safety performance of the assigned product categories. This position works cross-functionally with suppliers, culinary, supply chain teams and Ops to define product specifications, develop and monitor quality metrics, audit suppliers, and manage food safety and quality documentation. The role will also contribute to continuous improvement across the QA function.
Accountabilities include:
- Within the FoodLogiQ software system, establish and maintain the QA documentation library for all existing and new items and suppliers
- Audit and approve new suppliers, including review of food safety programs, production capabilities, and quality systems.
- Define, implement, and monitor quality and food safety metrics for finished products.
- Manage the investigation and resolution of quality-related issues, including product withdrawals and recalls.
- Participate in cross-functional business initiatives as the QA subject matter expert for assigned categories.
- Manage multiple, concurrent QA aspects of new product commercialization, delivering on critical-path timing and key project milestones
- Supplier visits, as needed, for new product innovation
- Author, edit and maintain specifications for items in Panera’s portfolio within assigned categories
- Monitor ongoing specification conformance; design and implement CAPA programs to address supplier issues where appropriate
- Investigate quality related issues reported by internal and external customers, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions
- Perform auditing and review of new suppliers, manufacturing facilities, packaging materials and finished packaging, to ensure compliance with Panera’s qualification standards and commitments
- Other duties, as assigned.
Qualifications:
- BS degree in food science or applied sciences required
- 7+ years’ experience in Quality Assurance roles
- Strong analytical thinking skills and disciplined approach to problem solving
- Project management skills with experience leading successful, cross-functional projects
- Experience in a manufacturing environment and with CPG is a plus
- Working knowledge of food science
- Experience with/ability to understand cooking technologies
- Working knowledge of regulatory and food safety requirements
- Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, facilitation/presentation skills), with capability to manage up and across the organization
- Ability to travel up to 25% of the time
Saint Louis Support Center
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