Plant Quality Manager (Food Packaging) at Human Technologies, Inc – Spartanburg, South Carolina

Position Title: Plant Quality Manager (Food Packaging)

Location: Spartanburg, South Carolina

in the food manufacturing or food packaging industry

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Pulp/Paper Science, Agriculture or a similar field

Strong experience with ISO 9001/ISO 14000 standards, FDA and BRC regulations, and HACCP and food safety systems

Plant start-up experience is strongly preferred

ASQ and/or Six Sigma certification(s) preferred

Internal Auditing (Product Safety and/or QMS) and Lead Auditing (Product Safety and/or QMS) experience preferred

Sound knowledge of process validation, process control and capabilities

Sound knowledge of process improvement principles and root cause analysis

Demonstrated ability to lead and influence a team of operational leaders in the application of food packaging safety and product quality principles and its application as a quality system in a manufacturing environment

Excellent leadership, problem solving, and communication skills

Good computer skills with experience using MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.)

Strong project management skills and experience

Previous experience developing KPI reports and presenting to senior management

Experience in implementing/improving systems and work practices to improve safety, efficiency, quality and reduce risk

Previous experience with FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification), and (CoC) Chain of Custody requirements for sustainability within the paper packaging industry is a plus

Summary:
The Quality Manger is responsible for managing the development, implementation, and maintenance of the quality management and product safety systems, and processes to ensure product quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. The position ensures that appropriate systems are developed, integrated, and communicated/promoted within the plant.
Job duties include:

• Champion the company’s culture of excellence in quality, efficiency, and safety, ensuring these values are embedded in all site operations. Prioritize safety in every decision and action, fostering a culture where physical and psychological safety is everyone's responsibility.
• Lead and manage internal audits for product, food safety, and quality systems to ensure compliance with company policies, standards (BRC, ISO 9001), and customer requirements.
• Coordinate and maintain audit readiness for external/third party certifications, including ISO 9001, BRC/BRCGS (Food Safety Global Standard), FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification), and (CoC) Chain of Custody.
• Oversee and continuously improve the quality management system (QMS), including documentation, process controls, and corrective actions (CAPAs).
• Collaborate with operational leadership to embed quality and product safety responsibilities across teams and ensure compliance with site standards.
• Manage contractor compliance with product safety and site standards.
• Design and implement process control plans to mitigate product quality risks and ensure clear, measurable standards are met.
• Support new product introductions by driving quality and change management requirements.
• Conduct product testing and lead investigations into non-conformities, recalls, and process failures in consultation with the HQ Quality team and other managers.
• Develop strong working relationships with customers, external auditors/regulatory agency contacts, and contractors.
• Develop and report on quality and product safety metrics, supporting the establishment of annual targets and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify and coordinate training needs to support product quality and safety, delivering or facilitating internal training as required.
• Ensure timely closure and effectiveness of corrective actions from internal and external audits.
• Represent the Quality and process improvement functions, contributing to site strategy and budget planning.
• Lead, support, and develop the Quality team to build capability and performance.
• Maintain a safe working environment, ensuring equipment is safe and appropriate training, supervision, and instruction are provided.
• Support HR processes including onboarding, performance management, and recognition.