Position Summary

The Quality Assurance (QA) Manager provides daily compliance oversight and guidance to Quality Assurance personnel and personnel throughout the company. The QA Manager is responsible for ensuring and maintaining the quality standards of all incoming and received products. A team of five QA Technicians reports to this role. The Quality Assurance Manager reports to the Vice President of Research & Development. This position is based at Johnny's Selected Seeds' Fulfillment Center in Winslow, Maine.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining accurate test records and documentation of the overall quality and viability of Johnny's extensive inventory of seeds and growing supplies
• Staying abreast and up to date on all applicable industry standards, and integrating and maintaining those standards throughout Johnny's operational processes
• Timely and accurate processing of all test samples, both incoming and outgoing, across all seed species sold by Johnny's
• Direct accountability for the precise and accurate execution of industry-specific QA testing techniques and processes
• Direct responsibility for ensuring Johnny's products and processes meet all industry standards
• Ensuring the availability of adequate resources, including facilities, equipment, and personnel, to accommodate reliable, effective, and efficient QA processes and operations
• Active involvement in lab data management, collection and analysis and in reporting on the health and viability of Johnny's seed inventory to Senior Management.
• Ensuring regulatory compliance for Johnny's Selected Seeds with respect to all applicable government and industry standards, including:
  • USDA National Organic Program
  • USDA and APHIS import and export
  • FDA compliance as required for individual product groups
  • AOSA United States seed testing regulations
  • CFIA Canadian seed testing regulations
• Initiating and completing corrective action for internal and external processes and/or product failures with both outside vendors and Johnny's customer.
• Managing and mentoring staff of QA Technicians and ensuring timely workflow of all QA-related activities

Education

• Bachelor's degree in a biological science or equivalent work experience
• High level of experience and proficiency with Microsoft applications, including advanced Excel; proficiency in data summary and reporting; proficiency in experimental design and data analysis

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience with Quality Assurance in a manufacturing environment with lot-controlled inventory
• Experience with entry of QA data into inventory software programs
• Experience in document control practices within an established QA process system
• Experience in laboratory testing and interpretation of test results
• High level of proficiency in all Microsoft applications, and advanced skill level for extraction and analysis of data
• Experience with third-party audits and inspections with regulatory auditors
• High level of aptitude for quickly learning and understanding industry-specific terminology and procedures
• High attention to detail and accuracy with both hands-on tasks and recordkeeping
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Able to work effectively on one's own as well as part of a team
• Management experience
• Ability to bring a positive attitude to the job and enjoy working with a diverse group of people

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors, including in less-than-ideal weather conditions
• Ability to frequently bed and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.

Benefits

• Health Insurance (HNO, PPO, HSA)
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (Medical and Dependent Care)
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan and Profit Sharing
• 401(k)
• Employee Discount
• Maternity/Paternity/Adoption and Foster Care Leave
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Voluntary Pet Insurance
• Company Paid Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Educational Assistance

Application

Please click HERE to learn more and to apply online.

Johnny's Selected Seeds provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.