Associate Director, Quality - Manufacturing

Kraft Heinz
Champaign, IL
Job Description

Job Summary

The plant Quality Manager develops and maintains a strong quality culture plant wide. They direct the Plant Quality Strategy for the entire manufacturing and production site, across all product categories manufactured on site. They develop initiatives to improve, track and deliver against Kraft Heinz quality measures (KPI) with a continuous improvement mindset.

This role plays a key role in contributing to our vision of growing sustainably and delighting more consumers by ensuring the quality and protection of our brands. This position also plays an important role aligned with our values "we are consumer obsessed, we own it, and dare to do better every day".

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

  • Directs and leads both lab operations within the site with their leadership team.
  • Leads a large team of Quality professionals capable of delivering the quality and production strategies including, Lab, Quality Compliance, Quality Supervisors and Sanitation experts, Quality Engineers or other supporting staff.
  • Works with the Corporate Quality Team to build Quality Excellence programs within the manufacturing site driving performance.
  • Continuously drives improvement programs using Quality Tools (SPC, Green Belt, etc.) to improve Quality and product superiority.
  • Leads and implements best in class KPIs needed for the Site.
  • Improves site people engagement with the Plant Leadership team.
  • Builds strong relationships with Plant Leadership to ensure Quality Programs and manufacturing.
  • Partners with Corporate to drive Automation innovations and digital solutions to drive KHC Lighthouse and Factory/Lab of the Future Initiatives.
  • Capable of evaluating performance and competencies of plant QA staff and providing leadership training, coaching, and accountability as needed
  • Drives consistency through development of work instructions and training to set standards
  • Manages the plant's Corrective Action and Preventive Action program to drive continuous improvement
  • Drives excellence in Innovation thru R&D plant trials and activities as a customer.
  • Maintains plant FSP, HACCP, pre-requisite programs and act as primary liaison between plant and external regulatory agencies (FDA, USDA, CFIA, etc.) during routine and unannounced visits
  • Provides direction and subject matter expertise on plant Quality-related activities and inquiries
  • Prepares for all KHC (internal and external) Quality Audits and respond appropriately
  • Monitors KHC Quality systems ensuring E2E compliance to food safety and regulatory requirements
  • Oversees record keeping for all mandated quality checks, testing, sampling and sanitation activities
  • Tracks, analyzes, and supports RCFA initiatives for quality-related, factory-controllable consumer complaints
  • Prepares and maintain permitting and licensing for the plant
  • Manages departmental budgeting, purchasing and inventory of plant quality supplies such as filters, chemicals, tools and lab supplies
  • Serves as the plant lead for Company Quality initiatives including the implementation of the Kraft Heinz Quality Management System
  • Develops strong working relationships with key suppliers and vendors

Expected Experience & Required Skills

  • Bachelor's degree in food science, chemistry, microbiology or related field, Masters preferred
  • Must be a self-directed individual with a high level of integrity and maturity with proven leadership skills related to coaching and developing a team, and can work well under pressure
  • Must be an effective communicator with excellent follow-up skills and comfortable interacting with all levels of the organization
  • Strong knowledge of GFSI (FSSC22000) requirements and previous experience as an audit facilitator
  • Demonstrates understanding of Statistical Process Control, HACCP, sanitation, micro mitigation, and hygienic design principals
  • Has project management skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint
  • ERP system and Quality system experience, SAP and Infinity preferred
  • Demonstrates the ability to drive continuous improvement, is results-driven and delivers against set targets
  • Capable of fostering a strong Quality Culture that supports transformational change in line with the Kraft Heinz Company strategy

Work Environment & Schedule

This position is considered a Manufacturing plant environment with heavy machinery and equipment. Additionally, this role requires availability to provide support for a 24-hour / 7-day week operation for critical issues if needed.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain all duties or responsibilities that are required of the role. Duties or responsibilities may change or be added with or without notice.

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.

New Hire Base Salary Range

$159,400.00 - $199,200.00

Bonus This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors

Benefits Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example

  • Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
  • Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
  • Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
  • Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Champaign Plant

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact [email protected] for assistance.
Posted 2025-11-21

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