Quality Assurance Product Manager Wawa Brand Fresh Channel
Mid-Atlantic Region

Wawa is a recognized leader in our industry, and we are looking for the best and the brightest to be part of our team. We have over 650 locations in the Mid-Atlantic and Florida regions and we continue to grow and expand. As of 2014, we have over 22,000 associates; more than 10,000 Wawa associates participate in our ESOP and collectively have a 41% ownership stake in the company. From our Customer Service Associates to Store Management and Corporate positions, Wawa offers excellent benefits, growth and advancement opportunities to all members of our team.

Benefits:

At Wawa, we want our associates to be happy and healthy. Our generous benefits reflect our commitment to our associates, are designed to fit your lifestyle and help you build and plan for a great future. Here are some of the benefits offered to eligible Wawa associates:
· Competitive salaries
· Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision) includes Family and/or Domestic Partner
· Flexible Spending Accounts (Health and Dependent Care)
· Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
· 401(k) Plan
· Disability Coverage
· Basic Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
· Supplemental Life, Children Life, and Spousal/Domestic Partner Life Insurance
· Personal holidays and vacation
· Wellness program
· Educational assistance program
· Employee Assistance plan
· Employee Credit Union
Job Description:

Manages relationship with external partners at the Mid Atlantic commissary and food service facilities to ensure the food safety and quality of Wawa brand Fresh Channel products that are manufactured daily. Acts as primary Wawa vendor interface for all food safety and quality related issues in areas of responsibility that include food categories representing the highest level of risk to Wawa. Works cross functionally with these Wawa vendors to mitigate the high level of risk inherent in fresh cut produce, fruit, and other ready to eat foods. Performs audits, inspections, and cold chain assessments to assure that factors critical to controlling the risk to Wawa are in place and working effectively. Works closely with the vendor to understand complex production processes in order to develop preventive quality systems and implement effective corrective actions. Develops quality reports and shares with vendor QA, Wawa Marketing, Supply Chain, and other internal teams. Analyzes data and identifies trends, assignable causes, and opportunities for targeted improvement initiatives for complex food production processes

Principal Duties:
1. Monitors production at the commissary and food service facilities to ensure that products meet food safety and quality standards. Inspects incoming ingredients, work in progress, and finished products. Utilizes food safety and quality expertise and discernment skills to make decisions regarding compliance to Wawa standards and product disposition. Partners with vendor Quality Assurance to develop preventive quality systems and effective corrective action based on findings.
2. Compiles data from product quality testing, Applix, and Risk Master for commissary and food service items. Develops and provides accurate statistical reporting as needed to vendor Quality Assurance and Wawa Marketing and Supply Chain teams. Analyzes complaint and foreign object data and identifies trends, assignable causes, and opportunities for targeted improvement initiatives.
3. Conducts periodic audits to monitor and ensure that food safety, quality, regulatory, hygiene, and sanitation requirements are consistently met at the commissary and food service facilities. Provides audit reports to vendor Quality Assurance and ensures that non-compliances are addressed.
4. Works closely with vendor Quality Assurance to make decisions regarding production practices, sanitation, associate hygiene, product testing, and other factors to ensure proper food safety procedures are being followed and to address any quality concerns.
5. Reviews commissary and food service facility Quality Assurance records, regulatory reports, and third party audits to ensure that food safety and quality programs are functioning as designed. Verifies that corrections and improvements are implemented as indicated.
6. Responds to customer and store complaints on product quality issues or concerns. Investigates complaints, obtains samples when needed, communicates issues to vendor QA, and updates Applix and RiskMaster. Develops appropriate and effective corrective action by working cross functionally with vendor. Completes corrective action request documentation and provides updates to internal partners.
7. Reviews training and product roll-out materials to ensure compliance to regulations and food safety standards. Oversees any new product roll-outs and ensures execution is successful. Takes action as necessary to correct any issues. Provides feedback to vendor QA, Wawa Marketing and Supply Chain teams. Supports Wawa Marketing and Supply Chain initiatives.
8. Reviews third party audits of new secondary vendors for ingredients utilized in Wawa branded items. Documents review of audit including all non-compliances. Analyzes risk using vendor risk assessment matrix and audit report to decide vendor approval, rejection, or Wawa QA audit.
9. Performs Wawa QA audits of secondary vendors across Wawa’s Supply Chain based on risk assessments. Performs QA audits of other Wawa suppliers as needed. Analyzes audit findings to determine approval or rejection of facility. Provides report to primary vendor and/or internal partners.
10. Reviews product specifications for commissary and food services items as assigned. Approves or rejects specifications as submitted in Process One by the vendors in a timely manner. Works with vendors to provide accurate and complete specification information as requested within Process One.
11. Provides initial root cause analysis in the event of a recall or product withdrawal associated with areas of responsibility.
12. Provides secondary support for food safety and quality with other vendors across Wawa’s Supply Chain
Minimum Requirements
· Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Biology or related field preferred
· Minimum of five years’ experience in Quality Assurance role within a food manufacturing facility preferred
· Knowledge of quality system design for high risk ready to eat foods and/or fruit/vegetable processing preferred
· Knowledge of regulatory and GFSI standards required
· Experience in supplier certification and food safety auditing preferred
· Excellent analytical skills along with knowledge of statistical tools
· Strong problem solving abilities and interpersonal skills
· Excellent communication and organizational skills
· Ability to work independently
· Ability to travel up to 30% of the time between vendor locations nationally and potentially internationally
· Ability to work in cold conditions in a food production environment
· Strong computer skills including Microsoft products such as Access and Excel
· Willing to work a flexible schedule that includes weekend and evening on-call duty

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