Quality Audit and Program Manager

Stratas Foods LLC is the leading supplier of fats and oils to the Food service, Food Ingredients and Retail Private Label markets in North America and a producer of quality bulk and packaged dressings, mayonnaise and sauces. The company was formed in October 2008 as a 50/50 joint venture between ACH Food Companies (ACH) and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM).

Manufacturing facilities are located in Dallas and Houston, TX;
Decatur and Quincy, IL;
Englewood, NJ;
Hillside, NJ;
Fresno, CA;
Nashville, TN; and Valdosta, GA. Corporate offices are located in Memphis, TN.

The Quality Audit and Program Manager role supports Stratas’ Quality Department by reviewing, creating, and ensuring that Quality programs are standardized across all facilities. This mid‑level Corporate Quality Assurance position is responsible for ensuring plant and co‑manufacturing compliance with Stratas standards and policies.

• Subject‑matter expert on Stratas Quality program procedures and expectations. Manage audit programs both externally and internally, verify that Stratas policies are fully implemented, and serve as a resource to the plants for audit preparations and policy implementation.
• Standardize the Quality programs:
  • Review current policies and procedures for consistency.
  • Ensure policies are current and meet regulatory and third‑party standards.
  • Implement new programs as needed.
  • Review and lead training programs related to food safety and quality.
• Audit program:
  • Implement internal and external audit programs.
  • Report results and focus areas to the Director – Quality Assurance and Supplier Compliance.
  • Guide Quality Auditors in the plants.
• Audit high‑risk ingredient suppliers to ensure compliance with written standards:
  • Develop a GFSI‑compliant ingredient audit tool based on BRC, SQF, or another robust third‑party source.
  • Conduct risk assessments against defined criteria for food safety, food fraud, and regulatory compliance and perform facility audits when applicable.
  • Issue findings to suppliers to drive corrective actions.
  • Determine compliance‑ready state based on audit findings.
  • Communicate approvals, conditional approvals, and disqualification status to Supply Chain procurement functions in a timely fashion.
  • Provide support during 3rd‑party inspections in explaining Stratas’ Approved Supplier Program.
• Liaison with co‑manufacturers:
  • Audit co‑manufacturers.
  • Review COAs and samples on a set frequency.
  • Ensure co‑manufacturers meet Stratas expectations.
• Other: Collaborate closely with onsite teams and participate in onsite meetings to drive departmental objectives.

• Education: BS and equivalent industry experience.
• Related
  
  Experience:
  
  Minimum of 5 years’ Quality Assurance experience in an ingredient or consumer packaged goods company. Experience in shortening, margarine, mayonnaise, sauces, dressings, and condiments preferred.
• Equipment/Software
  
  Skills:
  
  Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.

• Technical Skills – Solid quality assurance and/or audit expertise, strong command of FSMA, FSP and PCQI methodologies, knowledge of experimental design, and understanding of fats and oils chemistry and processing.
• Judgment – Decisive, exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
• Strategic Thinking – Displays critical thinking skills, proactive in decision making, and makes data‑based decisions.
• Problem Solving – Leverages a proactive & creative approach to issues/roadblocks, develops realistic action plans with clearly identified risks and contingencies.

Physical: Typical activities may include prolonged periods of sitting or standing, using a computer, and occasional movement within the workplace. May require lifting or moving items up to 50 pounds.

Sensory: Requires clear verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with team members and others. Active listening and attention to detail are essential.

Mental/Reasoning: Must be able to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and adapt to changing demands. Requires strong organizational skills, dependability, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team. Must demonstrate sound judgment, professionalism,…