Label and Packaging Quality Manager

Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) is a dairy marketing cooperative owned by more than 12,500 family farmers. Our mark matters and it represents the wholesomeness of dairy that we share with our communities and loved ones. DFA manufactures a variety of dairy products, including cheese, butter, fluid milk, ice cream, dairy ingredients and more, under well-known and established regional brands. Our fingerprints touch thousands of brands across the marketplace, and we’re passionate about delivering the simple pleasures of dairy to people everywhere, straight from our family farm-owners. We are proud to provide families with fresh delicious dairy products.  By joining DFA, Dairy Brands you can help us continue to make a difference that matters. We care deeply about the well-being of our neighbors and friends, and we celebrate the diversity of our company and our world. It takes an incredible team to deliver the goodness of dairy and enrich our communities – come join us!    

General Purpose

This position supports and manages packaging initiatives related to the Nutritional Labeling and Education Act for Milk, Milk Products, Frozen Desserts, and other FDA and/or USDA foods. This will include proofing artwork, completing forms, creating and maintaining detailed spreadsheets, supporting customers and marketing.  Coordinate activities for Kosher and Halal certification, and food product and identity declarations as required.  Support QA Managers as needed.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Research, understand, maintain, and complete the package development process from start to finish.
• Establish and execute program for labeling best practices. While providing technical insight on label reviews, product formulations, marketing materials, ingredient statements, nutrition facts, and product claims as required by business teams
• Advise cross-functional teams in the development of appropriate and compliant labels, advertising, website, and communication materials and required documentation for all DFA ingredients and product types
• Collaborate cross-functionally to identify and provide resolution to strategic and tactical regulatory issues pertaining to food labels
• Maintain current knowledge of state, FDA, USDA, Canadian FIS, and other applicable labeling requirements and regulations
• Create and maintain detailed Excel spreadsheets to track activities, deadlines, and related communications.
• Work with operations team to ensure packing meets plant specifications
• Support QA managers as it relates to packaging for Kosher and Halal Certification
• Ensure the validation and documentation of nutritional information by conducting periodic audits
• Manage & Track assigned packaging graphic projects (Private label & New NLEA updates)
• Post and route packaging proofs, provide annotated revisions to graphic originators, verify updates for accuracy, and repost for review until final approval.
• Respond to customer, agency, and printer requests for information and questions.
• Confirm Kosher customer agreement in place
• Provide final approval to printers
• Validate formula numbers for NLEA sheets, UPC’s for each SKU, ingredient statements,
• Provide guidance to business unit leaders on emerging changes in the regulatory environment related to product labels that may impact DFA
• Interact with key professional and regulatory organizations in the development of international label guidelines to support business plans
• Interact and coordinate activities with all internal and external stakeholders, including trade associations
• Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in food science or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of experience and education)
• 5 to 8 years of quality or related experience
• Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Able to manage multiple projects and participate in cross-functional environment
• Skill in analytical thinking and problem solving
• Able to interact positively and work effectively with others (interpersonal skills)
• Able to conduct research into issues or situations
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans