Overview

Responsible for planning, organizing, scheduling, and managing the activities of the Quality Control/Quality Assurance Inspection Distribution Center Department (DC).

Responsibilities

• Manage the sampling and inspection of incoming Vitamin Shoppe Private Brands (VSPB) finished products including timely disposition, proper retention of samples, and documentation of Product Evaluation records.
• Review documents relevant to GMP's, finished product specifications regarding physical, chemical, and bacteriological characteristics (i.e., finished product certificate of analyses).
• Work with Contract Manufacturers and VSPB Quality Technical Product Team in timely resolution of quality related issues.
• Conduct and author Material Review and make disposition decisions based on contract manufacturers root cause investigations (MRDD).
• Issue Market Withdrawal and Product Recall to VS corporate office, distribution centers and retail stores. Maintain all related market withdrawal or recall documentation following the federal requirements and VS Standard Operating Procedures.
• Maintain proper documents, records and tracking system for Product Recall and Market Withdrawal inventory and final disposition of affected products. following the federal requirements.
• Manage the distribution center product Quality inspection program and reporting adulteration, contamination or on-specification results for all VSPB products and capabilities of personnel.
• Oversee QC/QA Distribution Center Technicians/Inspectors (DC) in product sampling, inspection, organoleptic sensory testing and review of relevant documentation to assure compliance with specifications and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Write and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), as necessary and as assigned.
• Establish and maintain protocol for Warehouse GMPs including insect and rodent control, Warehouse temperature and humidity control and calibration, product adulteration prevention, internal audits, and maintenance records and all associated GMP documentation.
• Establish a training program to ensure that QC/QA DC employees are informed and knowledgeable of current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP), Certificate of Analysis testing methods, regulation requirements and company policies relative to personal hygiene, sanitation, wearing apparel (proper gowning) etc.
• Effectively interact with Contract Manufacturers, VS Technical, Private Brand, Commercialization, Packaging, Product Development, Retail Stores, and Customer Service teams.
• Support the VS Brand Ops, Technical Product Team on product sampling and shipping for tests etc.
• Keep abreast of all regulatory aspects of GMP, FSMA and DSHEA, as it relates to QC/QA issues (FDA and FTC requirements for dietary supplements).
• Act as DC Quality Head by ensuring GMPs are followed, performing annual GMP training for Quality Personnel and ensuring that all DC personnel have GMP training annually by assisting the DC Manager and HR teams.
• As DC Quality Head, perform Internal Department GMP Audits for the Distribution Centers, and be the site lead for any official GMP inspections by FDA, OSHA, State or Health Department inspectors.
• Perform incoming Quality Inspections on the floor, certificate of analysis reviews - private brand product as well as raw materials and perform organoleptic testing.
• Travel to Arizona at least 4 time in a year

Other Functions:

• Performs other duties as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Directs, guides, develops, mentors, trains, and measures performance of 2 DCs, and 6 to 8 QA/QC DC Technicians and Temporary QA/QC DC Technician.
• Plans and allocates resources appropriately to maximize productivity during normal hours of operation as well as overtime hours, when necessary.

Qualifications

Education/Certification:

• Degree in Scientific, Chemistry, Biochemistry or related field, or equivalent combination of college instruction and work experience. College degree in Scientific field, or ASQ membership is a plus. Associate degree considered.

Required Knowledge:

• Knowledge of GMP for dietary supplements, foods, OTC (Over the Counter), and cosmetics according to FDA regulations.
• Knowledge of regulatory aspects of dietary supplements, i.e., DSHEA, third party literature, FDAMA, NLEA, FSMA.
• Knowledge of dietary supplement testing and specific formulation knowledge of straight Vitamins and Minerals.

Experience Required:

• Minimum of 4 years in Quality Assurance, dietary supplement, pharmaceutical or food industry.

Skill and Ability:

• Excellent oral and written communication and supervisory skills.
• Proficient in computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Database Maintenance, and Analytical skills.
• Knowledge of ERP software and QMS required.

Equal Opportunity PolicyThe Vitamin Shoppe is an equal opportunity employer.We respect diversity and accordingly are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex, gender, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, separation, recruitment, pay and other forms of compensation, access to facilities and programs, training and general treatment during employment.

We firmly believe that every Health Enthusiast has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Our goal is to maintain a satisfied and productive team of Health Enthusiasts. The keys to reaching that goal are effective leadership, equal application of fair human resources policies, competitive wages and benefits, and close attention to all health enthusiast matters. The Vitamin Shoppe is committed to the principle of fair and impartial treatment of our Health Enthusiasts.

Health Enthusiasts with questions or concerns about equal employment opportunities in the workplace are encouraged to bring these issues to the attention of their Human Resources representative. We will not allow any form of retaliation against Health Enthusiasts who raise issues of perceived discrimination in good faith. To ensure our workplace is free of artificial barriers, violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.