Quality Assurance Operations Manager

Job Title:               Quality Assurance Operations Manager

Department:         Specialty Crops Processing

Reports To:           VP of Operations

Location:               Great Falls, Montana

Organizational Background:

Columbia Grain International, LLC. is a long time established full-service grain company in the grain and pulses business. We are headquartered in Portland, Oregon and own/operate over 60 elevators and offices throughout WA, ID, MT, NE and ND to support our domestic and export sales program.

We are a mid-size company with just over 500 employees overall. The employees at Columbia Grain, at all levels of our organization, represent some of the most experienced and knowledgeable in the industry. We are proud of our ability to attract and maintain talented, efficient, long term, community minded employees who can develop lasting relationships with producers and customers both domestic and around the world.

Position Description:

The Training and Quality Control Manager is responsible for overseeing employee development and ensuring product quality within the manufacturing facility. This role combines the design, implementation, and evaluation of training programs with the management and continuous improvement of quality control processes. The manager works closely with production teams, supervisors, and upper management to maintain compliance with industry standards and drive operational excellence.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Training & Development:

• Assess training needs through job analysis, performance appraisals, and consultation with department managers.
• Design, develop, and deliver training programs for new hires and existing staff, focusing on manufacturing processes, equipment operation, safety, and company policies.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of training sessions and modify programs as needed.
• Maintain training records and ensure all certifications are up to date.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
• Introduce and Integrate R&D Initiatives: Lead the initiation and incorporation of new research and development projects, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and adherence to industry regulations and best practices.

Quality Control:

• Develop, implement, and monitor quality control systems to ensure product standards are met.
• Supervise quality control staff and coordinate inspection activities throughout the production process.
• Investigate product quality issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective/preventive actions.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and customer specifications.
• Analyze quality data, prepare reports, and present findings to management.

Collaboration & Leadership:

• Work closely with production, engineering, and maintenance teams to resolve quality issues and improve processes.
• Lead internal audits and participate in external audits as required.
• Train and mentor quality control personnel.
• Promote a culture of quality, safety, and continuous improvement across the organization.

Skills, Knowledge, Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Management, or related field (preferred).
• Proven experience in training and quality control roles within a clean plant environment.
• Knowledge of quality management systems and lean manufacturing.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in data analysis and reporting tools.
• Experience working with grain processing equipment, including destones, vibrating screens, gravity separators, magnet separators, color sorters, graders, conveyors, and dust collectors is preferred.
• Ensure Compliance with PPE Standards: Oversee the proper selection, use, and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE) to safeguard team members from workplace hazards, in alignment with company policies and regulatory requirements.

Work Environment:

• Primarily based in a manufacturing plant environment.
• This position requires up to 50% travel to other facilities or for training purposes.
• Must be able to perform physical tasks as needed, including standing, walking, climbing, crawling, bending, and reaching in and around production equipment and confined spaces to conduct inspections and ensure compliance with quality and safety standards.

Benefits Offered:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and RX benefits
• Company paid Life Insurance and Disability
• Flexible Spending Plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401K Retirement savings plan
• Paid Holidays, Vacation and Sick leave

Successful completion of initial and ongoing employment screens, including but not limited to criminal background and vehicle record as required.

Columbia Grain is an Equal Opportunity Employer