Are you known for exceeding expectations? Do you embrace the Spirit of Hawai‘i? Then please keep reading because we’re looking for people like you at Hawaiian Host Group.
Who are we? Hawaiian Host Group (HHG) is a leading Hawai‘i-based consumer goods company with a portfolio of brands that includes Hawaiian Host, Mauna Loa, MacFarms, KOHO, and Kapua Orchards. Sold in over 23 countries, HHG produces a suite of products ranging from flavored macadamia nuts to artisan chocolates, and macadamia milk-based ice cream. Our dedicated team of Hosts of Hawai‘i is spread across our headquarters in Honolulu and offices in Hilo, Kona, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. HHG has 3 manufacturing plants in Hawai'i, as well as the state's largest single macadamia farm.
We are an excited team of people that all have one vision in common: sharing the Spirit of Hawai‘i with the world. Expect camaraderie, product tastings, and other (virtual and in-person) events that make our culture unique. And more importantly, know that your work contributes to our purpose; to make the Islands’ future flourish. We do this through our Takitani foundation that grants scholarships to deserving local students, our solar farm on the Big Island, and other social & environmental initiatives.
That’s enough about us for now, we’d love to learn more about you. Read the job description below and let us know if you’re interested. We can’t wait to meet you!
Under the direction of the Quality Assurance (QA) Manager, the QA Supervisor assists with developing, implementing, and managing QA programs and activities to ensure compliance with company policies, food safety standards, government regulations, and industry best practices, including GMP, HACCP, and FSMA. This role provides leadership in driving continuous improvement for product and process quality.
The QA Supervisor ensures that all products meet safety, consistency, and quality standards by conducting timely and accurate testing and sampling, verifying proper labeling, and ensuring functionality. This role requires comprehensive product knowledge and strong communication skills to effectively guide and inform employees on required procedures and operations.
Additionally, the QA Supervisor manages QA staff to provide actionable data on operations, inspects incoming raw materials and packaging, and oversees finished product quality for distribution. Key responsibilities include conducting in-house audits, investigating non-conformances, performing root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions. The position also ensures thorough documentation, accurate labeling, and adherence to food-safe procedures throughout the distribution process.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Execution and Implementation (50%)
- Ensure compliance with all food safety and quality programs, including GMP, HACCP, FSMA, and other required standards.
- Execute daily, weekly, and structured food safety and quality inspection schedules.
- Verify adherence to inspection requirements and customer specifications.
- Implement and maintain FSQ programs, including FSMA, SOP, HACCP, SSOP, and GMP, ensuring team understanding and compliance.
- Maintain the FSQ Program Manual, assisting in creating and updating HACCP Plans, SOPs, and other policies.
- Manages HACCP assessments and reassessments. Composes and edits HACCP plans and strategies for new products. Manage HACCP records and file maintenance.
- Assist in conducting plants audits to ensure and verify regulatory and customer compliance (HI- DOH, FDA, 3Rd Party Audits (GFSI), Customer Audits).
- Assists in reviewing supplier approval documentation and oversee audits for local and domestic suppliers as needed.
- Assist QA Manager in managing ‘QA Hold’ Program. Assist in identifying and resolving quality issues involving products and raw materials that are out of specifications.
- Support the company Recall and Food Defense Program. Conducts mock recalls/traceability exercises as requested.
- Assist in executing Vendor Qualification Program to ensure suppliers and raw materials are in compliance with internal specifications.
- Maintain records and documentation for all food safety and quality programs.
- Continually improve safety record by addressing both physical safety issues and employee safety attitudes with an annual goal of 0% incidents.
- Track and report on Food Safety and Quality Objectives, KPIs, and prepare monthly reports.
- Individual Contribution (30%)
- Evaluate and help develop processes, specifications, and preventive controls to ensure quality in all finished goods.
- Establish manufacturing specifications, standards, protocols, and procedures for quality control and new product development.
- Develop and manage programs to track customer complaints, potential foodborne illness cases, and create crisis response plans for upper management.
- Audit and evaluate inspection results.
- Assists in preparing audit responses and feedback for all third party and regulatory audits.
- Assist in identifying and resolving non-conformances and customer complaints through root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
- Maintain an up-to-date technical library for all policies, programs, and procedures, including, but not limited to: GMPs, SOPs, and SSOPs.
- Maintains proper documentation from all suppliers to ensure compliance with the company supplier approval program (Letters of Guarantee, MSDS sheets – where appropriate, Inspection Approvals, etc.).
- Uphold and promote plant safety procedures.
- Leadership, Coaching and Development (20%)
- Supervise inspection activities and staff, providing technical guidance as needed, and oversee technicians assessing products at various development stages.
- Oversee the janitorial and sanitation operations for the facility.
- Verify and review QA and production records, ensuring timely completion and proper filing.
- Confirm daily pre-op compliance, assist with QA/production training, and conduct on-the-job compliance verifications.
- Lead and participate in the continuous improvement team for product and process enhancement.
- Develop and implement training programs supporting quality, food safety, and food defense objectives.
- Demonstrate effective leadership skills to guide and manage a diverse team.
- Identify growth opportunities for team members and assist in creating individual development plans with clear timelines and regular check-ins.
- Assist in hiring, leading, and motivating teams to meet goals and exceed customer expectations.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Adhere to all duties and standards in alignment with company policies and procedures.
- Perform additional duties as assigned to support team and company objectives.
- Regular attendance is required for the position.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED:
- Bachelor’s degree in food science, food engineering, biology/microbiology, or chemistry; or equivalent experience in Food Safety & Quality Assurance.
- Minimum 2 years in Quality Assurance supervisory experience in food manufacturing.
- Strong leadership and management skills.
- Ability to perform college level mathematical and statistical calculations.
- Ability to summarize, interpret test data and make recommendations.
- Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills. Able to conduct clear, concise, and convincing business presentations.
- Proficient in computer systems and applications.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule (i.e., night/day shift) and weekends, as needed.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
- The position requires carrying less than 30 pounds; bending; stooping; crouching; side bending; overhead reaching; handling; stair climbing; forward reaching; grasping; sitting; standing; walking, finger dexterity; vision; hearing; eye-hand-foot coordination.
COMMUNICATION DEMANDS:
- The position requires talking to employees, supervisors and managers and outside trade persons/vendors; written communication to employees, supervisors, managers, and outside persons/vendors; responding to written or verbal requests; reading; composing written language; receiving verbal and written instructions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- 1) While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in an office environment but may be exposed to weather conditions while traveling.
- 2) The noise level in the work environment is usually light.
Hawaiian Host Group is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
