Hello All,
I've received a wealth of food safety and regulatory guidance from the members on this forum and I can't thank you enough. I've been trying to grow in my current role (QA II, but performing the work of a QA Supervisor/Coordinator) and my issue is that I've seemed to hit a wall with my current employer.
I've been here 3 years and have more than proven my ability to be a valuable team member and I've also been credited as a "key leader" in the success of several audits my facility has passed over the last two years (just passed SQF re-certification with a 95! YEAH!) At the very least, I would like my title to reflect the role I'm currently performing, as it would show on a resume that I've been in a supervisory role (which I am - currently supervising 6 QA Techs). However, my QA Manager is at the end of her rope in trying to get me any help with this. She's requested job reclassifications for me several times, but our V.P. of Operations (who is wearing the additional hat of General Manager at our facility) is very "Lean" oriented, if he's been getting $1.00 of work for $0.50, he's not inclined to change that.
So, here's my dilemma - I have 3 years in Food Production and QA (TOTAL). In that time, I've been lucky to have a direct manager that saw my drive and potential, got me some valuable training (HACCP, SQF, Auditing and add'l certifications), and pushed hard to get me to move forward. Now, due to either financial limitations, biases, or something else entirely, it appears I've reached a point of stagnation with this employer. I can apply for QA Supervisor positions elsewhere, but there's typically a requirement of a 4-yr degree in a Food Science-related field. Any ideas on how I can bypass this? If not, does anyone have any recommendations on the fastest way for me to achieve said degree? Two things to consider on that second option: I have four dependents and I'm currently the only source of income for my household.
This entire situation has worked a knot between my shoulders. I could definitely use some sage wisdom.
Thanks all!
-CC