Corporate FSQA Manager

About the role

GPAC is partnered with a well‑established and growing pet food manufacturer seeking a Corporate Food Safety & Quality Manager to support Food Safety & Quality initiatives across multiple manufacturing facilities. This corporate‑level position offers significant visibility and the opportunity to influence Food Safety & Quality programs organization‑wide, focusing on FSQ data analysis, supplier quality, regulatory compliance, continuous improvement, quality systems, and building a strong Food Safety & Quality culture.

Responsibilities

• Collect, analyze, and report Food Safety & Quality data from production and process improvement activities.
• Develop control charts, dashboards, reports, and other visual tools to monitor FSQ performance.
• Identify trends and opportunities for improvement across key FSQ metrics.
• Manage and update product and supplier specification sheets.
• Conduct supplier approvals and verification activities, including desk audits.
• Perform and/or coordinate on‑site supplier audits.
• Apply Six Sigma methodologies to improve Food Safety & Quality metrics.
• Develop initiatives to reduce Cost of Quality.
• Utilize storyboards, diagrams, control charts, and other visual management tools.
• Support consumer feedback programs and investigations.
• Assist with state regulatory programs and compliance activities.
• Partner with plant management and employees to strengthen Food Safety & Quality culture.
• Support quality improvement initiatives across multiple manufacturing facilities.
• Utilize CAPA, Root Cause Analysis, 5 Whys, poka‑yoke, PDCA, and other quality tools.
• Present FSQ data, trends, findings, and recommendations to leadership.
• Maintain knowledge of FDA requirements and applicable food safety regulations.
• Collaborate with plant and corporate Quality teams on continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain required FSMA‑related credentials and pursue ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Nutrition, or a related field.
• Hands‑on experience in food manufacturing within a cGMP environment.
• Strong understanding of FDA food regulations.
• Experience with Food Safety & Quality systems and manufacturing processes.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and critical‑thinking skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects.
• Experience analyzing Food Safety & Quality data and presenting findings.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and Visio.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to present independently and collaboratively.
• Strong integrity, judgment, accountability, and follow‑through.
• Self‑starter with the ability to work independently and cross‑functionally.

Preferred Experience

• Pet food or animal food manufacturing.
• Multi‑site manufacturing experience.
• Supplier qualification and auditing.
• FDA/FSMA compliance.
• PCQI certification.
• FSVP or QI certification.
• Six Sigma training or certification.
• Control charting and statistical quality tools.
• CAPA, Root Cause Analysis / 5 Whys, poka‑yoke, PDCA, MBWA.
• Experience leading Food Safety & Quality culture initiatives.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and occasionally climb stairs or ladders.
• Frequent use of a computer and repetitive tasks.
• Occasional lifting of food product cases/bundles up to 55 lb.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life and disability insurance.
• 401(k) profit‑sharing plan with company match.
• Paid holidays and vacation time.

Compensation

Base salary $90,000–$95,000. This is a confidential search; additional company information, compensation details, and location will be provided to qualified candidates during the recruiting process.