Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager

Toft Dairy | Sandusky, OH

About the Role

Toft Dairy is seeking an experienced Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) Manager to lead all food safety, quality systems, regulatory compliance, and laboratory operations within our dairy manufacturing facility. This position is responsible for maintaining and continuously improving our Food Safety Plan, HACCP programs, GMP compliance, environmental monitoring, quality assurance systems, regulatory documentation, and audit readiness. The ideal candidate will have experience in food manufacturing, dairy processing, quality assurance, food safety management systems, HACCP, FDA compliance, laboratory testing, and GFSI-based programs. This role works closely with production, sanitation, maintenance, suppliers, regulatory agencies, and plant leadership to ensure the highest standards of food safety, product quality, and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance
  • Develop, implement, maintain, and continuously improve the facility's Food Safety Plan and Quality Management System
  • Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA (as applicable), Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA), and all federal, state, and local food safety regulations
  • Maintain food safety, quality assurance, sanitation, and regulatory documentation
  • Lead HACCP, preventive controls, GMP, allergen control, and food defense programs
  • Serve as the facility's primary food safety and quality subject matter expert
  • Support regulatory inspections and ensure ongoing compliance with applicable food manufacturing requirements
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to food safety and product quality
• Quality Assurance & Laboratory Management
  • Manage laboratory operations and quality testing programs
  • Perform and oversee microbiological testing, including aerobic plate counts and coliform analysis
  • Conduct allergen verification and residue testing
  • Receive and test raw milk samples for antibiotics (upon ODA certification)
  • Collect environmental and equipment swab samples for verification programs
  • Maintain laboratory records, testing results, and quality data
  • Calibrate and verify laboratory equipment and instruments
  • Order and manage laboratory supplies and inventory
• Audits & Quality Systems
  • Lead internal, customer, regulatory, and third-party audits
  • Coordinate audit preparation activities across departments
  • Serve as the primary contact during food safety and quality audits
  • Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
  • Conduct root cause analysis and effectiveness verification for quality and food safety concerns
  • Monitor and enforce Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
  • Manage non-conforming product investigations and disposition processes
• Leadership & Training
  • Develop and deliver employee food safety, GMP, HACCP, allergen awareness, and compliance training
  • Promote and strengthen a proactive food safety culture throughout the facility
  • Partner with production and plant leadership to improve operational compliance and quality performance
  • Coach employees and supervisors on food safety best practices and regulatory expectations
• Customer & Supplier Quality
  • Investigate customer complaints and lead corrective action activities
  • Monitor quality trends and recommend process improvements
  • Collaborate with Toft Dairy's Farm Surveyor to improve raw milk quality, farm sanitation, and producer compliance
  • Support supplier quality and raw material verification initiatives

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Dairy Manufacturing, Microbiology, Biology, or a related field
• Minimum 5 years experience in food manufacturing, dairy processing, food safety, quality assurance, laboratory operations, or regulatory compliance preferred
• Strong understanding of:
  • HACCP
  • Preventive Controls for Human Food
  • GMPs
  • Food Safety Plans
  • Allergen Management
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Quality Management Systems
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a manufacturing environment
• Must successfully pass pre-employment screenings including background and drug testing

Preferred Qualifications

• PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) Certification
• HACCP Certification
• SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, or other GFSI-related experience
• Dairy manufacturing experience
• Experience leading food safety audits and regulatory inspections
• Knowledge of environmental monitoring programs and microbiological testing

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout a manufacturing facility for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to climb ladders and stairs as needed
• Ability to work in wet, refrigerated, and freezer environments
• Ability to work around food allergens including milk, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, wheat, and soy
• Occasional exposure to cleaning chemicals and sanitizers
• Flexibility to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as business needs require

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-3:30 PM

Pay & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Medical insurance with prescription coverage
• Dental, vision, and life insurance options
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• Stable full-time schedule

About Toft Dairy

For more than 125 years, Toft Dairy has proudly produced high-quality dairy products for customers throughout Northern Ohio and surrounding communities. As Ohio's oldest dairy, we are committed to quality, innovation, food safety, and exceptional customer service. Our One Quality, One Team philosophy drives everything we do. We are looking for a dedicated food safety and quality professional who is passionate about protecting consumers, improving processes, and helping our organization continue its tradition of excellence.