Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager (S1268)

About The Wellness Pet Company

The Wellness Pet Company crafts and produces premium natural pet food, treats, and dental chews. We believe in natural, premium nutrition focused on proven health outcomes, and we strive to create mutual well-being for pets and their families.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the business complies with FDA Food Safety Modernization requirements.
• Lead integration of quality assurance and food safety processes into one integrated process tied to business objectives.
• Maintain BRCGS certification at the facility and meet Wellness Pet Corporation requirements related to quality and food safety programs.
• Manage finished product evaluation system and drive improvements in key customer/consumer Quality attributes.
• Train team members and maintain training records on critical food safety and quality requirements.
• Oversee monitoring, verification, and validation activities to ensure products meet the facility's Food Safety and Quality Plans.
• Provide guidance and leadership in situations involving deviations or potential risks related to food safety and quality attributes.
• Manage and implement an effective corrective action program.
• Oversee pest control program and microbiological testing to ensure compliance with regulatory, Wellness Pet Corporation Quality, and Customer standards.
• Reassess Quality and Safety Food plans throughout the change management process.
• Lead the development and implementation of statistical tools and systems to support continuous process and product improvement.
• Contribute to the Facility Management Team to meet all business objectives.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performance team focusing on communication, development, and succession planning.
• Support the development of corporate supplier quality management programs to ensure procurement of quality raw materials and packaging components.
• Assist in product and process improvement activities by supporting research and development manufacturing trials at the site.
• Live the Wellness Pet values and culture, ensuring the well-being of pets who depend on us.
• Facilitate and manage site Food Defense programs.
• Manage daily operations in quality and sanitation departments.

Position Requirements

• 5 years of proven management experience leading/facilitating food safety/quality-related aspects of a business within a high-risk environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Food Safety, Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science, Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of food processing experience, with at least 2 years in a manufacturing environment under USDA and/or FDA.
• Quality Assurance team management.
• Demonstrate leadership in food safety and plant regulatory affairs.
• HACCP Certification, PCQI, and BRCGS training preferred.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Experience implementing and using state-of-the-art statistical process control tools in a manufacturing environment.
• Able to work with cross-functional departments within the organization.
• Good critical thinking skills and corrective action/resolution skills.
• Strong computer skills with experience using Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.