FSQA Manager

Summary

The FSQA Manager is responsible for leading the Food Safety and Quality Assurance team and maintaining a strong partnership with Operations to ensure alignment on food safety and quality goals. This role oversees the development, implementation, communication, and training of all FSQA policies and procedures, including GMPs, SQF, SSOPs, QA protocols, and food safety programs. The manager ensures regulatory compliance with USDA standards and is the principal liaison between the plant and USDA.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• TEAM LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT - The FSQA Manager is responsible for leading and developing a high-performing Food Safety and Quality Assurance team, ensuring alignment with company standards and regulatory requirements. This includes setting clear expectations, providing ongoing coaching and support, and conducting regular performance evaluations to drive accountability and continuous improvement. The manager fosters a culture of ownership and excellence within the FSQA team, ensuring proactive communication, effective problem-solving, and collaboration across departments to uphold food safety, quality, and compliance standards.

• REGULATORY COMPLIANCE – Serves as the primary contact to USDA officials at the facility, managing all communications and interactions related to plant policies, facility conditions, and food safety programs. This position must be able to read and interpret USDA policies and regulations to accurately guide FSQA staff and plant personnel ensuring full compliance with USDA expectations. They are responsible for maintaining and updating all required documentation and ensuring timely resolution of non-compliance issues.

• POLICIES & PROCEDURES - Develop, implement, maintain, and train teams on FSQA policies and procedures, including HACCP, GMPs, SQF, SSOPs, QA protocols, and overall food safety programs. This position evaluates, advises, and may conduct FSQA related training for orientation programs.

• CODE OF CONDUCT & BUSINESS ETHICS - Must adhere to the company's Code of Conduct and Business Ethics policy, demonstrating integrity, accountability, and ethical decision-making in all aspects of work.

• Supervision - Responsible for the direct supervision of the FSQA Assistant Manager and/or FSQA Supervisors on two shifts. The Manager will provide day-to-day oversight for operating across two shifts, ensuring consistent execution of operational standards, performance expectations, and company policies. This role is responsible for coaching and developing the FSQA team, driving accountability, and fostering a culture of communication and collaboration between shifts to maintain seamless continuity within the department. Additionally, the Manager holds indirect oversight of team members who report to the Assistant Manager/Supervisors under their direct management, ensuring alignment of expectations, workflow, and performance standards across all levels.

• Performance Review - The Manager is responsible for completing annual performance evaluations for the FSQA Assistant Manager and/or FSQA Supervisors under their supervision. This includes clearly communicating performance expectations, providing ongoing feedback, and recognizing both individual and team achievements. The manager will also address performance issues proactively, offering coaching and guidance to support continuous improvement.

Qualification Requirement

• EDUCATION And/or EXPERIENCE Bachelor’s degree in food science, meat science, microbiology, agriculture, or related field. HACCP certification a must. Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in an FSQA role. Must have 3+ years supervisory experience. Must have in-depth knowledge of bacon or similar production processes, including terminology and methods, along with strong understanding of QA regulations and technical standards specific to pork and red meat. Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team by fostering collaboration, accountability, and a positive work environment. Must demonstrate strong multitasking skills with exceptional attention to detail, organizational ability, and a proven capacity to work independently or collaboratively to meet deadlines. Language Skills Must be able to read and interpret documents in the English language such as safety files, regulations, and technical documentation. Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to write effective documentation, training, and business correspondence. Ability to effectively engage, present, and communicate with the team changes and respond to questions from management and employees at all levels of the organization. Individual must have the ability to operate basic office equipment: email, Word and Excel.