QA Manager-Hickman's

About the Role

The Quality Assurance Manager has primary responsibility for directing the workforce to achieve all safety, animal welfare, food safety, export, and quality goals as set forth by the company. This position supervises Food Safety and Quality (FSQA) personnel and oversees quality and food safety aspects of processing and live production. Responsibilities include product specifications testing, food safety systems, process improvements, and quality programs within the plant and live operations.

Knowledge, background, and expertise in egg/poultry operations is critical. Areas of knowledge must include HACCP, specification adherence to incoming raw materials, ingredient and allergen control, chilling, styling & packaging specs, packaging modified atmosphere characteristics, final box/package configuration, and shelf-life.

Responsibilities

• Run the quality control area and delegate tasks within the area.
• Organize and train all personnel within the quality assurance area.
• Implement government mandates regarding quality control and food safety in all areas of the plant and live operations.
• Maintain effective communication channels between government and plant officials.
• Monitor all government regulations, programs, and policies regarding food safety (FSIS, USDA, FDA, etc.).
• Keep employees focused on HACCP and GMP procedures.
• Track microbiological trends, sanitation program performance, and product shelf life; communicate results to plant team members and senior management.
• Create and write quality control programs to be implemented plant- and company-wide.
• Adhere to specific customer requests and specifications regarding product quality.
• Develop and organize methods for evaluating product quality and improve production processes.
• Evaluate sanitation and pest & rodent contractors' performance.
• Prepare, implement, and monitor standard operating procedures for each production/processing area in the plant and barns.
• Constantly review and update product quality control programs.
• Manage special projects regarding quality and food safety for the plant and live operations.
• Ensure all areas of the plant/barns are properly sanitized.
• Conduct department meetings on a regular basis.
• Coordinate efforts implementing new products/processes with respective parties (e.g., engineering, production, management, maintenance).
• Develop, maintain, and implement programs relating to customer or third-party requirements, including leading audits and maintaining BRC certification.
• Monitor, track, and evaluate all SPC programs mandated relative to customer requirements or plant performance.
• Work closely with operations to ensure regulatory compliance, customer specifications, and performance metrics are maintained.
• Maintain the facility in an "audit-ready" state at all times, particularly for customer audits.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• B.S. in Animal Science, Meat Science, Food Science, or a related science discipline preferred.
• Minimum 4-7 years’ experience in quality assurance within the food industry strongly preferred.
• HACCP certification.
• Processing and live production experience.
• Egg production experience preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Statistical/math background and strong math skills.
• Ability to review and analyze large amounts of data and identify trends.
• Knowledge of case-ready operations, including HACCP, specification adherence to incoming raw materials, trimming, chilling, styling & packaging specs, packaging modified atmosphere characteristics, final box/package configuration, and shelf-life.
• Ability to perform the functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Willingness to travel as business needs dictate.

Benefits

• Vision, medical, and dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment.
• Paid Time Off: sick leave, vacation, and 6 company-observed holidays.
• 401(k): company match begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule.
• Annual bonus plan eligibility, with bonus amounts varying based on company performance.
• Career development opportunities through continuous learning and professional growth programs.

Pay

Base salary range of $90,000–$110,000. This position is also eligible to participate in the company’s annual bonus plan.

About Us

In 2025, MTQ USA acquired Hickman’s Egg Ranch, based in Buckeye, Arizona. MTQ USA is an egg production and distribution company created through a joint venture between the Pinto Family—founders of South America’s largest egg producer, Mantiqueira—and JBS N.V., one of the world’s leading food companies. Headquartered in Greeley, Colorado, MTQ USA leverages global expertise, operational scale, and deep industry knowledge to deliver high-quality egg products to customers nationwide. The company is committed to responsible operations, long-term growth, and building a best-in-class platform in the U.S. egg industry.

Our mission: To be the best in all that we do, completely focused on our business, ensuring the best products and services to our customers, a relationship of trust with our suppliers, profitability for our shareholders, and the opportunity of a better future for all of our team members.

Our core values are: Availability, Determination, Discipline, Humility, Ownership, Simplicity, and Sincerity.