QA Manager - Milk

Main Responsibilities

• Lead Food Safety & Quality Systems: Own and continuously improve the site FSQMS (HACCP, FSMA/Preventive Controls, GMPs, SQF) to ensure audit readiness and full compliance.
• Regulatory & Audit Leadership: Serve as primary contact for State, FDA, third-party, and customer audits; lead inspections, responses, and corrective action closure.
• Product Safety Authority: Make final decisions on product release, holds, deviations, and disposition; oversee lab, environmental, and microbiological programs.
• Quality Team Leadership: Develop and lead the QA team through effective mentorship, clear accountability, strategic hiring, structured onboarding and ongoing capability development.
• Data-Driven Improvement: Establish KPIs and leverage data to drive risk reduction, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement.
• Supplier & Customer Quality: Lead supplier quality programs and own customer complaint management, including investigation and trend analysis.
• Commercialization & Change Management: Partner with R&D and cross-functional teams to support new product launches and manage formulation, labeling, and process changes.
• People Leadership & Culture: Develop and lead the QA team while embedding a strong food safety and quality culture across the plant.
• Operational Partnership: Collaborate with Operations to improve process capability, reduce waste, and ensure consistent product quality.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Microbiology, or related discipline.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in Quality or Food Safety leadership.
• Deep expertise in SQF, HACCP, and audit management.
• Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional initiatives, driving change and influencing stakeholders.
• Preferred BRC/SQF Practitioner and/or PCQI certification.
• Experience in beverage manufacturing.
• Familiarity with labeling systems and automated printing (e.g., Videojet).

Qualifications

• Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment.
• Must be flexible to support audits, inspections, and business-critical activities.

Skills

• Strong leadership skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and auditing processes.

Benefits

• Competitive wages paid weekly.
• Access to up to 50% of your earned wages before payday, via our partnership with StreamAssociate.
• Discounts on health and financial well-being benefits for eligible associates (Medical, Dental, 401k and more!)
• Time off (vacation, holidays, sick pay).