Quality Assurance Manager
Location: Thomasville, Georgia
Department: Quality Assurance | Reports To: Plant Manager | Job Type: Full-Time
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Quality Assurance Manager to lead our food safety and quality programs. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in food manufacturing, regulatory compliance, and quality systems management, with extensive knowledge of SQF (Safe Quality Food) certification requirements. This position is responsible for ensuring product quality, food safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the facility.
Responsibilities
- Manage and continuously improve the company's Food Safety and Quality Management System.
- Serve as the facility's primary SQF Practitioner and maintain SQF certification readiness.
- Lead all SQF, customer, regulatory, and third-party audits.
- Develop, implement, and monitor quality assurance policies, procedures, and standards.
- Oversee HACCP, GMP, allergen control, environmental monitoring, traceability, and sanitation programs.
- Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) for quality and food safety issues.
- Lead investigations related to customer complaints, non-conforming products, and food safety incidents.
- Monitor quality metrics and develop action plans to drive continuous improvement.
- Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA (if applicable), FSMA, and customer requirements.
- Collaborate with Production, Operations, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams to improve product quality and operational efficiency.
- Manage supplier quality programs, including vendor approvals and performance evaluations.
- Train and mentor quality team members and cross-functional personnel on food safety and quality standards.
- Prepare reports and communicate quality performance to senior management.
Requirements
- Strong knowledge of SQF Code requirements and audit processes.
- Experience serving as an SQF Practitioner.
- Thorough understanding of HACCP, GMPs, FSMA, sanitation, allergen management, and food safety regulations.
- Experience leading internal, customer, and third-party audits.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and quality management systems.
Preferred Qualifications
- SQF Practitioner Certification.
- PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) Certification.
- HACCP Certification.
- Experience in USDA-regulated facilities.
Skills
- Leadership and team development
- Attention to detail
- Regulatory compliance expertise
- Data analysis and reporting
- Root cause analysis
- Process improvement
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Decision-making and accountability
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Professional development and certification support
About Us
Thomasville Cold Storage is committed to producing high-quality, safe food products while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction. We are looking for a passionate quality leader who shares our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.