Quality Assurance Manager

At Utz, we're passionate about creating delicious snacks that consumers know and love. With a rich heritage spanning over 100 years and a growing portfolio of iconic brands including Utz®, Zapp's®, Tim's Cascade®, Boulder Canyon®, and On The Border®, we're on a mission to become the fastest-growing pure-play snack food company of scale in the U.S. Behind every great snack is an unwavering commitment to quality and food safety.

About the role

This role is responsible for oversight and implementation of the Utz quality and food safety programs at the King’s Mountain, NC site. The individual will drive all aspects of food safety and quality systems, regulatory requirements, industry audits, product identity, disposition of non-conforming product, and standards adherence within the operation. The role includes management of the on-site QA laboratory, including direct reports, routine sampling and testing, product evaluation, retain samples, equipment maintenance and calibration, and product qualification. This is a full-time, exempt position reporting directly to the QA Director.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of direct reports including a QA Supervisor and QA Lab Technicians across all shifts.
• Support plant management in resolving non-conforming product or compliance issues.
• Assist in development and implementation of QA systems where needed; support R&D functions before, during, and after commercialization.
• Responsible for lab testing methods and lab equipment data. Reviews quality and food safety data and responds appropriately to out-of-specification results or trends.
• Work closely with facility leadership to foster a positive quality and food safety culture and support personnel safety and continuous improvement efforts.
• Serve as SQF practitioner, HACCP coordinator, and FSMA expert for the facility; lead a cross-functional Food Safety Team.
• Manage the development, implementation, and training of food safety and regulatory programs.
• Oversee the SQF program including adherence to SQF code requirements, document and record management, monthly leadership meetings, verification, and validation activities.
• Work with management and fellow associates to ensure adherence to food safety programs.
• Escalate food safety and quality issues to Utz leadership as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned that will impact and support the overall outcome of the company and department objectives.
• Act as the liaison between USDA and production management. Participate in weekly USDA meetings.
• Monitor and manage the establishment’s environmental swabbing and test-and-hold program.
• Respond to USDA Non-Compliance reports on behalf of the plant.

Requirements

• 3 to 5 years’ experience in food manufacturing; Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Knowledge of USDA regulations and food manufacturing compliance requirements
• Demonstrated success building and strengthening food safety cultures
• Experience managing and working in cross-functional teams
• Leadership experience in preparing for and leading teams through third-party audits
• Experience integrating statistical process control methods
• Able to balance priorities and manage multiple projects on an ongoing basis
• Able to effectively listen, communicate, and interface across all organizational levels
• Able to maximize teamwork philosophies and achievements

Preferred Qualifications

• HACCP and/or PCQI Certification
• SQF Practitioner Certification

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Employer-matched 401(k)
• Profit sharing, bonus plan, employee stock purchase plans
• Career growth opportunities in a supportive, inclusive environment