Quality Assurance Manager - Kitchen

This position is not open to applicants who require immigration sponsorship (e.g., F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1) now or in the future to work in the United States.

About the role

The Quality/Food Safety Manager provides leadership in all areas of food safety, quality systems, and regulatory compliance. This role serves as a key liaison for regulatory personnel, including onsite USDA/FSIS inspectors, and acts as a food safety resource for all plant personnel. Reports directly to the Director of Food Safety & Quality.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all quality and food safety programs, including implementation of food safety and continuous improvement initiatives, leading required verifications, staff training, and documentation.
• Lead the implementation and maintenance of the SQF system.
• Ensure compliance of food safety programs, including HACCP and Food Safety plans.
• Provide facility food safety and quality leadership to the FS/QA department and develop the skill sets of QA salaried and hourly personnel.
• Enhance QA and sanitation programs by communicating with management, operations, and sanitation teams regarding food safety programs and opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain and develop food safety/quality programs, striving for continuous improvement of product quality.
• Direct interaction with regulatory inspectors (USDA, FDA, State).
• Lead or assist in leading all regulatory, customer, internal, and third-party audits.
• Provide and promote a safe work environment throughout the facility.
• Maintain consistent communication and foster teamwork between all personnel, departments, and shifts, including promoting a food safety culture.
• Develop, review, and revise SOPs and testing standards as necessary.
• Ensure company policies and procedures are fairly administered within the department.
• Assist with pre-operational inspections, environmental and microbial sampling, various internal audits (GMPs, Pest Control, Food Defense, Allergen control, Label Verification), complaint investigations, and perform direct observations.
• Oversee all onsite laboratory activities and quality testing, and serve as the liaison for all outside laboratory testing.
• Review, analyze, interpret, approve, and report laboratory results per SOPs and applicable testing protocols.
• Accurately complete all required documentation.
• Review all records, including CCPs, for accuracy and completeness, and sign off in a timely manner.
• Exercise authority to stop processing and packaging activities that may cause a food safety concern.
• Train all departments in Food Safety and Quality Policies and Procedures.
• Perform other miscellaneous duties as requested by the Director of Food Safety & Quality or VP of Technical Services.

Requirements

• College degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Prior leadership experience in a food manufacturing facility preferred.
• QC laboratory experience with an understanding of analytical, microbiological, and environmental testing and method execution.
• Knowledge of HACCP & HARPC and experience in implementation of Food Safety Plans.
• Certification by a recognized HACCP training provider.
• PCQI certification.
• Ability to communicate persuasively and passionately about the need for food safety & quality.
• Working knowledge of regulations and guidelines imposed upon meat & poultry operations by federal and state agencies (Title 9 & 21 CFR).
• Initiative and ability to work well with and communicate effectively with all levels of company personnel and regulatory officials.
• Demonstrated commitment to following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), and other food safety rules.
• Excellent organization and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in a food manufacturing environment preferred.
• GFSI training (SQF, BRC, etc.) preferred.
• Ability to communicate in English orally and in writing; bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Repetitive motions that include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting and remaining in a stationary position for prolonged periods.
• Visual perception to perform job duties, including peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Benefits

• Paid time off (PTO) and holiday pay, including a holiday of choice.
• 401(k) match.
• Life insurance.
• Short-term disability.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Maternity/paternity leave.
• Health savings account (HSA).
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA) – health and dependent care.