Quality & Food Safety Manager

Summary

Reporting to the Quality and Food Safety Director, the Operations Quality & Food Safety Manager plays a strategic role in ensuring a culture of food safety and product quality across manufacturing operations. This position collaborates cross-functionally with production, procurement, R&D, and regulatory teams to implement and maintain robust quality systems, drive continuous improvement, and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote a culture of quality and continuous improvement throughout the organization
• Develop, implement, and maintain food quality control systems and procedures
• Conduct internal audits and support external regulatory inspections
• Partner with manufacturing teams to integrate quality principles (six sigma) into every stage of production
• Verify raw material quality and supplier adherence to specifications
• Lead and support cross-functional teams in root cause analysis and corrective actions for internal process and complaint investigations
• Act as the site Preventative Controls Quality Individual, lead plant HACCP/FSP team, maintain the site Food Safety and Quality Management Program, update as needed, communicate and train relevant stakeholders
• Provide leadership and coaching, education, and training to plant employees including new hire and refresher training for GMPs, sanitation and product handling
• Organize training of all plant personnel regarding Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), Safe Quality Foods (SQF), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) Prerequisite Programs (PRPs)
• Monitor and analyze quality metrics and trends regularly to identify areas for improvement
• Oversee accurate documentation and records for quality assurance and regulatory compliance
• Oversee Corrective Action and Preventative Action (CAPA) and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) programs and work with teams to implement corrective actions in response to customer/consumer complaints
• Communicate quality Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and inspection/audit results to other stakeholders including upper management in the form of daily, weekly, monthly or quarterly reporting formats
• Evaluate sensory aspects of finished products and product holds on a daily basis and product releases are timely
• This position may manage Quality Assurance employees on-site and may be responsible for hiring, developing and managing performance of teammates within the department (as needed)
• Investigate and resolve customer complaints related to product quality
• Support product recalls and crisis management procedures when necessary
• Performs other job functions as related to the position as assigned by management

Qualifications & Education

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Meat Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field
• Minimum ten (10) years of experience in food quality control or assurance, preferably in food manufacturing
• Certifications required: Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), Safe Quality Foods (SQF), Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI)
• Strong knowledge of food microbiology including food pathogens
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication skills, teamwork and collaboration
• Knowledge and experience with minimum Six Sigma Green Belt and Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing
• Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) Trace gains, Quality Management Software (QMS) Proficiency, Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) platforms preferred