Quality Manager

Context

Salary range 006: $102,600 - $128,300 (Salary will be determined based on skills, education, training & experience related to the position). Monday - Friday (flexible for business needs).

About the role

We are looking for a Quality Manager in Le Sueur, MN. The Quality Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing all quality assurance and quality control activities within the site. This role ensures that all products meet internal standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations. The Quality Manager drives the development and implementation of quality strategies, manages the Quality teams, and leads quality continuous improvement initiatives. This role is the key decision-maker for quality-related issues and collaborates closely with senior management and global quality function to align quality goals with overall business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of quality assurance and quality control programs, ensuring compliance with regulatory and company standards (GMP, GLP, HACCP, etc.).
• Lead the quality teams in both QA and QC functions, providing strategic direction, performance management, and development opportunities with training and mentorship.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess quality performance across the organization.
• Serve as the authority for all critical quality decisions, including product release, risk assessments, and non-conformance management.
• Drive quality continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing product quality, reducing waste, and increasing process efficiency.
• Ensure the site's readiness for all external audits (e.g., regulatory, customer, and certification bodies) and lead internal audits to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Manage the investigation and resolution of customer complaints, product deviations, and quality escapes, implementing corrective and preventive actions.
• Collaborate with R&D, maintenance, production, and supply chain teams to ensure that all new product introductions and process changes meet quality and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and manage the QA/QC budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to meet quality objectives.
• Represent the quality function on the site's management team, contributing to overall strategic decision-making and operational excellence.
• Promote collaboration with support teams and operations to monitor emerging risks and execution of mitigation strategies.
• Ensure all documentation related to quality systems, processes, and standards is current and in compliance with regulatory and corporate requirements.
• Develop and deliver training programs to ensure that all employees understand and adhere to quality policies and procedures.
• Lead cross-functional projects to improve product quality, operational efficiency, and food safety quality performance.
• Provide leadership in managing product recalls, coordinating with relevant teams and external stakeholders to ensure prompt and effective resolution.
• Possess the ability to evaluate trends and recurring issues, implementing control measures that drive continuous quality improvement and enhance the overall quality performance of the site.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related field required.
• Master's Degree in a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.
• Minimum five (5) years in quality assurance/control within a food manufacturing environment required.
• Strong experience in managing quality teams and leading quality improvement initiatives at a senior level required.
• HACCP Certification required.
• SQF Practitioner or PCQI certification highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements, including GMP, GLP, HACCP, FSMA, and GFSI standards.
• Proven leadership and team management skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive continuous quality improvement.
• Demonstrates strong decision-making and influencing skills, with the ability to guide cross-functional teams, drive quality initiatives, and ensure alignment with organizational goals.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short and Long-term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) with 7% company contributions
• 3 weeks Paid Time Off
• Paid holidays and 2 floating holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Advancement Opportunities