Regional FSQA Manager, West

Regulatory & Compliance

Ensure all regional facilities are in full compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls (HARPC), and AAFCO labeling and nutritional standards.

Quality Systems Management

Standardize and maintain Robust Quality Management Systems (QMS) across the region, including Environmental Monitoring Programs (EMP), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).

Audit Leadership

• Lead and prepare facilities for Third-Party audits (SQF, BRC, or IFS) and regulatory inspections.
• Carry out internal audits to identify gaps and drive continuous improvement.

Team Leadership

• Provide functional leadership, coaching, and training to Plant Quality Managers.
• Foster a proactive food safety culture where every employee is empowered to "stop the line."

Incident Management

• Lead root-cause analysis (RCA) and Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) for any quality deviations, consumer complaints, or potential recall situations.

Lab Oversight

Oversee operations, ensuring accurate testing for physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters (e.g., Salmonella, Mycotoxins, and nutritional analysis).

Qualification Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Animal Science, or a related technical field.
• Experience: 7+ years of FSQA experience in food or pet food manufacturing, with at least 3 years in a multi-site or regional leadership capacity.
• Certifications: PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) and HACCP certifications are required. GFSI (SQF or BRC) practitioner status is highly preferred.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of pet food processing (Extrusion, Retort, or Raw) and the specific microbiological risks associated with animal feed.
• Analytical Rigor: Ability to interpret complex data to identify trends in product quality or safety.
• Communication: Exceptional ability to translate technical safety requirements into actionable instructions for frontline operations.
• Travel: Ability to travel up to 50% to various manufacturing sites within the region.
• Crisis Management: Calm and decisive under pressure when handling product holds or safety concerns.