DirectJobHub
Jobs · Quality Assurance · North Carolina

Senior Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager

Perdue Farms · Lewiston, NC · 3 wk ago
Quality AssuranceFull-time

Perdue Foods aims to become the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers globally while changing the way animals are raised for food. As part of Perdue Farms—a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business—we blend tradition with innovation. Our culture is built on teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and associates are encouraged to contribute to shared goals. We foster a supportive, inclusive environment where team members feel valued and inspired to make an impact within the company and in the communities we serve.

About the Role

The Senior Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) Manager provides leadership to cross-functional teams in problem-solving across QA, Operations, R&D, and Marketing/Sales. This role measures and communicates progress toward lasting solutions, assists Operations, R&D, and Engineering with design and process capability for new and existing lines, and builds a strong QA/FS team through coaching and training. The position also offers Food Safety guidance to operations and maintains professional relationships across plant locations, Sales, Marketing, Vendors, Key Customers, and Co-Packers. This role is based onsite at our Lewiston, NC facility. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee Food Safety and Quality Management systems (FSQMS) and support personnel at assigned locations, including HACCP, SSOP, FSIS regulations, and programs.
  • Provide executive reporting on Food Safety, regulatory compliance, and microbial management with actionable recommendations.
  • Ensure Perdue’s microbial intervention processes are executed in assigned facilities.
  • Partner with business colleagues (e.g., Supplier Quality and Procurement) to improve and execute preventive controls for food safety programs.
  • Train and educate colleagues and suppliers on critical process parameters, control mechanisms, and validation measurements.
  • Demonstrate excellent organizational skills, including time management and priority setting.
  • Interact clearly and effectively with cross-functional partners to establish targets, plans, and timelines for quality execution.
  • Utilize transformational leadership skills (inspiring, problem-solving, communication) across multiple organizations and levels.
  • Deliver executive presentations and communications that inspire and inform.
  • Manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders with strong business, planning, communication, and financial skills.
  • Recruit, develop, and mentor a high-performing team while promoting diversity and inclusion.
  • Strategically analyze and lead projects with multi-plant impact; knowledge of SPC is a plus.
  • Meet directly with customers during plant visits or at their locations to build relationships, discuss opportunities, and review products or services.
  • Lead the FSQA team in using digital data collection systems (e.g., SafetyChain, TraceGains, Power BI).

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or an Agribusiness-related field.
  • 7+ years of experience in the food industry, with poultry experience strongly preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and certifications.
  • 10+ years in progressive management or leadership roles within Food Safety/Quality and/or Regulatory relations.
  • 7+ years of direct customer interface and support around Quality and Food Safety.
  • 7+ years managing verification programs (e.g., NAE, NGMO, Gluten-Free, BRC, SQF, HACCP).
  • 15+ years of experience in microbiology, food science, engineering, or food safety.
  • Extensive experience engaging with USDA regulatory bodies.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or an Agribusiness-related field.
  • Experience developing and maintaining records for process workflows, USDA, FDA, and other regulatory organizations.
  • Thorough understanding of HACCP and GFSI programs/audit schemes.
  • Robust knowledge of microbial intervention systems in poultry processing.
  • Ability to articulate and present the company’s Food Safety and Quality strategy to senior management, regulatory bodies, customers, and co-packers.
  • Proven ability to operate successfully in a rapidly growing organization, including coordinating regulatory issue resolution.
  • Ability to formulate solutions from a broad perspective.

Similar jobs