Position Summary:
The QA Manager is responsible for leading all quality assurance, food safety, and regulatory compliance programs to ensure products meet company standards, customer expectations, and all applicable regulations. This role oversees the QA team, manages facility compliance with SQF, GMP, HACCP, and other food safety programs, and partners closely with Operations, R&D, and Sanitation to maintain a culture of quality. The QA Manager serves as the site's primary contact for customer audits, regulatory inspections, and quality-related investigations, driving continuous improvement in product quality and safety.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, coach, and develop the QA team to ensure strong technical skills, accountability, and engagement.
- Oversee all quality assurance and food safety programs, including SQF, HACCP, GMPs, allergen control, sanitation verification, and traceability.
- Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
- Conduct and prepare for customer and third-party audits; develop corrective actions and verify implementation.
- Review and approve QA documentation, including batch records, product release, and hold/release decisions.
- Monitor and analyze quality data and trends to identify issues and implement corrective and preventive actions.
- Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, R&D, and Sanitation to address quality concerns and implement process improvements.
- Manage the non-conformance program, root cause analysis, and resolution of customer complaints.
- Lead training programs on quality and food safety requirements for plant personnel.
- Comply with applicable SQF requirements, food safety policies, quality standards, GMPs, and company procedures.
- Maintain and update quality systems, policies, and procedures to align with corporate and regulatory standards.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Quality Assurance, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
- Minimum 5 years of quality assurance experience in food manufacturing, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
- In-depth knowledge of SQF, HACCP, GMP, and regulatory requirements in a food manufacturing environment.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to develop and motivate teams.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work cross-functionally.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and quality management systems.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
