Summary:
The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for leading the quality management system and food safety programs to ensure the production of safe, high-quality beverages that meet regulatory, customer, and company standards. This role partners closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Procurement, and Supply Chain to drive continuous improvement, regulatory compliance, and a culture of quality throughout the manufacturing organization.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong technical knowledge of food safety, beverage manufacturing, regulatory compliance, and team development. This position reports directly to the V.P. of Technical Services.
Key responsibilities/Essential functions: Quality & Food Safety Leadership- Lead and manage all Quality Assurance and Quality Control functions throughout the manufacturing process.
- Maintain and continuously improve the Food Safety Management System (FSMS).
- Ensure compliance with:
- FDA regulations
- FSMA Preventive Controls
- Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs)
- HACCP
- SQF, BRC, or equivalent GFSI certification
- Customer quality requirements
- Serve as the Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI), if certified.
- Champion a strong food safety and quality culture across the organization.
Regulatory & Compliance- Maintain facility readiness for regulatory, customer, and third-party audits.
- Lead FDA inspections and customer audits.
- Manage corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Monitor regulatory changes and implement necessary updates.
- Ensure compliance with sanitation, allergen control, environmental monitoring, traceability, and recall programs.
Laboratory & Quality Systems- Oversee laboratory operations including:
- Microbiological testing
- Chemical analysis
- Finished product testing
- Raw material evaluations
- Review quality metrics and trends.
- Establish statistical process controls where applicable.
- Manage calibration and verification of laboratory equipment.
Operations Partnership- Work collaboratively with Production to improve process capability and product consistency.
- Investigate customer complaints and internal quality issues.
- Lead root cause analysis using structured problem-solving tools.
- Drive process improvements that reduce waste, improve yields, and enhance product quality.
Leadership & Talent Development- Lead, coach, and develop Quality Supervisors, Technicians, and Laboratory personnel.
- Conduct performance evaluations and employee development planning.
- Promote accountability, teamwork, and continuous learning.
- Ensure appropriate staffing and scheduling.
Continuous Improvement- Utilize Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
- Analyze quality KPIs and implement improvement initiatives.
- Support new product launches and process validations.
- Participate in cross-functional continuous improvement teams.
Knowledge, Experience & EducationRequired- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, or related field.
- 5-8 years of progressive food safety or quality leadership experience in food or beverage manufacturing.
- Minimum 2 years leadership experience managing quality teams.
- Strong knowledge of:
- HACCP
- FSMA
- GMPs
- SQF/BRC
- FDA regulations
- Sanitation programs
- Environmental monitoring
- Experience leading FDA, customer, and third-party audits.
- Experience leading internal and external audits.
- Experience with root cause analysis and CAPA management.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications- Certified HACCP Manager.
- PCQI Certification Preferred
- SQF Practitioner certification.
- Experience in juice, dairy, or beverage manufacturing.
- Knowledge of allergen management and food defense programs.
- Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.
- ASQ Certified Quality Manager (CMQ/OE) or Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities- Food Safety Leadership
- Strategic Thinking
- People Development
- Regulatory Compliance
- Decision Making
- Continuous Improvement
- Change Management
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Coaching & Mentoring
- Attention to Detail
- Data Analysis
- Customer Focus
Physical Requirements- Frequent walking throughout manufacturing areas.
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to climb stairs and ladders as needed.
- Ability to work in wet, cold, hot, and refrigerated environments.
- Must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
