Quality Assurance Manager, Food Manufacturing

Quality Assurance Manager, Food Manufacturing The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for ensuring all regulatory, customer, and company quality and food safety requirements are consistently met at the manufacturing facility. This position partners with plant leadership to uphold compliance, drive continuous improvement, and foster a strong culture of food safety and operational excellence. Position Responsibilities: Partners with plant leadership to ensure full commitment and accountability to quality assurance and food safety programs. Promotes a proactive, engaged quality culture throughout the facility. Collaborates with leadership to enhance sanitation practices and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), ensuring all sanitation and housekeeping standards are upheld. Establishes internal audit patterns, develops corrective action plans, and monitors results. Reviews programs annually to ensure compliance with GFSI, BRC, AIB, and customer standards. Prepares the facility for third-party and regulatory food safety audits, ensuring readiness at all times. Integrates HACCP and FSMA principles into production processes, ensuring alignment with preventive controls and risk-based food safety programs. Conducts root cause and preventive action analyses for customer complaints and production failures, driving continuous improvement. Establishes and manages the Quality department budget and tracks performance metrics including MBOs and KPIs. Ensures the accuracy, efficiency, and timeliness of all QA procedures, including microbiological, chemical, and organoleptic testing, facility inspections, and inventory management. Leads the QA and Sanitation teams through coaching, performance management, and professional development to maintain high standards of performance and accountability. Acts as the primary contact for USDA and FDA inspections, maintaining open communication and positive relationships with regulatory representatives. Oversees daily laboratory activities and QA documentation, including SSOP, SOP, HACCP, internal audit, and chemical/microbiological records. Maintains lab inventory and ensures all necessary supplies are on hand. Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s degree preferred. Minimum 10 years of experience in the food industry, including at least 5 years in a quality management role. Strong understanding of food safety regulations and compliance requirements (FDA, USDA, FSMA, HACCP, GFSI). Certified Internal Auditor with hands-on auditing experience. Proven success hiring, leading, and developing high-performing teams. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across multiple functions. Experience with document management systems and supply quality programs preferred. Six Sigma certification (Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent) a plus. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $100,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year Benefits: 401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Referral program Relocation assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance Education: Bachelor's (Required) Experience: Quality Assurance Leadership: 1 year (Required) Food Manufacturing Industry: 1 year (Required) Work Location: In person