Quality Assurance Manager

The Quality Assurance (QA) Manager plays a key role in ensuring that food products meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards at every stage of production. This includes overseeing quality control processes, managing quality audits, implementing safety protocols, and leading teams to maintain high standards of food safety and product excellence. The QA Manager will collaborate with production, sanitation, supply chain, maintenance and regulatory teams to ensure compliance with industry regulations and company policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Quality Control Management:
  • Develop, implement, and monitor quality control processes for raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods.
  • Oversee the inspection and testing of products to ensure they meet established specifications and standards.
  • Ensure adherence to all internal and external food safety and quality standards (e.g., HACCP, GMP, FDA, USDA, ISO, etc.).
• Sanitation Management:
  • Oversee the development, implementation, and enforcement of sanitation programs across the facility, ensuring adherence to sanitation standards and guidelines with the Sanitation leader.
  • Oversee cleaning schedules and sanitation protocols for production equipment, workspaces, and storage areas.
  • Conduct regular sanitation audits and inspections to assess cleanliness and compliance with safety regulations.
  • Oversee that sanitation staff are properly trained and that sanitation equipment and supplies are available and in good working condition.
• Team Leadership:
  • Manage and mentor the QA team, ensuring staff are trained and equipped to carry out quality assessments and inspections effectively.
  • Conduct performance reviews, provide ongoing training, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Food Safety Compliance:
  • Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and standards, including but not limited to USDA, FDA, and HACCP guidelines.
  • Develop and implement internal audits to assess adherence to safety protocols.
  • Address any non-compliance issues, implementing corrective actions and ensuring they are communicated effectively across teams.
• Product Testing & Analysis:
  • Lead the development and validation of testing methods for product quality.
  • Analyze test results and identify any trends or issues that could affect product quality.
  • Coordinate with R&D and production teams to resolve any product quality issues.
• Documentation & Reporting:
  • Maintain and manage quality assurance documentation, including test reports, inspection records, and compliance certifications.
  • Prepare and present detailed reports to plant and corporate leadership regarding quality control and compliance status.
  • Ensure that all product traceability records are accurate and up to date.
• Supplier Quality Management:
  • Monitor and assess the quality of raw materials and ingredients from suppliers.
  • Collaborate with procurement and vendors to address any quality concerns or improvements needed.
• Continuous Improvement:
  • Identify areas for improvement in processes, efficiency, and product quality.
  • Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to address any quality deficiencies.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement through data-driven decision-making and employee engagement.
• Customer Relations:
  • Investigate and resolve customer complaints related to product quality.
  • Communicate with customers about product quality issues and corrective actions taken.
• Flexibility to work non-standard hours as needed, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements:

Education/Certifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field. A Master’s degree or relevant certifications (e.g., SQF, HACCP, ISO) is a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in quality assurance, preferably in a food manufacturing environment.
• At least 3 years of experience in a leadership role.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficient use of a computer, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote), and other related quality assurance applications or software.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations, quality management systems, and industry best practices.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage and develop teams.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.