Overview

Our client is seeking a seasoned Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager to lead all FSQA functions within a high-volume manufacturing facility. This individual will oversee regulatory compliance, develop and enforce food safety programs, manage quality standards, and ensure the facility maintains an audit-ready status at all times. This role requires strong leadership capabilities, the ability to manage both salaried and hourly staff, and deep technical knowledge of USDA, HACCP, SSOPs, and regulatory requirements within RTE/NRTE food environments.

The ideal candidate is an effective communicator, highly organized, capable of managing multiple priorities, and experienced in fostering cross-functional relationships across production, sanitation, maintenance, and corporate teams.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Program Management

• Lead all facility FSQA programs and ensure full implementation of corporate food safety and quality policies.
• Train, mentor, and oversee all FSQA team members to ensure they understand and execute program requirements.
• Maintain audit-ready conditions daily and represent the facility during regulatory, customer, and third-party audits.

Regulatory Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure full compliance with USDA regulations and all applicable food safety laws.
• Maintain and update HACCP, SSOP, prerequisite programs, and facility documentation at required intervals or when products/processes change.
• Serve as the primary contact for regulatory personnel, maintaining positive professional relationships with onsite inspectors.

Quality Systems & Testing

• Develop, validate, and manage operational quality procedures and testing protocols to ensure products meet all safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Oversee laboratory operations, microbiological testing, environmental monitoring, and positive-swab investigation processes.
• Ensure timely testing of finished products and environmental samples and initiate corrective actions where required.

Supplier & Ingredient Management

• Verify that all suppliers meet company standards for food safety and quality.
• Obtain and maintain required documentation (letters of guarantee, MSDS, inspection approvals, etc.) and conduct local supplier audits as needed.
• Maintain ingredient specifications and ensure all incoming materials meet quality standards and are stored under proper conditions.

Customer Complaints, Crisis Management & Traceability

• Lead investigations into customer complaints, quality deviations, and potential foodborne illness concerns.
• Support development and execution of facility crisis plans, recall procedures, and communication requirements.
• Ensure proper FIFO practices, traceability protocols, and accurate coding/labeling of all finished goods.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with production, sanitation, maintenance, R&D, and warehousing teams to support quality standards throughout all stages of receiving, processing, storage, and shipping.
• Collaborate with R&D during product launches to establish quality testing parameters and ensure new products meet regulatory and internal requirements.
• Support facility-wide GMP training and ongoing food safety education.

Equipment & Process Verification

• Ensure all quality-related equipment (metal detectors, check weighers, etc.) is functioning correctly during pre-op and production.
• Work with maintenance teams to resolve equipment issues affecting quality or food safety.

Continuous Improvement & Department Leadership

• Evaluate monthly facility assessments, ensure corrective actions are completed, and follow up on outstanding items.
• Develop departmental goals, conduct performance evaluations, and support personnel development for both salaried and non-salaried FSQA team members.
• Drive ongoing improvements to strengthen the facility’s overall food safety and quality systems.

General Responsibilities

• Ensure all labeling, nutritional information, and packaging compliance is maintained.
• Ensure proper documentation and authorization for export products.
• Maintain allergen control programs and ensure labeling accuracy.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Biology, or a related field (required).
• 10+ years of progressive QA/FSQA experience within a USDA-regulated food manufacturing environment, including significant leadership responsibility.
• Experience with frozen food production preferred but not required.

Technical & Professional Competencies

• Strong working knowledge of HACCP, SSOPs, GFSI/SQF standards, SPC, and regulatory compliance.
• Certifications through ASQC, SQF, GFSI, or similar organizations preferred.
• Strong analytical abilities, including interpretation of data, SPC, and supplier performance metrics.
• Ability to develop and manage departmental budgets.

Leadership & Communication

• Proven leadership skills with experience coaching, developing, and managing teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical writing and presentation abilities.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight timelines.

Additional Requirements

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain accuracy under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• Capable of identifying problems, analyzing data, making sound decisions, and providing clear recommendations.