Quality Assurance Lead

Position Title: Quality Assurance Lead - OH

Department: Compliance

Reports To: Food Safety Manager - OH

Status: Full-time, Hourly

Job Summary

The Quality Assurance (QA) Lead - Ohio is responsible for supporting the implementation, maintenance, and overall success of the food safety and quality assurance programs for Ohio processing facilities, including contract facilities as applicable. The QA Lead works closely with the Food Safety Manager - OH to help ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, customer, and third-party food safety and quality standards, including but not limited to FDA, USDA, and SQF requirements. This position works directly with the Compliance Team, Operations Managers and Supervisors, Quality Assurance personnel, Safety Team, and People Operations to support the production and delivery of safe, wholesome, and high-quality products to customers.

Essential Job Functions

1. Assists the Food Safety Manager - OH in the implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of food safety and quality assurance programs for Ohio processing facilities.

2. Provides leadership, direction, and development for onsite personnel performing quality assurance functions.

3. Partners closely with operations teams to promote a culture focused on food safety, product quality, regulatory compliance, and excellent customer service.

4. Serves in both operational and leadership capacities by providing Quality Assurance coverage on processing shifts, while also supporting food safety, compliance, training, and program management activities.

5. Conducts routine food safety and quality assurance training for operations personnel and other applicable team members.

6. Assists in the investigation, resolution, documentation, and follow-up of corrective actions related to operations issues, audits, customer complaints, and nonconformities.

7. Ensures calibration procedures, verification activities, and other routine Quality Assurance responsibilities are completed according to schedule.

8. Maintains compliance with FDA, USDA, state regulations, customer requirements, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and company food safety and quality programs.

9. Monitors compliance with applicable food safety and quality programs through routine observations, inspections, and internal audits.

10. Assists in coordinating, preparing for, and supporting third-party, customer, and regulatory audits related to food safety and quality programs.

11. Initiates, tracks, trends, and follows up on corrective actions resulting from audits, inspections, customer complaints, and internal findings.

12. Maintains records and documentation in accordance with document control and record retention requirements.

13. Works collaboratively with operations and compliance management to continuously improve food safety and quality programs.

14. Serves as backup support for the Food Safety Manager - OH, as needed.

15. Promotes and reinforces a strong food safety culture through active operational engagement.

16. Travels routinely to Ohio processing facilities, as needed.

17. Ensures food safety and compliance programs align with and support Versova's core values.

18. Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Quality Assurance, Biology, Operations Management, or a related field preferred. Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Experience
• 2+ years of experience in food safety, quality assurance, or a similar role within a food processing environment preferred.
• Experience working with regulatory agencies, third-party audits, or customer audit requirements preferred.
• Experience monitoring compliance with or implementing food safety and quality assurance programs, including SQF or other recognized standards preferred.
• Experience within the egg industry preferred.

Required Skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and follow-through.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and build positive working relationships with operations teams.
• Demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Ability to promote employee engagement and ownership of food safety and compliance programs.
• Ability to influence and promote a strong food safety culture throughout operations.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English. Bilingual skills preferred.

Required Certifications
• HACCP Certification or ability to obtain certification within 6 months of hire.
• SQF Practitioner Certification or ability to obtain certification within 6 months of hire.

Physical Requirements
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in various environmental conditions, including hot and cold temperatures.
• Ability to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to travel routinely to processing facilities throughout Ohio.