QA Operations Manager

QA Operations Manager - Production Quality Who We Are Chelten House Products is a fourth-generation, family-owned food manufacturing company with facilities in Swedesboro, NJ. We are an industry leader widely recognized for our commitment to creating the finest tasting pasta sauces, salad dressings, salsas, ketchups, and other sauces and blends. Our success is built on a strong culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement, supported by a workforce dedicated to excellence and innovation. What We Have Competitive compensation with annual performance review Annual target performance bonus Paid time off and paid holidays Medical, vision, and dental benefits Company-wide perks and employee appreciation events Supplemental benefits, including life insurance and 401(k) contributions Team training sessions and advancement opportunities A diversified workforce committed to excellence and innovation Transparent and accessible leadership team What We Need We are looking for a QA Manager of Production who will lead the execution of quality assurance systems across a multi‑shift, fast‑paced food manufacturing environment, ensuring compliance, driving accountability, and strengthening a culture of true quality ownership on the production floor. This role is highly hands‑on, requiring approximately 80% of time spent on the plant floor actively supporting production operations, coaching teams, verifying execution, and driving real‑time decision making. The QA Manager of Production will ensure consistent food safety and quality controls across all kitchens and packaging lines, maintain end‑to‑end product integrity, and own the execution of Quality Assurance Systems from raw material through finished product. The ideal candidate is a proactive leader who thrives in a high‑volume environment, demonstrates expert multitasking abilities, operates with a high level of autonomy, and leads through visibility, accountability, and direct engagement with production teams. What You Will Do Production Quality Ownership Ensure consistent food safety and quality standards across all production stages and shifts Serve as the primary QA contact for routine production activities and day‑to‑day exception resolution Identify and appropriately raise issues requiring Director‑level intervention Drive accountability for quality execution in real time on the production floor Maintain a strong plant‑floor presence through hands‑on leadership, coaching, and direct engagement with operators and supervisors Partner cross‑functionally with Production, Operations, and Sanitation teams to ensure alignment on quality expectations and execution Line Checks & Process Verification Own and manage the Line Check Program across all kitchens and packaging lines Ensure line checks are: Completed on time Completed accurately Reflective of actual production conditions Validate execution using: Documentation review Physical product inspection Direct observation of operator performance Independent QA verification checks Ensure line checks are treated as meaningful control points rather than checkbox compliance activities Provide immediate feedback, coaching, and corrective action when deviations are identified Risk-Based Quality Oversight (Critical Responsibility) Apply risk‑based decision making to prioritize quality oversight based on: Product history and prior deviation trends New or modified products/processes High‑risk SKUs or sensitive categories Ingredient variability and supply chain changes Packaging changes or new materials Line staffing conditions, including: Operator experience level Whether team members are regulars or new to the line Ability of staff to detect and respond to deviations QA technician assignment and capability on each line Exercise authority to stop or shut down production lines when food safety or quality standards are at risk Operate independently with sound judgment while balancing production demands with quality and food safety expectations What You Need Bachelor’s degree required 5+ years of experience in Quality within a manufacturing or packaging environment Minimum 2 years of supervisory or people leadership experience Strong KPI ownership, reporting, and data analysis experience Proven ability to lead with a hands‑on management style in a production environment Ability to spend approximately 80% of working time on the plant floor supporting operations and driving execution Strong risk‑based decision‑making capabilities; this position will have the authority to shut down production lines High engagement and credibility with production operators through visible leadership and real‑time problem solving Demonstrated ability to operate with a high level of autonomy while driving accountability across multiple shifts and departments Expert multitasking capabilities with the ability to prioritize and manage competing operational demands effectively Strong working knowledge of: HACCP GMP FDA food safety regulations GFSI standards (e.g., SQF) Strong problem‑solving and continuous improvement mindset Ability to multitask in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment Proficiency in MS Office required; advanced data manipulation skills are a plus Must be fully on‑site with the ability to support off‑shift operations as needed Must be an initiator and driver of change, proactively identifying gaps and improving execution Continuous improvement mindset driven by proactive leadership and safety‑first decision making #J-18808-Ljbffr