Food Safety & Quality Manager

Food Safety & Quality Manager

Our client is seeking an experienced Food Safety & Quality Manager to lead all food safety, quality assurance, sanitation, and compliance initiatives within a manufacturing facility. This individual will be responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving food safety and quality systems that ensure regulatory compliance, product integrity, and operational excellence.

The Food Safety & Quality Manager serves as a key leader within the plant, partnering cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, R&D, and Commercial teams to drive a culture of food safety, quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Food Safety & Quality Leadership

• Lead the development, implementation, and management of all food safety and quality assurance programs across the facility.

• Ensure compliance with internal quality standards, customer requirements, regulatory expectations, and industry best practices.

• Serve as the site expert for food safety, quality systems, sanitation, and regulatory compliance.

• Promote a culture of food safety and quality ownership throughout the facility.

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Manage and maintain Quality Management Systems (QMS) to support operational and compliance objectives.

• Ensure effective implementation and management of HACCP, GMP, allergen control, sanitation, pest control, and environmental monitoring programs.

• Lead internal and external audits, including preparation, execution, corrective action management, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Maintain compliance with GFSI-recognized standards and applicable regulatory requirements.

Continuous Improvement

• Utilize auditing, trend analysis, root cause analysis, and process evaluations to identify opportunities for improvement.

• Lead corrective and preventive action (CAPA) initiatives related to food safety, quality, and customer concerns.

• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure quality and food safety performance.

• Identify and implement best practices to improve product quality, operational efficiency, and compliance.

Incident Management & Customer Support

• Lead investigations and decision-making related to food safety and quality incidents, non-conforming materials, and out-of-specification products.

• Manage product holds, dispositions, and associated documentation.

• Support customer quality requirements, audits, complaints, and corrective action processes.

• Partner with commercial and supply chain teams to address customer concerns and ensure product compliance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Engineering on equipment installations, process changes, and capital projects, including food safety risk assessments.

• Partner with R&D and Operations teams to support new product introductions, product transfers, and process optimization initiatives.

• Work closely with Supply Chain and warehouse teams to ensure food safety and quality standards are maintained throughout the distribution network.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop Food Safety and Quality team members.

• Conduct performance management, coaching, and succession planning activities.

• Develop and deliver food safety and quality training programs for plant personnel.

• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous learning.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biology, Dairy Science, or a related scientific discipline.

• 5+ years of progressive Food Safety and Quality leadership experience within food manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, ingredients, beverage, dairy, or related industries.

• Strong knowledge of:

  • HACCP

  • GMPs

  • Food Safety Management Systems

  • Allergen Control Programs

  • Sanitation Programs

  • Pest Management

  • Regulatory Compliance

  • Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Actions

• Experience leading internal and external audits.

• Strong understanding of microbiological testing, sanitation monitoring, and quality assurance principles.

Preferred

• PCQI certification.

• Experience with FSMA requirements.

• Knowledge of GFSI-recognized standards such as SQF, BRCGS, or FSSC 22000.

• Experience supporting export customers and international food safety requirements.

• Previous leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.

Key Skills

• Food Safety and Quality Systems Management

• Regulatory Compliance

• Auditing and Assessment

• Root Cause Analysis

• Continuous Improvement

• Risk Assessment

• Leadership and Team Development

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Data Analysis and KPI Management

• Strong Communication and Problem-Solving Skills

Work Environment

This position operates within a manufacturing environment and requires regular interaction with production, sanitation, warehouse, engineering, and corporate teams. The successful candidate will be a hands-on leader who is comfortable balancing strategic quality initiatives with day-to-day operational support.