QA Manager

QA Manager at GBC Food Services Job Overview The Quality Assurance (QA) Manager is responsible for ensuring that all products distributed meet the highest safety, quality, and regulatory standards. This role develops and oversees quality assurance systems tailored to the unique needs of food distribution operations, including adherence to food safety guidelines such as HACCP, FSMA, and FDA/USDA standards. The QA Manager works closely with operations, procurement, and regulatory agencies to uphold food safety protocols and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Supervisory Responsibilities Directly supervises QA team leads, food safety specialists, and quality inspectors. Provides mentorship, performance evaluations, and professional development opportunities for QA team members. Oversees recruitment, training, and onboarding of new QA personnel, operations leadership, and franchisees. Key Responsibilities Develop, implement, and maintain QA and food safety programs in compliance with HACCP, FSMA, FDA, and USDA requirements. Accountable for annual reviews and updates of written HACCP Plans, Franchisee Manuals and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) companywide. Lead audits and inspections by regulatory bodies, third-party certifiers, and customers. Manage the QA team's workload and resource allocation to meet distribution and compliance deadlines. Collaborate with procurement and suppliers to verify product quality and specifications by conducting product evaluations, auditing supplier processing and distribution facilities to confirm food safety and social responsibility initiatives are being adequately followed. Analyze and monitor quality metrics to identify trends and implement corrective actions. Ensure cold chain compliance and conduct regular reviews of storage and transportation protocols. Conduct and verify new product shelf-life by scheduling and executing product evaluations and microbial confirmations. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance food safety and quality standards. Prepare and present quality and compliance reports to senior leadership. Act as the primary liaison with regulatory authorities during audits, inspections, and inquiries. Supports Quality Assurance Director on the execution of recalls serving as the Recall Co-Coordinator. Ensures Crisis Management program is updated and available to all OSC (Operations Support Center) and warehouse associates. Oversight of maintenance and calibration / replacement of cooler and freezer probes at corporate warehouse. Verifies adherence to Supplier Code of Conduct with oversight of new supplier approval, supplier required documentation, risk assessments and when needed, conduct onsite inspections for compliance with Social Governance programs. Competencies In-depth knowledge of food safety standards, including HACCP, FSMA, FDA, USDA and local health department regulations. Exceptional leadership, mentoring and interpersonal skills. Analytical mindset with a focus on problem-solving and data-driven decision-making. Strong communication skills for cross-departmental and external stakeholder collaboration. Proficient in food safety management systems and related software. Required Skills/Abilities Comprehensive understanding of food safety and distribution processes. Ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Experience conducting internal and external audits. Proficiency with quality assurance tools, such as statistical process control (SPC) and root cause analysis (RCA). Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in food science, Quality Management, or a related field. Minimum of 5-8 years of experience in quality assurance or food safety roles, with at least 3 years in a senior or managerial capacity. Certification in food safety (e.g., PCQI, HACCP, SQF Practitioner, or equivalent) is strongly preferred. Certification in auditing packaging, ingredients, manufacturing and seafood (wild caught and farmed) supplier locations. Physical Requirements Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Ability to access and navigate distribution facilities, host locations, including cold storage areas. Occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds. Ability to travel domestically and internationally with varying notice and periods. Work Environment Primarily office-based with regular visits to distribution centers, kiosk, warehouses, and supplier facilities. Exposure to various warehouse environments, including cold storage and food preparation areas. Equal Opportunity Statement GBC Food Services, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Seniority level Mid‑Senior level Employment type Full‑time Job function Quality Assurance Industries Food and Beverage Services #J-18808-Ljbffr