Quality Assurance Manager

Job Title: Quality Assurance Manager Department: Quality Reports To: Director of Quality Assurance & Food Safety Supervises: 7+ QA Technicians, 5+ Sanitation Technicians, 1+ Housekeeping Associate Position Purpose The Quality Assurance Manager is accountable for ensuring all regulatory, client, and company quality and food safety standards are consistently fulfilled at the production site. This role collaborates with plant management to uphold compliance, foster a strong culture of food safety, and drive ongoing improvement in operations. Essential Responsibilities & Duties Works closely with plant management to ensure complete dedication and responsibility to quality assurance and food safety initiatives while promoting a proactive quality culture within the facility. Collaborates with leadership to enhance sanitation practices and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) to maintain sanitation and housekeeping standards. Establishes internal audit schedules, creates corrective action plans, and evaluates outcomes. Reviews programs annually to ensure alignment with GFSI, BRC, AIB, and client requirements. Prepares the site for third-party and regulatory food safety audits, maintaining readiness at all times. Incorporates HACCP and FSMA principles into production processes, ensuring compliance with preventive controls and risk-based food safety protocols. Analyzes root causes and implements preventive actions for customer complaints and production issues to drive continuous improvement. Develops and oversees the Quality department budget, tracks performance metrics including MBOs and KPIs. Ensures accuracy, effectiveness, and timeliness of all QA procedures, including microbiological, chemical, and sensory testing, facility inspections, and inventory management. Leads the QA and Sanitation teams through coaching, performance evaluation, and professional growth to maintain high performance standards and accountability. Acts as the main contact for USDA and FDA inspections, maintaining positive relationships and open communication with regulatory authorities. Manages daily lab operations and QA documentation, including SSOP, SOP, HACCP, internal audit, and chemical/microbiological records. Maintains lab inventory and ensures adequate supplies are available. Executes other responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Quality Assurance & Food Safety. Leadership Behaviors Takes ownership and adds value to the company, stakeholders, and clients. Builds strong relationships internally and externally to promote collaboration and positive outcomes. Inspires others with enthusiasm for the business and a persistent, can‑do attitude. Drives innovation by developing creative, data‑driven solutions that support ongoing improvement and operational success. Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred. Experience & Skills: Minimum 10 years of experience in the food industry, with at least 5 years in a quality management role. Thorough understanding of food safety regulations and compliance standards (FDA, USDA, FSMA, HACCP, GFSI). Certified Internal Auditor with auditing experience. Demonstrated success in hiring, leading, and developing high-performance teams. Strong analytical, problem‑solving, communication, and organizational skills. Ability to collaborate across various functions. Experience with document management systems and supply quality programs is a plus. Six Sigma certification (Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent) preferred. Physical Requirements Must be able to work in a food manufacturing facility, with exposure to allergens, strong odors, and temperature extremes (e.g., -30°F blast freezer, 100°F cook room). Prolonged periods of sitting and computer work. Ability to occasionally lift up to 15 pounds. Work Environment Office and manufacturing plant settings. Travel Requirements Up to 10%. #J-18808-Ljbffr