QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGER

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionAbout Us – National Food & BeverageAt National Food & Beverage, we don't just manufacture products – we build brands. As a trusted co-packer serving Retail, Club Store, and Food Service customers nationwide, we partner with our customers to develop and produce high-quality food products that consumers know and trust. Our success is built on quality, innovation, food safety, and long-term partnerships.For more than 30 years, we've earned a reputation for excellence through exceptional customer service, operational reliability, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Our nearly 100,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution facility is equipped to support a wide variety of food production and packaging operations while providing the flexibility to meet changing customer demands.We proudly maintain the highest industry standards, including:FDA ComplianceSQF CertifiedOrganic CertifiedNon-GMO StandardsRobust Food Safety & Quality ProgramsOur in-house Research & Development team works alongside customers from concept through commercialization, providing formulation expertise, regulatory support, labeling assistance, and product innovation. As we continue to grow, we're looking for talented professionals who want to make an impact, solve challenging problems, and help build the future of food manufacturing.About the RoleThe Quality Assurance Manager leads Food Safety, Quality, and Regulatory programs within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. Reporting to the VP of Operations, this hands-on leadership role is responsible for maintaining and strengthening food safety and quality systems, leading audit readiness and regulatory compliance, developing and implementing programs and procedures, and managing a team of Quality Assurance professionals.The ideal candidate is a highly visible, floor-focused leader with strong technical knowledge of food manufacturing, SQF requirements, Preventive Controls, HACCP/HARPC, regulatory compliance, and quality systems. This role requires confidence in developing programs, leading audits, resolving complex food safety and quality issues, and partnering cross-functionally with Production, R&D, Operations, Sanitation, Warehouse, Purchasing, customers, suppliers, and regulatory partners. Bilingual Spanish and the ability to communicate effectively in English are required.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesOwn and manage all QA and food safety systems (HACCP, HARPC, GFSI/SQF)Ensure compliance with FDA regulations and customer requirementsMaintain audit readiness and lead all internal/external auditsEstablish and enforce raw material, in-process, and finished product specificationsImplement testing, inspection, and product disposition proceduresPartner with suppliers to ensure ingredient qualityHire, train, and mentor QA staffSet expectations, manage performance, and build accountabilityPromote a strong food safety culture across the organizationWork closely with Production, R&D, and Operations teamsSupport new product development and commercializationDrive continuous improvement initiativesTrack and analyze KPIs related to quality and productionIdentify trends and implement corrective actionsManage QA budgets and support cost control effortsRequired Qualifications10+ years in food manufacturing or quality assuranceStrong background in sauces, soups, dressings, or similar products preferredExperience with GFSI, SQF, HACCP/HARPC, and FDA complianceBilingual: English and SpanishBachelor’s degree in Food Science, Biology, or related field (or min. 12 years equivalent experience)Direct experience with FDA labeling complianceExperience with FDA labeling compliance and regulatory reviewHands-on experience with QA testing in production environmentsPCQI and NACCP certificationsBuilding, maintaining and defending QA system audits in a food manufacturing environmentStrong leadership and team development experienceHands-on, floor-focused management styleExcellent communication and problem-solving skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environmentProficiency in Microsoft OfficePhysical RequirementsAbility to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, reach, and work around production and facility equipment for extended periods.Ability to safely lift and carry up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.Ability to work around moving machinery, elevated noise levels, temperature variations, and wet or slippery conditions.Must be able to wear required PPE.Must be flexible to support equipment breakdowns, emergency repairs, production start-ups, and operational needs outside normal working hours when required.BenefitsMedical, Dental and VisionEmployer paid LTD and Life / AD&D insurancePaid Vacation & HolidaysWeekly Pay on Wednesdays!Equal Employment OpportunityNational Food & Beverage is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs without regard to legally protected characteristics.