Manager of Quality Assurance - Food Manufacturing

Job Description

Job Description

The Manager of Quality Assurance is responsible for leading and elevating quality systems across multiple facilities for a food ingredient manufacturer. This role ensures consistent product quality, food safety compliance, and effective execution of quality programs across manufacturing operations and supplier networks.

The successful candidate will be a structured, process-minded leader who brings clarity and follow-through to quality processes while maintaining the operational flexibility and cost discipline that defines the business.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Lead SQF, HACCP, GMP, FSMA, and regulatory compliance efforts across all sites.
• Maintain audit readiness with structured, written project plans and accurate documentation.
• Strengthen CAPA and root cause analysis systems efficiently.
• Monitor production activities and address quality risks proactively to prevent downstream issues.
• Support internal, customer, and third-party audits.

Supplier Quality & FSVP Oversight

• Manage supplier qualification, approval, and ongoing performance monitoring.
• Maintain FSVP compliance and review incoming material documentation.
• Investigate supplier-related deviations and implement corrective and preventive actions collaboratively.
• Partner with procurement and operations to maintain product quality while supporting reliable supply.

Customer-Facing Quality Leadership

• Serve as the primary point of contact for quality-related customer communications.
• Lead customer complaint investigations and ensure timely, structured, professional responses.
• Identify recurring trends and implement improvements that reduce repeat issues.
• Reinforce the company's commitment to product integrity and long-term customer partnership.

Production & Customer Specification Oversight

• Partner closely with production to ensure finished goods meet customer-specific specifications.
• Understand the variability of agricultural raw materials (color, granulation, moisture, form) and how it impacts production.
• Support compliant and practical deviations, reblends, or formulation adjustments when necessary.
• Work with internal experts to document and improve processes for managing variability.
• Ensure quality documentation supports on-time release of sales orders.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and unify quality teams across multiple locations, establishing clear roles, priorities, and ownership.
• Develop department-level KPIs aligned with executive company metrics and create visible project plans with timelines and accountability.
• Foster strong working relationships across production, operations, and supply chain teams.
• Establish regular communication rhythms and build a cohesive, motivated, and accountable quality organization.

Process & Continuous Improvement

• Identify workflow inefficiencies and implement practical, data-driven improvements.
• Improve ERP utilization and documentation visibility.
• Promote continuous improvement that balances quality elevation with cost awareness and operational realities.

Required Qualifications

• 7–15+ years of quality leadership experience in food or ingredient manufacturing.
• Strong working knowledge of GFSI & FSMA, and food safety systems.
• Experience partnering directly with production teams and managing customer-specific specifications.
• Demonstrated ability to create structured project plans, documentation, and accountability systems.
• Experience with FSVP and supplier quality oversight.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience managing teams and leading cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience in an ERP system, quality document software, or other computer programs.
• Proficiency with MS Suite and/or Google Workspace.

Real People. Real Connections. Real Results.

That's the Messina Talent Advantage.

For more than 40 years, Messina's Talent practice has continuously evolved to meet the needs of our clients. We not only help our clients fill roles and build their teams, but we also help them better understand their workforce and develop strategic talent initiatives that drive value for their organizations.

Messina Talent Advisors, a Messina Group Company, has the network, proven processes, and all the latest technologies to connect the right candidates with the right jobs - faster.

Company Description

Real People. Real Connections. Real Results.\r\n\r\nThat's the Messina Talent Advantage.\r\n\r\nFor more than 40 years, Messina's Talent practice has continuously evolved to meet the needs of our clients. We not only help our clients fill roles and build their teams, but we also help them better understand their workforce and develop strategic talent initiatives that drive value for their organizations.\r\n\r\nMessina Talent Advisors, a Messina Group Company, has the network, proven processes, and all the latest technologies to connect the right candidates with the right jobs - faster.