Quality Assurance Lead

Quality Assurance Lead

The Quality Assurance Lead is responsible for ensuring food safety policies are followed and product quality standards are consistently met in the food manufacturing plant. This role reports directly to the QA Manager and serves as a liaison during audits and inspections conducted by customers, third parties, and government agencies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support front-line supervisors in ensuring adherence to GMP and HACCP program compliance; report any non-conformances to the QA Manager.
• Ensure manufacturing processes and facilities meet all quality standards with a focus on product safety, sanitation, environmental compliance, and customer satisfaction.
• Conduct regular on-floor quality checks and internal audits to ensure the facility meets FDA standards.
• Plan and conduct food safety and quality training sessions for all employees.
• Train and onboard all QA Technicians; manage annual refresher training.
• Maintain accurate HACCP documentation, including record keeping, verification, and corrective actions. Assist in updating SOPs and product specifications as needed.
• Collect and send microbiological and chemical samples for lab testing; verify that results meet company and regulatory standards.
• Verify supplier information and incoming materials meet company food safety and quality requirements.
• Perform daily pre-operational inspections, internal audits, and warehouse quality checks.
• Conduct investigations of non-conformances and assist with corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Support customer and consumer complaint investigations, including documentation review and follow-up.
• Perform trend analysis on quality data and present findings to management.
• Collaborate with Sanitation, Maintenance, and Production teams to monitor pre-op and post-op inspections and ensure corrective actions are completed.
• Assist with Safety Culture updates and ensure all documentation and forms are current.
• Meet regularly with the SQF Practitioner and serve as a backup SQF Practitioner when needed.

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education in Food Science, Chemistry, Public Health, or Biological Sciences preferred.
• Strong understanding of food safety and quality assurance standards (HACCP, GMP, FDA, SQF).
• 3+ years of experience in a food manufacturing or processing environment.
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and other QA-related software.

Pay Rate: $20.00 per hour

Schedule: Tuesday – Saturday 5:00 am - 1:00 pm

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits: 401(k), Health insurance, Vision insurance

Work Location: In person