Quality Assurance Manager

Quality Assurance ManagerLocation: Royal City, WA (Relocation assistance available)Work Setting: Onsite, Monday–Friday aligned with production schedule; flexibility required to support audits, production needs, and urgent quality issuesCompensation: $125,500 – $137,500 total compensation (base + bonus)Benefits: Full medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with employer match, paid time off, holidays, and comprehensive benefits packagePosition SummaryThe Quality Assurance Manager is a critical leadership role responsible for rebuilding and leading the food safety and quality function within a high-volume food production facility. This position goes beyond maintaining compliance, it is a hands-on turnaround opportunity to strengthen weak processes, establish structure, and restore a culture of accountability and audit readiness.This role is highly visible across the organization and will directly impact product integrity, regulatory compliance, and overall operational performance. The ideal candidate brings a proactive, systems-driven mindset and thrives in environments where they can assess gaps, implement sustainable solutions, and lead teams through change.Key ResponsibilitiesFood Safety & Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with FSMA, HACCP, GMPs, and FDA/USDA regulationsMaintain audit readiness for SQF, BRC, and customer auditsLead internal and external audit preparation and executionEnsure accurate documentation and timely corrective actionsQuality Systems Management: Rebuild and strengthen quality systems, processes, and documentationOversee document control, specifications, CAPA programs, and supplier approval systemsLead internal audits and manage non-conformance investigationsEstablish disciplined, audit-ready recordkeeping practicesQA Function Turnaround (Core Focus): Assess current gaps and implement structured, sustainable quality processesRebuild systems to ensure consistent audit readinessDrive accountability across QA and production teamsShift the organization toward a proactive quality cultureTeam Leadership & Development: Lead and develop QA Technicians across microbiology, environmental monitoring, and product qualityProvide coaching, training, and performance managementEnsure adherence to SOPs, GMPs, and quality standardsTraining & Culture Building: Develop and deliver food safety and quality training programsReinforce plant-wide ownership of quality and compliancePromote a culture of continuous improvement and accountabilityCross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Production, Maintenance, R&D, Supply Chain, and HSE teamsAddress equipment-related quality risks and process improvementsSupport new product development and quality validation effortsAudit, Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate quality records, logs, and compliance documentationLead customer complaint investigations and root cause analysisTrack and report quality KPIs to leadershipContinuous Improvement: Analyze quality trends and implement corrective improvementsReduce risk and enhance product quality outcomesIntroduce new systems, tools, and best practices as neededPosition QualificationsBachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field (or equivalent experience)5+ years of experience in food safety and quality roles2+ years of leadership or supervisory experienceStrong knowledge of FSMA, HACCP, GMPs, FDA/USDA regulations, and SQF/BRC standardsProven experience managing quality systems and audit readinessStrong problem-solving, root cause analysis, and decision-making skillsAbility to operate effectively in a fast-paced production environmentPreferred Qualifications:Experience rebuilding or stabilizing a QA function in a manufacturing environmentBilingual English/SpanishExperience with quality management systems and reporting toolsWhy Join Us?High-impact leadership role with the opportunity to rebuild and own the QA functionVisible position influencing plant-wide operations and long-term successStrong leadership support for implementing systems and driving changeOpportunity to create structure, improve processes, and leave a lasting impactStable, growing food production company with ongoing investment in operationsCollaborative culture focused on accountability, quality, and continuous improvement