FSQA MANAGER

FSQA ManagerPosition OverviewThe FSQA (Food Safety & Quality Assurance) Manager will lead and oversee all food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance activities across meat and protein processing operations. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining robust FSQA systems (HACCP, SSOP, GMPs), coordinating with USDA inspectors, driving continuous improvement in product safety and quality, and managing a team of quality professionals to ensure consistent, safe production of beef and other protein products through primary and further processing, including grinding operations.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop, implement and maintain comprehensive food safety and quality programs (HACCP, SSOP, GMPs, prerequisite programs) tailored to meat, beef and protein manufacturing operations.Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, including USDA/FSIS requirements; act as primary liaison with USDA inspectors and regulatory agencies.Lead and conduct internal audits, supplier audits and third-party audits; manage corrective actions and continuous improvement plans to address non-conformances.Oversee daily QA/QC activities on the plant floor, including monitoring critical control points, finished product testing, environmental and microbiological sampling, and verification of sanitation and allergen controls.Manage product release and hold procedures, lot traceability, recall readiness and execution, and crisis response related to food safety or quality incidents.Supervise, coach and develop a team of food safety and quality professionals; deliver training programs for production staff on food safety, GMPs, allergen control and proper grinding/further processing practices.Collaborate with operations, R&D, procurement and maintenance to drive quality improvements, optimize processing parameters (including grind specifications) and reduce rework and waste.Maintain accurate FSQA documentation, including records, specifications, SOPs and audit trails; ensure data integrity and effective use of LIMS/ERP quality modules.Analyze quality metrics and KPIs, prepare regular reports for senior leadership, and recommend strategic improvements to product quality, yield and safety.QualificationsBachelors degree in Food Science, Animal Science, Microbiology or related field; advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g., HACCP, PCQI, SQF Practitioner, CFS) preferred.5+ years of progressive FSQA experience in meat, beef or protein manufacturing and processing, including working knowledge of further processing and grinding operations.Demonstrated knowledge of USDA/FSIS regulations, inspection processes and meat-processing compliance requirements.Strong experience developing and implementing HACCP plans, SSOPs, GMPs, CCP monitoring and environmental testing programs.Proven track record conducting internal, supplier and third-party audits; experience managing corrective actions and audit remediation.Familiarity with microbiological and chemical testing methodologies, LIMS, and quality data analysis; ability to interpret lab results and implement corrective strategies.Experience with food manufacturing systems, production floor supervision, and cross-functional collaboration in operations and procurement.Excellent leadership, communication and training skills; ability to influence at all levels and lead incident response and recall activities.Comfortable working in a regulated, fast-paced processing environment; willingness to work on-site and participate in plant production shifts as needed.BenefitsAnnual Base Salary: $90,000 - $100,000Bonus PotentialHealth, Dental, Vision Insurance PlansLife, Short Term Disability, Long-Term Disability Plans401k Plan with Company MatchingPTO / Paid VacationPrivately Owned CompanyGrowth Opportunities