Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager

Job Location/Shift: Mon - Fri, 5:00 AM - 1:30 PM, onsite in Carson, CA -> relocating to our new La Mirada facility in early 2027Job Salary: $120,000 - $150,000Requirements: 10+ years of progressive FSQA experience in a high-volume, USDA-regulated food manufacturing environmentWho We AreWe believe every meal is a chance to make a difference. We aren't just making food; we are a mission-driven team serving over 35 million meals a year to students and seniors. As a proud B Corporation and Public Benefit Corporation, we are focused on quality nutrition and making a real impact in our communities. We're looking for people who want to be part of a team that delivers dignity and joy through the meals we create every day.The OpportunityThis is a massive moment of growth and transformation for us, and you will be right at the center of it! Following our recent acquisition of a ready-to-eat company-we are integrating operations under the our umbrella and scaling our USDA-regulated Raw and Ready-to-Eat (RTE) manufacturing capabilities.We aren't looking for someone to hide behind a desk all day. We need a hands-on, floor-facing FSQA Manager who will start as a senior individual contributor with massive ownership, and then step into the incredible opportunity to build, develop, and lead a unified FSQA department from the ground up. You'll play a pivotal role in helping us design and transition into our brand-new, state-of-the-art facility in La Mirada in early 2027. If you want to put your stamp on a scaling operation, build your own high-performing team, and partner closely with Operations, this is your chance.What You Will DoLead the Integration & Build the Team: Spearhead the FSQA integration of our newly acquired Ardella's operations, establishing unified quality systems and building out your own dedicated FSQA team as we scale.Shape Our Next-Gen Facility: Play a critical, foundational role in preparing and executing our strategic transition into our brand-new La Mirada manufacturing facility in early 2027.Own the Regulatory Relationship: Serve as the primary day-to-day liaison with USDA/FSIS inspectors, ensuring audit readiness and providing sound technical rationale.Manage HACCP & Critical Controls: Design, validate, and maintain HACCP plans across USDA categories, overseeing critical kill steps, thermal processing, cooling curves, and sanitation.Run the Floor: Participate directly in pre-operational inspections and production startups to ensure everything meets strict food safety standards before a single line runs.Drive Continuous Improvement: Oversee the Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP), leveraging microbiological results to drive CAPAs, root cause analysis, and preventive action.Partner Across Teams: Work closely with Manufacturing, Operations, R&D, and Supply Chain to seamlessly integrate new products, scratch cooking initiatives, and process changes.What You Need for This JobExperience: 10+ years of progressive FSQA experience in a high-volume, USDA-regulated facility with daily hands-on inspector interaction.Regulatory Expertise: Expert-level knowledge of USDA/FSIS regulations, HACCP categories, and Raw/RTE production, plus active HACCP certification.Technical Background: Strong background in SQF standards, thermal processing, kill steps, and sanitation controlsCommunication: Bilingual English/Spanish required.A Builder's Attitude: A hands-on, floor-facing leadership style with a passion for building programs, teams, and systems in a high-growth environment.BenefitsVacation/PTOMedical, Dental, Vision401k with employer matchBonusRelocation