Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager

POSITION SUMMARY The FSQA Manager (Food Safety & Quality Assurance) directs the food safety and quality program at Falcon Trading Co. / SunRidge Farms (“FTC”) and serves as the site SQF Practitioner. The Manager owns the Food Safety Management System—including HACCP, GMP, allergen control, and sanitation programs—and ensures all products meet regulatory, customer, and certification requirements. This role leads and develops the FSQA department, manages internal and third‑party audits, oversees laboratory and environmental monitoring activities, and partners with operations, production, and warehouse leadership to advance a culture of food safety and continuous improvement. KEY JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES Serve as the site SQF Practitioner; maintain, monitor, and continuously improve the FTC Food Safety Management System and ensure its integrity. Direct the day‑to‑day operations of the FSQA department, including staffing, scheduling, supervision, training, and performance management of QA/QC personnel. Own the food safety programs—HACCP, allergen control plan, GMP, recall, and traceability—along with their supporting documentation and records. Lead and host external customer audits, third‑party certification audits (SQF), and regulatory inspections; coordinate corrective and preventive actions through to closure. Conduct and document monthly plant inspections across all departments; establish and maintain scorecards to drive compliance. Oversee the in‑house testing laboratory and external laboratory submissions, including the environmental monitoring (ENVM) and pathogen testing programs. Manage customer specifications, requirements, and complaint investigations, including root‑cause analysis, corrective action, and product disposition. Lead food safety and quality training for QA/QC, production, and warehouse staff. Maintain supplier approval and raw material records; support supplier quality and approved‑vendor programs. Oversee product specifications, shelf‑life testing and extension evaluations, retained samples, and product hold/release decisions. Chair the Food Safety Team and coordinate supporting subcommittees and follow‑up actions. Track quality metrics and KPIs and report food safety and quality performance to senior management. Additional duties as assigned by management. Education/Certifications BS/MS in Food Science, Microbiology, Biology, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. SQF Practitioner, PCQI, and HACCP certification required. FSMA Preventive Controls and working knowledge of Organic, Kosher, and Non‑GMO certification requirements preferred. Work Experience 3+ years of progressive quality and food safety management experience in a food manufacturing facility, including direct supervision of technical staff and hands‑on responsibility for food safety programs. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Solid knowledge of food manufacturing practices and a full range of statistical and analytical quality tools; proven ability to lead, train, and develop teams; excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills; proficiency with quality systems, documentation, and standard computer applications. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Must regularly lift up to 30 lbs. and perform the following: bend, stoop, reach, walk, stand, sit, squat, kneel, twist, climb, push, pull, grasp, fine hand manipulation, keyboard operation, and computer screen viewing. Must walk on elevated/uneven surfaces and wear required PPE (hair net, beard net, gloves, lab coat, and other designated equipment). ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Ability to report on time every scheduled day and work a full‑time schedule; overtime as needed. Occasional travel may be required. Must agree to and comply with FTC’s employee driving guidelines for FTC‑owned vehicles and use of personal vehicles for business purposes. Adherence to the basic principles as expressed in FTC’s mission, staff expectations, standards of conduct. Adherence to company dress code and professional standards for personal grooming and appearance. Satisfactory completion of pre‑employment background investigation and drug‑test as well as ability to provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States. *This job description reflects essential functions of this position. It does not restrict management’s right to reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. #J-18808-Ljbffr