Quality Manager

Quality ManagerPosition OverviewWe are seeking a proactive Quality Manager to lead and continuously improve quality systems across our food manufacturing and packaging operations. The role is responsible for ensuring product safety, regulatory compliance and consistent product quality across dairy, cheese and meat lines, while driving best practices in food safety, GMP and supplier quality. The Quality Manager will work cross-functionally with operations, R&D, procurement and sales to deliver reliable, compliant products and lead a culture of continuous improvement.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop, implement and maintain the food safety and quality management systems (HACCP, SQF/BRC/ISO 9001 where applicable) to ensure regulatory compliance and product safety across cheese, dairy and meat production lines.Lead day-to-day quality operations including incoming material inspections, in-process controls, finished product release, and packaging quality to meet specifications and customer requirements.Plan and lead internal and external audits (GFSI, customer, supplier, regulatory), manage corrective actions, root cause analysis and CAPA processes to resolution.Oversee microbiological, chemical and physical testing programs; partner with laboratory teams or external labs to ensure reliable testing, data integrity and timely reporting.Manage supplier quality, approving new suppliers, auditing critical suppliers and driving supplier improvement plans related to ingredients, packaging and outsourced processes.Provide technical guidance and training to operations and packaging teams on GMPs, food safety protocols, sanitation, allergen control and preventive controls to maintain high standards.Collaborate with production, maintenance and R&D to investigate non-conformances, implement containment actions and lead continuous improvement projects to reduce waste, rework and product deviations.Track, analyze and report quality metrics (OEE, defect rates, customer complaints, recalls, non-conformances) and present actionable insights to senior management to support data-driven decisions.Maintain current knowledge of food industry regulations (FDA, USDA where applicable), labeling requirements and customer specifications; ensure timely implementation of regulatory changes.Manage the quality team, including hiring, development, performance management and scheduling to ensure adequate coverage for 24/7 operations if required.Support new product introductions and packaging changes by participating in risk assessments, shelf-life studies and validation activities to ensure product integrity throughout the supply chain.Qualifications5+ years of progressive quality management experience in food manufacturing with direct exposure to dairy, cheese, or meat products and food packaging environments.Proven knowledge of HACCP, GMP, allergen control, sanitation programs, and food safety standards (SQF, BRC, GFSI, ISO 9001) and experience managing audits and certifications.HACCP Certification required Strong track record in root cause analysis, CAPA, continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma) and quality metrics management.Experience managing supplier quality and packaging specifications, including supplier audits and material approvals.Excellent leadership and communication skills with experience training cross-functional teams and influencing at all levels of the organization.Proficiency with quality management software, ERP systems and Microsoft Office; strong data analysis skills and comfort presenting findings to senior leadership.Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, prioritize multiple projects and be available for occasional after-hours incident response.Benefits- Medical Dental and Vision- 401k - PTO