Quality Assurance (QA) Assistant Manager, Food Manufacturing

Position Title: Quality Assurance (QA) Assistant Manager, Food Manufacturing ( Direct Hire ) Salary Range: $75,000 to $85,000 per year. Negotiable for the right candidate, depending on experience. Location: Phoenix, AZ Work Schedules Fully onsite, 5 days a week. Production runs on two shifts: 1st shift: 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM 2nd shift: 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM The role needs someone flexible, because hours may shift with production needs. Some weekend hours are needed when there is weekend production. Summary This company makes food in USDA-inspected plants and supplies retail and food service customers. It is hiring a QA Assistant Manager for each of its Arizona plants. You'll report to the Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) Manager. You'll lead the Quality Control (QC) technicians, keep regulatory and quality records complete and audit-ready, and act as the technical link between Quality, R&D and Production. This is a full-time onsite role. The plants run two production shifts, so the company needs someone flexible enough to support both shifts and weekend production when needed. This is a strong next step for a quality supervisor or lead who is ready for an assistant manager role. You'll have a clear path to grow further in Quality leadership. Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Team Leadership and Plant Partnership Lead and schedule the QC technicians across 1st and 2nd shifts, including weekend hours when needed. Build strong working relationships with department leaders and plant employees on all shifts. Give regular training on food safety, GMPs, documentation practices and key quality tasks. Adjust your schedule as needed to support the QA/QC team and production. Regulatory Compliance and Documentation Act as a key contact for regulators, including on-site USDA inspectors. Help prepare for and support annual third-party audits (SQF or similar GFSI programs) and customer audits. Review, maintain and check daily quality and food safety records for accuracy and completeness. Review production paperwork from R&D and Commercialization, such as specifications, batch records and process instructions. Update it after first production runs. Track and update the product hold list, and manage decisions to rework, release or discard held product. Respond to customer quality questions, complaints, and sample requests. Support corrective and preventive action (CAPA) work and root cause investigations. Technical and Manufacturing Oversight Monitor production processes, product testing and data to make sure products meet quality standards. Work with the FSQA and Commercialization Managers on new products. This covers whether a product can be made, test runs, planning meetings, first production runs and reviews after production. Confirm that all key steps and paperwork are done before a new product’s first production run. Inspect incoming materials and make quality decisions on supplier materials. Take part in monthly facility GMP walk-throughs. Continuous Improvement Watch production closely, review production methods and find gaps or areas to improve. Understand how plant equipment works and find gaps tied to the equipment. Report findings and recommendations directly to the FSQA Manager and Plant Manager. Qualifications Required Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Microbiology, Environmental Science or a related technical field. Equivalent experience may also be considered. 3 to 5+ years of experience in quality control, quality assurance or food safety in a food or other regulated manufacturing setting. 1 to 2+ years of supervisory or team lead experience, ready to move into an assistant manager role. Strong experience with regulatory compliance and documentation, such as USDA and/or FDA rules, HACCP, GMPs and audit-ready record keeping. Hands-on technical experience in a manufacturing plant, including process monitoring, production oversight and working with production teams. Able to work fully onsite 5 days a week, with flexible hours across 1st and 2nd shifts and some weekends. Strong leadership, communication, organization and problem-solving skills. Preferred Experience leading or supporting third-party audits, CAPA programs and root cause investigations. PCQI certification (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual). SQF Practitioner certification or a related internal auditor certification. Experience with new product launches or start-up production runs. Bilingual (English/Spanish). Benefits vary by client and are confirmed at the time of offer. Examples may include: Medical, dental, and vision insurance Life insurance Disability insurance 401(k) Paid time off (PTO) #J-18808-Ljbffr