Quality Assurance Manager

Quality Manager

Winston-Salem, NC | Food Manufacturing | On-site

Wood Pond Search Partners is partnering with an established food manufacturer to hire a Quality Manager in Winston-Salem, NC.

This role will lead plant quality and food safety programs, manage two direct reports, and work closely with Operations to maintain consistent product standards and strengthen day-to-day execution.

We’re looking for a hands-on leader who builds credibility on the production floor, develops their team, and helps solve problems before they become repeat issues.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the plant’s quality and food safety programs, ensuring alignment with company standards, customer expectations, and applicable requirements.
• Manage and develop two direct reports, establishing clear priorities and accountability.
• Partner with Production, Maintenance, Sanitation, and plant leadership to address quality concerns and improve processes.
• Maintain audit readiness through accurate documentation, internal audits, employee training, and follow-through on corrective actions.
• Support HACCP, GMP, allergen management, sanitation verification, and traceability programs.
• Investigate customer complaints, product deviations, and nonconformances, driving root cause analysis and sustainable corrective actions.
• Oversee quality testing, product holds, and disposition processes.
• Track quality performance and use data to reduce recurring issues and improve product consistency.

What You’ll Bring

• Quality assurance or food safety experience in food or beverage manufacturing.
• Experience supervising, coaching, and developing a team.
• Working knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, and food safety management systems.
• Experience supporting audits, investigating quality issues, and implementing corrective actions.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to hold standards while building productive relationships with Operations.
• A practical, visible leadership style and a willingness to spend time on the plant floor.
• HACCP, PCQI, or SQF training is a plus.

Why This Role

You’ll have direct influence over plant quality performance, ownership of a focused team, and the opportunity to make improvements that show up in the product and on the production floor.

Apply through LinkedIn or contact Wood Pond Search Partners for a confidential conversation.