Head Of Quality Control & Quality Assurance

Office hours 8am-5pm but must be flexible with needs of business (audits, supervisor support, etc..).

We’re looking for someone who enjoys being on the production floor, and partnering closely with Production and Operations to maintain high-quality standards.

Our client is a global food manufacturing company, leader in fresh refrigerated food products.

We are seeking an experienced Quality Control Assistant Manager to support the Quality Control Manager in leading in-plant Quality Control operations within a USDA-regulated food manufacturing environment .

This position serves as the second-in-command of the Quality Control department, providing day-to-day leadership across multiple production buildings while ensuring consistent execution of quality standards, regulatory compliance, and food safety requirements.

The ideal candidate is a hands‑on leader with strong USDA experience who enjoys spending time on the production floor, coaching Quality Control teams, and serving as the primary backup to the Quality Control Manager during USDA audits, inspections, and departmental leadership activities.

Quality Control Operations

Support the Quality Control Manager in overseeing daily QC operations across multiple production buildings and shifts.

Assist in ensuring consistent execution of Quality Control activities across all shifts.

Maintain a strong floor presence to verify QC inspections are completed accurately, on schedule, and in accordance with established procedures.

Promote consistency in inspection methods, documentation practices, and quality expectations across all production areas.

In-Process Quality Control

Support oversight of in-process quality checks, including:

Coding and labeling accuracy

Ensure products consistently meet quality standards and regulatory requirements.

Assist in leading foreign material prevention, detection, and management programs across all production areas.

Support validation and verification of:

Visual inspection programs

Assist with root cause investigations and implementation of corrective actions for foreign material incidents.

Partner with Operations and Maintenance to eliminate contamination risks and implement preventive solutions.

Support the Quality Control Manager as an escalation point for product holds, process deviations, and non-conforming materials.

Assist in making product disposition decisions (hold, release, or rework) based on QC results and product specifications.

Lead or support investigations into quality defects and non-conformances.

Monitor recurring quality issues and collaborate with Production to implement corrective and preventive actions.

Documentation & Regulatory Compliance

Ensure QC records, production logs, and inspection documents are completed accurately and in real time.

Maintain compliance with USDA regulations and internal quality standards.

Support audit readiness by ensuring documentation and QC programs remain inspection-ready.

Support and lead USDA audits when delegated, serving as the primary QA/QC representative in the absence of the Quality Control Manager.

Partner closely with Production to resolve quality issues while maintaining operational efficiency.

Support effective shift handoffs to ensure continuity of Quality Control activities.

Foster strong collaboration between QC and Operations teams.

Support departmental initiatives and other responsibilities as assigned by the Quality Control Manager.

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or a related field.

5-7 years of Quality Control experience within food manufacturing.

Expertise in foreign material prevention, detection technologies , and incident management.

In-process quality controls

Manufacturing quality systems

Previous leadership experience managing Quality Control teams in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Fluent in Spanish is a plus

PCQI Certification , or equivalent experience leading Food Safety Plans and supplier quality programs.

Experience with fresh refrigerated and ready-to-cook food products.

Experience supporting high‑volume and/or multi‑building manufacturing operations.

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