Overview:
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Hire Type: Direct Hire
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision
Bonus/ Incentives/ Stock Options: 401k
Pay: $120-135k
Job Summary:
A growing food manufacturing operation is seeking a Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager to lead plant-wide quality and food safety programs. This role is responsible for ensuring all products meet regulatory requirements, customer specifications, and internal quality standards. The position oversees quality systems, laboratory testing, compliance initiatives, and continuous improvement programs while supporting overall plant operational goals.
The ideal candidate will provide leadership to quality teams, drive food safety initiatives, and collaborate cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, and leadership teams to maintain a safe and compliant manufacturing environment.
Job Duties:
Lead and manage quality assurance and laboratory personnel responsible for microbiological and quality testing of finished products and raw materials.
Oversee product weight control, defect monitoring programs, and quality verification processes to ensure compliance with internal and customer standards.
Develop and execute departmental business plans that align with plant and organizational objectives.
Support the development and execution of long-term operational and quality strategies for the facility.
Establish and maintain quality policies, procedures, and documentation standards.
Mentor, train, and develop team members to improve performance, engagement, and professional growth.
Communicate performance expectations and provide coaching, recognition, and corrective feedback as needed.
Investigate and resolve product complaints and maintain proper documentation related to issue resolution.
Partner with vendors, customers, and internal stakeholders to address quality concerns and ensure product integrity.
Ensure plant adherence to product hold procedures and recommend production holds or product release decisions when quality standards are not met.
Lead or participate in internal and external quality audits.
Participate in plant leadership meetings to drive quality improvements and operational performance.
Maintain accurate reporting of operational and quality metrics required for management review and regulatory compliance.
Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation programs, and workplace safety standards.
Conduct routine inspections of production areas to identify and correct sanitation, safety, or quality concerns.
Coordinate with maintenance and operations teams to address facility or equipment-related issues impacting quality.
Stay current with evolving food safety regulations, manufacturing technologies, and quality management practices.
Maintain strong working knowledge of all products, raw materials, packaging materials, and production processes within the facility.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Animal Science, Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or a related technical discipline.
Minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience in food manufacturing, pharmaceutical, or chemical production environments.
Strong understanding of quality assurance methodologies, statistical process control, and quality management systems.
Working knowledge of regulatory standards including FDA/USDA requirements, HACCP programs, GMPs, allergen management, and pest control programs.
Understanding of refrigeration systems and manufacturing processes commonly used in food production.
Familiarity with safe and efficient manufacturing practices including OSHA standards, product safety, and waste reduction strategies.
Demonstrated leadership ability with experience coaching, developing, and managing teams.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to investigate and resolve complex production or quality issues.
Mechanical aptitude with the ability to understand manufacturing equipment and processes.
Ability to interpret data and perform basic statistical analysis to support quality decisions.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel or other spreadsheet-based data analysis tools.