About the Role
The Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for developing implementing and maintaining robust food safety and quality systems across all areas of the production process. This leadership role ensures that all products meet regulatory requirements and customer specifications while supporting continuous improvement initiatives. The position is critical to maintaining compliance with USDA FDA GFSI and HACCP standards within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. Keywords: food safety quality assurance HACCP GFSI food manufacturing regulatory compliance SQF GMP.
Responsibilities:
- Lead all food safety and quality assurance programs including HACCP SQF GMP allergen management and traceability
- Manage internal audits third-party inspections customer audits and certification processes (e.g. SQF BRC FSSC 22000)
- Develop update and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs) and food safety plans
- Supervise product testing for microbiological chemical and physical hazards in raw materials in-process and finished products
- Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions for non-conformances
- Maintain and verify documentation of all quality and safety records in alignment with regulatory and customer requirements
- Train production and sanitation staff on food safety best practices allergen controls and personal hygiene requirements
- Coordinate with R&D operations and procurement teams to ensure quality standards are met during new product development and raw material sourcing
- Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies auditors and key customers regarding food safety concerns
- Lead initiatives for continuous improvement in food safety culture product consistency and process validation
Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree in food science microbiology food safety or a related scientific discipline
- 3 or more years of experience managing food safety and quality systems in a food manufacturing environment
- Strong knowledge of HACCP GMP FDA USDA FSMA and third-party certification programs such as SQF or BRC
- Certified HACCP and experience with internal and external audits
- Excellent leadership documentation and problem-solving skills
- Proficient in quality assurance software Microsoft Office and document control systems
Desired Qualifications:
- PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) certification
- SQF Practitioner certification or experience with GFSI-recognized schemes
- Experience with environmental monitoring programs allergen control and foreign material prevention
- Background in statistical process control (SPC) or Six Sigma quality tools
- Bilingual in English and Spanish
- Bonus
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance