Quality Systems Manager
Portland, OR - USA
Job Summary
Portland Oregon Onsite
Full-Time Salaried (Exempt) Bonus Eligible
Help build the quality and food safety systems behind every Salt & Straw scoop.
Salt & Straw is looking for a Quality Systems Manager to strengthen Quality Assurance and Food Safety across our manufacturing kitchens shops suppliers and co-manufacturing partners. Based onsite in Portland and reporting to our Director of Quality and Food Safety youll lead supplier quality complex investigations and continuous improvement of our SQF and GFSI-aligned systems.
Behind every unexpected flavor is a whole lot of care: trusted suppliers careful makers and practical food safety programs that give our creativity room to run. As Salt & Straw grows youll help those programs grow with us so guests can enjoy every moment of wonder with confidence.
What Quality Systems Managers Do
This role turns quality and food safety strategy into clear practical programs. Youll strengthen our standards across the business lead our Regulatory Compliance Coordinator and help our systems keep pace with a flavor menu thats always changing.
You will:
Build and improve quality programs SOPs and standards across manufacturing Shop Operations suppliers and co-manufacturers
Provide technical leadership in preventive controls GMPs sanitation allergen management environmental monitoring and traceability
Support our SQF and GFSI-aligned systems and lead audit readiness
Manage supplier and co-manufacturer quality programs including qualification onboarding audits scorecards and site visits
Lead investigations and corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) for food safety events quality defects guest complaints supplier deviations and labeling errors
Own packaging and label approvals bringing consistency to the process from draft through approval
Partner with R&D Commercialization Marketing Procurement and Operations on risk reviews for new formulas equipment suppliers and facilities
Coach and develop our Regulatory Compliance Coordinator and step in for the Director of Quality and Food Safety when needed
Help build a culture where every Team Member takes ownership of food safety
In your first 90 days youll get to know our teams and partners take ownership of packaging approvals and begin work on ingredient traceability a microbiological program with a co-manufacturing partner and allergen-safe scooping practices for our shops.
What Youll Get
We offer competitive pay thoughtful benefits and a people-first culture that invests in your growth.
Pay & Performance: Market-aligned pay annual performance reviews and bonus eligibility
Financial Flexibility: Optional access to earned wages between paychecks
Flexible Time Off: Time to rest recharge and care for what matters to you
Paid Holidays: 12 company-recognized holidays annually
Sick Time: Two weeks aligned with applicable state and local requirements
Paid Parental Leave: 12 weeks at 70% pay for eligible Team Members subject to the biweekly maximum
Medical Dental & Vision: Multiple coverage options beginning the first of the month after hire
Mental Health Support: Free confidential 24/7 access to licensed professionals for you and your family plus on-site counseling at CKOR
Pretax & Additional Coverage Options: Eligible FSA and HSA options commuter benefits and voluntary accident critical illness hospital indemnity and life coverage
Disability & Life Coverage: Company-paid short- and long-term disability basic life and AD&D insurance
401(k): Enrollment after three months of service with a company match of 50% of your deferral up to 1% of salary
Educational Assistance: Up to $1800 per year toward approved coursework or certifications for eligible Team Members
Transportation & Parking: Subsidies for eligible commuting and parking costs
Team Discount: 30% off Salt & Straw products
First Look at New Flavors: Early access to flavors and product launches
Qualifications
This Role Might Be Right If You:
Have a bachelors degree in Food Science Microbiology Dairy Science Biology Chemistry Public Health or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Bring 4 years of progressive quality assurance and food safety experience in food and beverage including 2 years leading people and cross-functional work
Have experience with GFSI systems (SQF preferred) CAPA and root cause analysis
Have built programs SOPs and policies not just maintained them
Hold PCQI and HACCP certifications or can obtain them within an established timeframe
Communicate with clarity and care including when the conversation is difficult
Can turn complex food safety requirements into practices that work in real-world operations
Experience in dairy frozen desserts or co-manufacturing is strongly preferred. We also welcome candidates from other highly regulated environments including ISO-driven supplements or pharmaceutical manufacturing. SQF internal auditor and supplier auditing training are a plus.
Wage Transparency
The target hiring range for this role is $83300$95000 depending on experience with growth potential up to $112700. This role is also bonus eligible.
The position is based onsite in Portland Oregon with approximately 510% travel to suppliers co-manufacturers and shops as needed.
Important Notes
Food Allergy Warning
This role regularly works in production shop and supplier environments where common food allergens are present including dairy peanuts tree nuts gluten eggs soy wheat and seafood.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Salt & Straw is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunity to all applicants regardless of race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability veteran status age or any other protected status.
If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation to apply please contact our People Team at . Qualified candidates with criminal histories are considered in accordance with applicable laws.
E-Verify Participation
We participate in E-Verify to confirm work authorization. We do not use E-Verify to pre-screen applicants.
Our Values
Create the Unbelievable
Show Up Generously
Act with Thoughtful Curiosity
Share Human Kindness
Make It Count
These values guide everything we do from the way we make each flavor to how we care for our guests teammates and communities.
Required Experience:
Manager