Food Safety and Quality Manager

Food Safety & Quality Manager — Tabatchnick Fine Foods About Us Tabatchnick Fine Foods is a family-owned specialty food manufacturer located in Somerset, New Jersey. For decades, we have been crafting high-quality soups, sauces, fruit cups and other fine food products. We are looking for a dedicated Food Safety & Quality Manager to join our team and uphold the standards our customer's trust. Position Summary The Food Safety & Quality Manager is responsible for leading the Food Safety and Quality Department, Quality Lab, audit processes, and food safety/security programs at our facility. This role ensures that all quality standards are maintained in compliance with internal quality systems, management expectations, and external regulatory requirements (FDA, USDA, SQF). The Food Safety & Quality Manager supervises and coordinates QC staff activities, drives continuous reduction of consumer complaints, and champions process improvement under the guidance of management. Key Responsibilities Quality & Food Safety Program Management Design, oversee, update, and review the Food Safety Program Ensure all associates adhere to

FDA, GMP

(Good Manufacturing Practices), and established food safety policies and procedures Oversee the Quality/Micro process, including product disposition and record maintenance. Follow and enforce Food Safety Program principles across all operations Facilitate training programs for staff on food safety protocols, quality systems, and regulatory requirements to promote a culture of continuous improvement. Analyze data from quality reports, inspection logs, and audit findings to identify trends and develop strategic action plans. Laboratory & Testing Oversight Direct, train, and advise QC personnel in test procedures and ensure compliance with quality system requirements Develop SOPs for lab equipment operation and maintain accurate records Maintain calibration programs for lab and production equipment including scales, thermometers, pH meters, critical control points such as magnet traps / x-ray machines, and temperature controllers Oversee product testing: net/gross weight verification, temperature checks, drained weight testing, USDA Howard mold counts, and organoleptic evaluations Conduct and oversee environmental swabbing program Manage external lab testing and reports as required by SQF and EQMS (Electronic Quality Management System), including soup, water, cheese products, environmental samples, ingredients, and new products Review COAs (Certificates of Analysis) for inbound raw ingredients Review Supplier Verification Documentation Auditing & Compliance Perform internal plant audits and follow up through completion Review audit observations, findings, and nonconformities; develop and implement sustainable corrective actions Maintain complete records for both internal and external audits Interact with regulatory personnel and manage practical audit processes Inspect and audit suppliers as directed Supplier & Stakeholder Engagement Interact with suppliers on quality issues and manage the Supplier Inspection & Testing (SIT) process Investigate and respond to all quality-related consumer complaints; track and analyze complaint data to identify trends Provide technical support to all facilities, sales staff, and on new projects and products Report to the Plant Manager on quality metrics, trends, and initiatives on a regular basis Continuous Improvement Recommend procedures to correct quality deficiencies at the facility Research and recommend new equipment, processes, and technologies aligned with industry best practices for improved control of raw materials, in-process, and finished goods Train lab personnel on new equipment as needed

Qualifications Required:

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Biology, Food Technology, or a related field Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in a food manufacturing plant or food industry operations Prefer 3 years of supervisory/people leadership experience SQF Practitioner certification / Or Training Related to

SQF HACCP

certification (must maintain active certification) Demonstrated ability to interact with regulatory personnel, including practical audit experience Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Excellent verbal and written communication skills Excellent interpersonal skills with a collaborative management style that builds engaged, motivated, and high-performing teams Proactive problem identification — ability to anticipate issues before they escalate

Preferred:

HARPC (Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls) certification PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) certification Extensive knowledge of SQF codes and food security programs Experience with internalizing external lab testing capabilities Supervisory Responsibilities Direct responsibility for QA Supervisors and QA Staff. Indirect responsibility for all manufacturing staff as it relates to food safety and quality compliance. Physical Requirements Ability to stand and walk on a production floor for extended periods Exposure to varying temperatures, including cold storage and production environments Use of required PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) in accordance with facility policy

Pay:

$105,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan

Work Location:

In person