Quality Assurance Manager

Quality Assurance Manager at First Search Inc. Quality Assurance Manager at First Search Inc. in Mobile, Alabama Posted in 9 days ago.

Type:

full-time

Job Description:

Job Title:

Quality Assurance Manager Department:

Quality Reports To:

Director of Quality Assurance & Food Safety Supervises:

7+ QA Technicians, 5+ Sanitation Technicians, 1+ Housekeeping Associate Position Purpose The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for ensuring all regulatory, customer, and company quality and food safety requirements are consistently met at the manufacturing facility. This position partners with plant leadership to uphold compliance, drive continuous improvement, and foster a strong culture of food safety and operational excellence. Essential Responsibilities & Duties Partners with plant leadership to ensure full commitment and accountability to quality assurance and food safety programs. Promotes a proactive, engaged quality culture throughout the facility. Collaborates with leadership to enhance sanitation practices and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), ensuring all sanitation and housekeeping standards are upheld. Establishes internal audit patterns, develops corrective action plans, and monitors results. Reviews programs annually to ensure compliance with GFSI, BRC, AIB, and customer standards. Prepares the facility for third-party and regulatory food safety audits, ensuring readiness at all times. Integrates HACCP and FSMA principles into production processes, ensuring alignment with preventive controls and risk-based food safety programs. Conducts root cause and preventive action analyses for customer complaints and production failures, driving continuous improvement. Establishes and manages the Quality department budget and tracks performance metrics including MBOs and KPIs. Ensures the accuracy, efficiency, and timeliness of all QA procedures, including microbiological, chemical, and organoleptic testing, facility inspections, and inventory management. Leads the QA and Sanitation teams through coaching, performance management, and professional development to maintain high standards of performance and accountability. Acts as the primary contact for USDA and FDA inspections, maintaining open communication and positive relationships with regulatory representatives. Oversees daily laboratory activities and QA documentation, including SSOP, SOP, HACCP, internal audit, and chemical/microbiological records. Maintains lab inventory and ensures all necessary supplies are on hand. Carries out other duties as assigned by the Director of Quality Assurance & Food Safety. Leadership Behaviors Acts as an owner and creates value for the company, its stakeholders, and customers. Builds strong internal and external relationships to drive collaboration and positive results. Inspires others with a passion for the business and a persistent, can-do attitude. Drives innovation by generating creative, data-driven solutions that promote continuous improvement and operational growth.

Qualifications Education:

Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.

Experience & Skills:

Minimum 10 years of experience in the food industry, including at least 5 years in a quality management role. Strong understanding of food safety regulations and compliance requirements (FDA, USDA, FSMA, HACCP, GFSI). Certified Internal Auditor with hands-on auditing experience. Proven success hiring, leading, and developing high-performing teams. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across multiple functions. Experience with document management systems and supply quality programs preferred. Six Sigma certification (Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent) a plus. Physical Requirements Must be able to work in a food manufacturing facility, including exposure to allergens, strong odors, and temperature extremes (e.g., -30°F blast freezer, 100°F cook room). Prolonged periods of sitting and computer work. Ability to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally. Work Environment Combination of office and manufacturing plant environments. Travel Requirements Up to 10%.