A Quality Assurance Manager focuses on prevention of mistakes and defects in manufacturing products. Develops procedures to ensure that quality standards are maintained. Manages all steps related to quality assurance as part of the quality management strategy of a company. May involve leadership of a team of quality assurance supervisors, specialists, and other associated staff members.
Monday-Friday, generally 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM with flexibility to support a two-shift operation (approximately 46 hours/week). This role requires the ability to stay later when needed, including up to 10:00 PM, to support production, food safety, quality initiatives, or audit activities as needed. Position Summary Our client is a growing food manufacturer specializing in the cooking, preparation, and packaging of ready-to-eat (RTE) meals. They are seeking a hands-on Quality Assurance Director to lead all food safety and quality assurance programs across the facility. This individual will be responsible for maintaining regulatory compliance, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring products consistently meet the highest standards of food safety and quality. The ideal candidate is a visible leader who enjoys being on the production floor, partnering with operations, and fostering a strong food safety culture throughout the organization. Direct reports include 2 Quality Control Technicians Key Responsibilities Lead all Quality Assurance and Food Safety programs for a USDA-regulated ready-to-eat food manufacturing facility. Maintain, implement, and continuously improve the facility's SQF (Safe Quality Food) program. Serve as the primary owner of the site's Food Safety Management System. Ensure compliance with
SQF, USDA, FDA, HACCP, FSMA
Preventive Controls, GMPs, SSOPs, and all applicable regulatory requirements. Prepare for, coordinate, and lead internal and external audits, including SQF certification and USDA inspections. Act as the primary point of contact during customer, regulatory, and third-party audits. Develop, maintain, and update quality policies, procedures, work instructions, and documentation. Investigate customer complaints, non-conformances, root causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA). Monitor production processes to ensure food safety and quality standards are consistently achieved. Partner closely with Operations, Production, Sanitation, and Maintenance to proactively resolve quality issues. Analyze quality metrics and trends to identify opportunities for continuous improvement. Train employees on food safety, quality procedures, GMPs, sanitation, and regulatory requirements. Manage environmental monitoring, product testing, and supplier quality programs as needed. Promote and reinforce a culture of food safety and quality throughout the facility. Required Qualifications 3+ years of Quality Management experience within a food manufacturing environment. Required experience implementing and maintaining SQF programs in an SQF-certified facility. Experience in a ready-to-eat (RTE) food manufacturing environment strongly preferred. Must possess at least one of the following: HACCP Certification Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) certification/experience Internal Auditor certification and experience Experience working in a USDA-regulated food manufacturing facility strongly preferred.
Strong understanding of:
SQF Code
HACCP FSMA
Preventive Controls GMPs SSOPs Food safety regulations and quality systems Experience managing internal, customer, regulatory, and third-party audits. Strong root cause analysis and corrective action experience. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Preferred Qualifications SQF Practitioner certification. Experience with continuous improvement initiatives. Experience leading quality teams in a high-volume manufacturing environment. Knowledge of microbiological testing and environmental monitoring programs. Work Environment Manufacturing environment producing cooked, prepared, and packaged ready-to-eat meals. Supports a two-shift operation . Must be comfortable spending significant time on the production floor. Requires flexibility to support production outside of standard business hours when needed. Typical schedule is 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM , with an expectation of approximately 46 hours per week and the flexibility to remain on-site into the evening (up to 10:00 PM when necessary) to support operations, resolve quality issues, or assist during audits.
Compensation & Benefits Salary:
$90,000-$105,000 Paid Time Off Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Professional development opportunities Ideal Candidate Profile We're looking for a proactive, hands-on Quality Manager who thrives in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. This individual will have a strong background in SQF implementation, food safety systems, and regulatory compliance, while also being comfortable rolling up their sleeves, supporting production, and building strong relationships across all levels of the organization. Experience working with USDA inspectors, third-party auditors, and cross-functional manufacturing teams will be key to success in this role. Perm hire role- submit your resume today!
Pay:
$90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance
