Quality Assurance Manager

Job Title:

Quality Assurance ManagerDepartment:

Quality & R DLocation:

Oak Creek, WIReports To:

Vice President QualityPosition SummaryThrive Freeze Dry is seeking a Quality Assurance Manager who demonstrates and lives the companys core values while leading and overseeing all quality systems within the production facility. This role is responsible for ensuring the consistent production of freeze-dried products that meet established standards, customer specifications, and production goals.

The Quality Assurance Manager will develop, implement, and maintain food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance programs while supporting customer requirements and continuous improvement initiatives. This position plays a key role in maintaining compliance with all applicable food safety and regulatory standards and supporting both internal and external audits.

Core ValuesThe ideal candidate will demonstrate and embody the following Thrive Freeze Dry values:

Continuous Improvement Accountability Integrity Personal Growth & Wellness Teamwork Work-Life BalanceEssential Duties & ResponsibilitiesLead and manage quality systems to ensure the consistent production of high-quality freeze-dried products.

Ensure full compliance with FSMA, SOPs, HACCP, FDA, SQF, Organic, and Kosher requirements; review and update programs as needed.

Develop, implement, and manage the organizations food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance programs.

Establish performance standards, procedures, and audit controls that meet business and customer requirements.

Partner with customers by combining technical product knowledge with application expertise to support product development and quality expectations.

Lead internal audits as well as second- and third-party audits.

Develop, document, and implement inspection criteria, quality procedures, and quality control processes.

Analyze data and provide reporting to support continuous improvement initiatives.

Manage multiple projects across multiple customers while maintaining strong organization and prioritization.

Support continuous improvement of analytical, reporting, and quality control processes.

Serve as a backup resource to ensure all food safety, quality, and SQF system requirements are met when leadership is unavailable.

CompetenciesDemonstrates and lives the Thrive Freeze Dry core values.

Strong leadership and decision-making skills.

Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.

High level of accountability and reliability.

Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Strong organizational and project management skills.

Ability to motivate and develop team members.

Key SkillsAudit preparation and execution (internal, second-party, and third-party)Regulatory and compliance managementContinuous improvement and process developmentCritical thinking and data-driven decision makingDocumentation and record controlProduct inspections and product specification managementProject management and prioritizationPolicy and procedure developmentQuality data analysis and reportingProactive problem solvingRequirementsMinimum of 10+ years of quality assurance experience in food manufacturingBachelors degree required; Masters degree preferred (Microbiology, Food Science, or Chemical Engineering)Strong working knowledge of SQF, FSMA, and food safety/quality systemsHACCP and PCQI certification requiredAbility to travel up to 20% as neededFood Safety ResponsibilitiesMaintain a strong focus on food safety, quality, and sanitation at all times.

Ensure compliance with Thrive Freeze Dry food safety and sanitation policies.

Hold self and team members accountable to all food safety and quality standards.

Communicate any food safety concerns or opportunities for improvement immediately.

Serve as a backup to ensure food safety, quality objectives, and SQF system requirements are met when needed.

Work EnvironmentThis position is based in a food manufacturing environment in Oak Creek, WI. The role requires a combination of office work and plant floor presence.

Physical requirements include:

Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and pullingFrequent walking and standingSome bending, stooping, kneeling, or crouchingAbility to lift up to 40 poundsAbility to work in varying temperature environments