Job Description
Job Description
About the Role
The Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for leading all aspects of food safety, regulatory compliance, and product quality within a food manufacturing environment. This role ensures that the facility maintains full compliance with SQF certification standards, FDA/USDA regulations, and internal quality systems. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership, technical expertise, and a hands-on approach to managing food safety programs and maintaining third-party certifications such as SQF, HACCP, and FSMA.
Responsibilities:
- Manage and oversee all food safety and quality assurance programs to ensure compliance with SQF, HACCP, FSMA, and other regulatory standards
- Lead internal audits and inspections, including GMPs, pre-operational checks, and Food Defense evaluations
- Prepare for and lead third-party audits and regulatory inspections for SQF, Organic, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, and other certifications
- Develop, implement, and update key documentation such as Food Safety Plans, SOPs, HACCP plans, GMPs, and prerequisite programs
- Conduct validation and verification activities to ensure food safety systems are functioning effectively
- Investigate and resolve food safety or quality issues, including customer complaints and supplier non-conformances
- Monitor and maintain documentation for production records, batch logs, and quality forms
- Manage compliance and certification for Kosher, Organic, Gluten-Free, and Non-GMO product lines
- Communicate updates in food safety legislation and regulatory changes to internal teams
- Promote and maintain a strong food safety culture across all departments
- Perform routine testing of raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods
- Support cross-functional teams in continuous improvement of food safety and quality programs
- Execute additional QA/QC-related duties as needed
Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Biology, or a related field preferred
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in food safety or quality assurance within an FDA- or USDA-regulated food manufacturing environment
- SQF Practitioner certification and experience leading SQF programs
- HACCP and PCQI certifications required
- Strong knowledge of FSMA, GFSI, and food manufacturing best practices
- Experience conducting internal audits and preparing for external audits
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and quality management systems
- Excellent communication, analytical, and documentation skills
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Must be authorized to work in the United States
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience managing certifications such as Kosher, Organic, Gluten-Free, and Non-GMO
- Familiarity with laboratory testing in a food production setting
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and foster food safety culture
- Valid drivers license and ability to travel as needed for audits or vendor visits