The Quality Assurance Manager is a hands-on leader responsible for overseeing food safety, quality systems, and regulatory compliance across our chilled food operations. This role ensures that all products meet internal and external standards, supports continuous improvement, and fosters a culture of quality throughout the organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage QA team members, including Supervisors and Technicians.
• Oversee implementation and maintenance of SQF, HACCP, and GMP standards
• Ensure audit readiness and lead internal, customer, and third-party audits.
• Manage customer complaints and drive root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Monitor sanitation practices and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Develop and deliver training programs for QA and production staff.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve quality issues and improve processes.
• Maintain and analyze quality metrics and KPIs (e.g., audit scores, complaint resolution time).
• Lead product hold, release, and recall procedures.
• Serve as the in-plant expert for crisis management and food safety.
• Support sustainability and waste reduction initiatives.

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Microbiology, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive experience in quality, food production, sanitation, or food safety.
• Quality certifications preferred (e.g., CFS, CQM, CQE, CQA).
• SQF or BRC certification required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital QMS platforms (e.g., SAP, TraceGains).
• HACCP and Food Safety training required.
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Bi-lingual (Spanish/English) preferred.