Quality Assurance Manager

Lead Food Safety & Quality Excellence in a Growing Meat Processing Operation

Are you a passionate Quality Assurance leader with a strong background in food manufacturing, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement? Do you thrive in a fast-paced production environment where quality, safety, and operational excellence are non-negotiable?

Our client, a respected and growing meat processing company, is seeking an experienced Quality Assurance Manager to lead all food safety, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and sanitation programs. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for driving a culture of food safety while ensuring products consistently meet the highest standards of quality and compliance.

What You'll Do

As the Quality Assurance Manager, you will serve as the facility's subject matter expert for food safety and quality compliance, partnering closely with Operations, Production, R&D, and Regulatory agencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all food safety, quality assurance, and sanitation programs throughout the facility.
• Ensure compliance with GMPs, HACCP, SQF, SSOPs, allergen control, and all food safety prerequisite programs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on product quality, food safety, and operational efficiency.
• Manage third-party laboratory relationships and coordinate product testing and sample submissions.
• Investigate, identify, and implement corrective actions related to product quality and food safety concerns.
• Prepare for, lead, and successfully manage SQF, customer, regulatory, and third-party audits.
• Conduct supplier and vendor audits as necessary.
• Ensure compliance with USDA, FDA, FSIS, state agencies, Halal and Organic certifications, customer requirements, and industry regulations.
• Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies and inspectors.
• Manage USDA label approvals and maintain product specifications and regulatory documentation.
• Oversee customer complaint programs, supplier approval programs, and food safety training initiatives.
• Develop, implement, and maintain SOPs impacting food safety and product quality.
• Support commercialization and product development efforts, including formulations, nutritional labeling, ingredient statements, specifications, and processing instructions.
• Monitor wastewater, hazardous waste, sanitation, and environmental compliance programs.
• Maintain equipment calibration and validation programs.
• Conduct food safety risk assessments for facility improvements, new equipment, and construction projects.
• Partner with leadership on capital projects, maintenance planning, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• Build, coach, and develop a high-performing Quality Assurance team.
• Champion and promote a strong food safety culture throughout the organization.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Biology, Quality Assurance, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of Quality Assurance leadership experience within food manufacturing, meat processing, poultry, protein, or related industries.
• Strong knowledge of:
• SQF
• HACCP
• GMPs
• SSOPs
• USDA
• FDA
• FSIS regulations
• Allergen Control Programs
• Experience leading audits and regulatory inspections.
• Proven ability to manage root cause analysis and corrective action programs.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills.
• Experience working with third-party laboratories and certification bodies.

Preferred Qualifications

• SQF Practitioner Certification
• HACCP Certification
• PCQI Certification
• Experience with Halal and Organic certifications
• Multi-site food manufacturing experience