QA Manager

Description

The Quality Assurance (QA) Manager is responsible for ensuring that food safety and product quality align with company standards, USDA regulations, and customer expectations. As a member of the Management Team, the QA Manager provides organizational leadership, develops and implements quality assurance policies and procedures, and serves as a liaison between the company and USDA and regulatory agents. The QA Manager is also accountable for the performance of the quality department personnel.

Responsibilities:

- Develop standardized production, quality, and customer service standards.

- Identify potential risks before they escalate into problems, focusing on root cause analysis and preventive actions.

- Conduct internal and external quality audits and compile detailed reports of findings.

- Build a strong team through coaching, mentoring, targeted training, and performance evaluations.

- Oversee the development, implementation, and validation of the company's food safety management system and quality manual, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP), Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standards, and USDA requirements.

- Supervise the quality department, including hiring, developing, and mentoring a strong team; planning, assigning, and directing work; training and evaluating employees; and addressing complaints and resolving issues.

- Organize and manage all internal and external quality audits.

- Develop prerequisite programs, such as sanitation, pest control, recall procedures, and training initiatives.

- Act as the primary point of contact for all food safety issues and liaise with governmental and regulatory agents and inspectors.

- Implement recall plans as necessary.

- Promote a healthy, hygienic, and safe work environment.

- Prepare reports for management, customers, USDA, and other stakeholders as needed.

- Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and standards.

Requirements

Qualifications:

- A bachelor's degree in food science or a related field is required.

- A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience is required.

- Highly organized with excellent attention to detail.

- HACCP certification is required.

- Minimum of 5 years of Quality Assurance Management experience in the food processing industry.

Experience working with the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is essential.

- Excellent written and oral communication skills.

- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

- Ability to multitask and manage priorities and workflow effectively.

- Proficient in business and industry software.

- Proven leadership and business acumen skills.

- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with a diverse group of individuals at all organizational levels.

- Good judgment with the ability to make timely and sound decisions.

- Self-starter who can adapt to change.