Manager of Quality Assurance - Food Manufacturing

The Manager of Quality Assurance is responsible for leading and elevating quality systems across multiple facilities for a food ingredient manufacturer. This role ensures consistent product quality, food safety compliance, and effective execution of quality programs across manufacturing operations and supplier networks.

The successful candidate will be a structured, process-minded leader who brings clarity and follow-through to quality processes while maintaining the operational flexibility and cost discipline that defines the business.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Lead SQF, HACCP, GMP, FSMA, and regulatory compliance efforts across all sites.
• Maintain audit readiness with structured, written project plans and accurate documentation.
• Strengthen CAPA and root cause analysis systems efficiently.
• Monitor production activities and address quality risks proactively to prevent downstream issues.
• Support internal, customer, and third-party audits.

Supplier Quality & FSVP Oversight

• Manage supplier qualification, approval, and ongoing performance monitoring.
• Maintain FSVP compliance and review incoming material documentation.
• Investigate supplier-related deviations and implement corrective and preventive actions collaboratively.
• Partner with procurement and operations to maintain product quality while supporting reliable supply.

Customer-Facing Quality Leadership

• Serve as the primary point of contact for quality-related customer communications.
• Lead customer complaint investigations and ensure timely, structured, professional responses.
• Identify recurring trends and implement improvements that reduce repeat issues.
• Reinforce the company's commitment to product integrity and long-term customer partnership.

Production & Customer Specification Oversight

• Partner closely with production to ensure finished goods meet customer-specific specifications.
• Understand the variability of agricultural raw materials (color, granulation, moisture, form) and how it impacts production.
• Support compliant and practical deviations, reblends, or formulation adjustments when necessary.
• Work with internal experts to document and improve processes for managing variability.
• Ensure quality documentation supports on-time release of sales orders.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and unify quality teams across multiple locations, establishing clear roles, priorities, and ownership.
• Develop department-level KPIs aligned with executive company metrics and create visible project plans with timelines and accountability.
• Foster strong working relationships across production, operations, and supply chain teams.
• Establish regular communication rhythms and build a cohesive, motivated, and accountable quality organization.

Process & Continuous Improvement

• Identify workflow inefficiencies and implement practical, data-driven improvements.
• Improve ERP utilization and documentation visibility.
• Promote continuous improvement that balances quality elevation with cost awareness and operational realities.

Required Qualifications

• 7–15+ years of quality leadership experience in food or ingredient manufacturing.
• Strong working knowledge of GFSI & FSMA, and food safety systems.
• Experience partnering directly with production teams and managing customer-specific specifications.
• Demonstrated ability to create structured project plans, documentation, and accountability systems.
• Experience with FSVP and supplier quality oversight.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience managing teams and leading cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience in an ERP system, quality document software, or other computer programs.
• Proficiency with MS Suite and/or Google Workspace.

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