Food Safety Quality Assurance Manager

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