Job Description
Job Description
Job Summary :
The Senior Quality Assurance (QA) Manager is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and ongoing improvement of food safety and quality programs in a high-speed food manufacturing facility. This role ensures compliance with FDA, FSMA, GFSI (SQF), and customer-specific requirements while driving operational excellence and a strong food safety culture. The Senior QA Manager will also lead QA teams, oversee audit readiness, and champion continuous improvement efforts related to product quality, process efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities :
Quality Systems & Regulatory Compliance :
- Lead the implementation and maintenance of HACCP, PCQI, Preventive Controls, and allergen management programs.
- Act as the facility’s SQF Practitioner and lead all GFSI-related initiatives (SQF).
- Ensure audit preparedness for third-party, customer, and regulatory inspections.
- Maintain compliance with FDA, FSMA, GMPs, OSHA, and EPA requirements.
- Conduct root cause investigations for customer complaints, deviations, and recalls; lead corrective and preventive action programs (CAPA).
- Review and approve labeling, including nutrition, ingredient declarations, and allergen statements.
Team Leadership & Cross-functional Collaboration :
Supervise, mentor, and develop QA team members through training, evaluations, and coaching.Collaborate with Production, Sanitation, R&D, and Supply Chain to ensure alignment on quality objectives.Facilitate food safety and quality training programs for employees at all levels.Product Quality & Process Improvement :
Validate new product formulations, ingredient changes, and equipment modifications through pre-production trials and testing.Lead shelf-life studies, microbiological testing, and sensory evaluation programs.Analyze trends in quality data (e.g., SPC) and customer complaints to drive continuous improvement.Optimize raw material usage and ensure compliance with customer and internal specificationsDocumentation & Audit Management :
Oversee the preparation and maintenance of QA records, manuals, SOPs, and specifications.Perform as Lead Auditor for internal audits and follow up on non-conformities.Coordinate and lead product traceability exercises and mock recalls per company policy.Qualifications : Education :
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related field.Certifications (preferred or required) :
Certified HACCP, PCQI, SQF Practitioner.Internal Auditor Certification.Experience :
7–10 years of progressive experience in food manufacturing QA; bakery, tortilla, chip industry strongly preferred.Minimum 5 years in QA Management roles, including experience leading teams.Proven success in GFSI certification programs and regulatory audits.Demonstrated ability in handling recalls, quality deviations, and customer complaints.Skills :
Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities using tools like RCA, SPC, and data dashboards.Excellent communication and leadership skills to engage cross-functional teams.High proficiency in QA and ERP software, Microsoft Excel, and reporting tools.Strong organizational and time management capabilities.Work Environment & Physical Requirements :
Ability to work in varied environments (hot, cold, humid, and noisy).Requires standing, walking, climbing, stooping, and lifting (up to 30 lbs.).Must be available for extended hours or weekend shifts during critical events (e.g., audits, recalls).