Quality Assurance Manager

Job Summary

The Quality Assurance Manager directs the activities of the QA department in a poultry 1‑line processing plant through subordinate superintendents and/or supervisors, ensuring the quality and food safety requirements for processing are followed through the enforcement of quality policies, procedures, and standards while remaining compliant with all regulatory and legal requirements.

• Oversee the day‑to‑day activities of the QA department, providing guidance to supervisors for effective product and process monitoring, testing, validation, and controls.
• Implement and oversee quality system implementations and updates to ensure adherence to product specifications, GMPs, SSOPs, and HACCP requirements, and maintain accurate records and documentation per customer requirements.
• Partner with internal departments to investigate and conduct root cause analysis of all customer complaints and NRs, communicating findings to appropriate personnel promptly.
• Perform or review periodic audits on recall systems, incoming raw materials, in‑process control, and finished‑goods testing, and provide feedback on opportunities for improvement.
• Review required documentation and reporting for accuracy, identify trends, communicate corrective actions, and follow up to ensure implementation of corrective actions.
• Identify opportunities for improvement, develop and implement continuous improvement programs and processes, and lead or participate in improvement initiatives.
• Develop quality, food safety, and customer requirements, and provide capital‑spending plans related to quality and food safety.
• Mentor, coach, train, and cross‑train employees, encouraging career development and providing consistent feedback on strengths and areas for improvement.
• Act as the liaison between regulatory bodies (e.g., USDA) and major customers, facilitating communication and fostering positive working relationships.
• Regularly participate in or lead QA meetings and projects as part of personal and professional development.
• Follow and ensure others follow department safety policies and procedures to support a zero‑accident culture.
• Perform other related duties as directed.

• Working knowledge of poultry processing, food safety regulations, OSHA guidelines, GMP, PVP, Animal Welfare, and HACCP.
• Knowledgeable of Food Safety Database systems such as Safety Chain.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment with excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong customer‑centric attitude, high energy level, and sense of urgency.
• Effective oral and written communication with all levels of the organization, regulatory officials, and vendors.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work in a dynamic and complex environment to meet deadlines and daily requirements.
• Adaptability to changing priorities and ability to maintain a productive and committed work effort.

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Animal Science, Poultry Science, Microbiology, Meat Science, or a related discipline is required;
Master’s degree preferred.

Minimum of three (3) years internal experience as a Quality Assurance Supervisor or two (2) years equivalent external experience as a QA Manager in a food processing/manufacturing environment, including meat or poultry industry experience. Demonstrated leadership experience, including policy adherence, conflict resolution, and efficient issue resolution.

• Sizing up People
• Delegation
• Planning
• Customer Focus
• Conflict Management

Manufacturing environment with exposure to risk of injury, cold/humid or hot/dusty conditions, loud noise above 89dB. Non‑standard shifts (holiday, weekend, extended) may be required to meet business needs.

Wayne‑Sanderson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Wayne‑Sanderson is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.