Quality Control Manager

Quality Control Manager
Our client is seeking a Quality Control Manager to lead hands‑on quality execution within a fast‑paced food manufacturing environment. This role plays a critical part in translating food safety and quality systems into consistent daily practices on the production floor. The ideal candidate brings a strong on‑floor presence, a proactive approach to problem‑solving, and the ability to develop teams while reinforcing a culture of accountability, compliance, and continuous improvement.

This role is onsite in McMinnville, Oregon.

• Lead daily quality control operations, including in-process inspections, finished product evaluations, sampling, and testing activities.
• Own product hold, release, and disposition processes to ensure compliance with food safety, regulatory, and specification requirements.
• Maintain an active production floor presence to identify quality risks early and address issues in real time.
• Investigate nonconformances and process deviations, performing root‑cause analysis and driving corrective and preventive actions to completion.
• Enforce GMPs, sanitation standards, and food safety protocols across all shifts.
• Oversee QC documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and audit readiness, including batch records and inspection logs.
• Manage analytical, sensory, and visual testing programs, ensuring consistency and reliability of results.
• Lead, train, coach, and develop QC Technicians and Inspectors, supporting staffing, onboarding, and performance management.
• Partner cross‑functionally with Operations, Sanitation, Maintenance, and Quality to support efficient production and quality outcomes.
• Monitor quality data and trends, supporting continuous improvement initiatives focused on defect reduction and first‑pass quality.

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• 5+ years of Quality Control or Quality Assurance experience within a food manufacturing environment.
• Previous supervisory or team leadership experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong working knowledge of GMPs, HACCP principles, and food safety regulations.
• Experience with in-process inspections, finished product testing, and quality documentation systems.
• Familiarity with analytical testing methods, laboratory practices, and QC equipment calibration.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and quality or manufacturing management systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams across multiple shifts and maintain high standards in a production environment.
• Strong attention to detail, problem‑solving skills, and the ability to communicate effectively across functions.
• Willingness and ability to spend significant time on the production floor.

Benefits are available to eligible full‑time employees and include coverage for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long term disability, and matching 401k.

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Vander Houwen is an award‑winning, Women & Diversity‑Owned, WBENC certified professional staffing firm. Founded in 1987, Vander Houwen places experienced professionals across the nation! Our recruitment teams specialize in either Technology and IT, Engineering, Human Resources, or Accounting and Finance career markets. Partner with us to land your next exciting career!

Vander Houwen is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E‑Verify. Vander Houwen does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal civil rights laws.

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