Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager at Gpac Milton, GA

Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager

Milton, GA

• Bachelor's degree in food science, Food Safety, Quality Assurance, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• 5+ years of experience in food safety and quality management, with at least 2-3 years in a leadership role within the meat processing or food manufacturing industry. Experience with Ready-to-Eat (RTE) products is highly preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of USDA regulations, FSMA, HACCP, GMPs, and other food safety standards applicable to both RTE and non‑RTE meat products.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing food safety programs for a variety of product categories, including smoked meat, raw meats, cooked meats, and processed products.
• Strong leadership skills with experience in managing teams and leading training programs across different levels of the organization.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex projects in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to collaborate across departments, including production, maintenance, engineering, and management, to achieve food safety and quality goals.

• System Development & Implementation for All Product Types: design, develop, and implement a comprehensive food safety and quality management system for a wide range of meat products, including RTE smoked meats, cooked products, and raw meat products; establish policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure consistent product safety and quality across all product lines.
• Food Safety Compliance: ensure compliance with all applicable food safety regulations, including USDA, FDA, FSMA, HACCP, and other relevant standards; lead the creation of specific HACCP plans for both RTE and other products, focusing on the unique food safety risks associated with each product category.
• Quality Assurance for All Products: develop and implement quality control systems for smoked meats, cooked products, and raw products, ensuring consistency and integrity at every stage of production—from receiving raw materials through to finished products; implement monitoring systems for both microbiological safety and product quality tailored to each product category, with particular attention to the risks posed by RTE and cooked meat products.
• Team Leadership & Training: build and manage a food safety and quality assurance team; develop and lead training programs for all plant employees, ensuring that they understand and adhere to food safety protocols and quality control measures for both RTE and non‑RTE products; promote a culture of safety, quality, and compliance within the facility.
• Auditing, Inspections & Regulatory Compliance: establish and maintain an audit program to ensure ongoing compliance with all food safety and quality standards; oversee internal inspections and lead external audits, ensuring the plant is always prepared for USDA, FDA, and third‑party inspections; address any non‑conformities and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Risk Management & Incident Response: identify food safety risks for all product categories, including pathogen risks associated with RTE products (e.g., Listeria), contamination risks in raw or cooked products, and packaging‑related risks; develop preventive measures and create incident management protocols to respond to potential food safety issues, including product recalls or contamination events.
• Documentation & Reporting: maintain and ensure the accuracy of all food safety and quality documentation, including HACCP plans, quality control records, training logs, and audit reports; ensure timely reporting to regulatory agencies and internal stakeholders.
• Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization: lead continuous improvement initiatives for food safety and product quality across all product lines; work closely with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to streamline processes, reduce waste, enhance product consistency, and improve safety standards.
• Supplier Quality Management: develop supplier qualifications and monitoring programs to ensure that incoming raw materials and ingredients meet the…