Mgr , Quality Assurance

Job Summary

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

• Oversee day‑to‑day QA activities, guiding supervisors to apply product and process monitoring, testing, validation and controls to meet company, regulatory and legal standards.
• Implement and oversee quality system updates, ensuring adherence to product specifications, GMPs, SSOPs and HACCP requirements and maintaining accurate records per customer needs.
• Partner with internal departments to investigate and root‑cause analyze customer complaints and non‑conformances, communicating findings timely.
• Conduct periodic audits of recall systems, incoming raw materials, in‑process controls and finished‑goods testing, advising on improvement opportunities.
• Review documentation and reporting, identify trends, and communicate corrective actions, following up to ensure implementation.
• Identify improvement opportunities and lead or participate in continuous improvement programs and processes.
• Develop quality and food safety plans, including capital spending considerations.
• Mentor, coach, train and cross‑train employees, providing consistent feedback on strengths and improvement areas.
• Act as liaison between regulatory bodies and major customers, facilitating communication and fostering positive relationships.
• Participate in or lead QA meetings and projects for personal and professional development.
• Ensure safety policies are followed, supporting 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.
• Clear and effective oral and written communication with all organizational levels and external regulators and vendors.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work in a dynamic environment to meet deadlines.
• Adaptability to changing priorities while maintaining productivity and commitment.

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

Minimum three (3) years of internal QA supervisory experience or two (2) years of external QA management experience in a food processing or manufacturing environment (meat or poultry). Demonstrated leadership experience, including policy adherence, conflict resolution and efficient issue resolution, is required.

• Lead people with competencies such as sizing up people, delegation, planning, customer focus and conflict management.

The role involves regular exposure to injury risks in a manufacturing environment that is cold, humid, hot, dusty and noisy (above 89 dB). Non‑standard shifts, including holiday, weekend and extended hours, may be required to meet business needs.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Wayne‑Sanderson does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender (sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, citizenship status, a person’s veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law or executive order.

We are an equal opportunity employer and 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.