Quality Assurance Manager

JOB POSTING:
Quality Assurance Manager (Food Safety)

Location:

Junction City, OR

Job Type: Full-Time (Exempt)

Schedule:

Monday - Friday, 6:30 am – 3:00 pm (Flexibility for weekends/OT required)

Lochmead is a dedicated, team-oriented family business focused on producing high-quality products. We pride ourselves on creating a collaborative work environment where managers support one another, cross‑train across departments, and work together to achieve common goals.

The Quality Assurance Manager’s primary objective is to oversee the safety, quality, cleanliness, and sanitation of our products and facility. This role includes reviewing lab results, monitoring lab technician performance, evaluating ingredients/recipes, and driving flavor development. The QAM ensures compliance with all food safety standards (SQF, HACCP, FSMA) while maintaining high performance and cost control.

• Department Management & Personnel:
  Conduct interviews, train new hires, coach staff, create a positive culture, manage scheduling, and conduct 30‑day and annual performance reviews.
• SQF Practitioner (On‑Site):
  Oversee development, implementation, and maintenance of the SQF system and Food Safety Plan. Serve as the main point of contact for food safety info.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance:
  Implement and educate on HACCP, FSMA, GMP, and SOP. Authority to stop production due to safety deviations.
• Lab Work & Sensory Analysis:
  Supervise lab technicians, act as backup technician, and communicate with vendors regarding product specs. Conduct daily sensory analysis of products.
• R&D & Flavor Development:
  Develop/update recipes, procure ingredients, and mix/freeze lab‑size batches.
• Administration & Budgeting:
  Utilize AS400 and Tech Wizard, stay updated on industry events, and manage the annual production/QA budget.
• Support & Teamwork:
  Provide relief in the Ice Cream Room, support other departments, and participate in cross‑training.

• Education:
  
  Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or applicable discipline.
• Experience:
  
  3+ years experience in food production Quality Assurance.
• Certifications:
  
  Must have or be willing to obtain HACCP training; SQF system familiarity required.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficient in MS Word and Excel. Ability to learn AS400 and Tech Wizard.
• Leadership:
  Proven supervisory experience with the ability to coach and educate.
• Soft Skills:
  
  Excellent written and oral communication, strong problem‑solving skills, and ability to set/meet deadlines.
• Flexibility:
  Must be flexible to cover open positions and work weekends when necessary.

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Employee Assistance Program, Working Advantage Discount Program, Financial Fitness and many more Employee Sponsored benefits (e.g. Pet Insurance)
• Shoes for Crews Discount Program

• Employer Sponsored Social Events
• Dairy Product Discounts