Senior QA Lead - Food Safety, Quality & Compliance

Quality Assurance Manager is a hands-on leader responsible for overseeing food safety, quality systems, and regulatory compliance across our chilled food operations.
Responsibilities

• Lead and manage QA team members, including Supervisors and Technicians.
• Oversee implementation and maintenance of SQF, HACCP, and GMP standards
• Ensure audit readiness and lead internal, customer, and third-party audits.
• Manage customer complaints and drive root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Monitor sanitation practices and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Develop and deliver training programs for QA and production staff.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve quality issues and improve processes.
• Maintain and analyze quality metrics and KPIs (e.g., audit scores, complaint resolution time).
• Lead product hold, release, and recall procedures.
• Serve as the in-plant expert for crisis management and food safety.
• Support sustainability and waste reduction initiatives.

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, Microbiology, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive experience in quality, food production, sanitation, or food safety.
• Quality certifications preferred (e.g., CFS, CQM, CQE, CQA).
• SQF or BRC certification required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital QMS platforms (e.g., SAP, Trace Gains).
• HACCP and Food Safety training required.
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Bi-lingual (Spanish/English) preferred.