FSQA Manager

Our client is a well-established food manufacturer that is seeking a hands‑on Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager to lead the food safety and quality function at its manufacturing facility in the St. Louis area.

This individual will oversee plant‑level food safety systems, regulatory compliance, quality programs, audits, corrective actions, and team development. The ideal candidate is a visible, floor‑focused leader who can make timely decisions, strengthen processes, and partner effectively with operations in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

• Lead the facility's Food Safety and Quality Assurance programs, ensuring compliance with FDA, USDA, HACCP, GMP, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Serve as the facility's designated SQF Practitioner and maintain the effectiveness of the SQF food safety and quality system.
• Develop, implement, validate, and continuously improve prerequisite programs, HACCP plans, policies, and quality procedures.
• Lead internal audits and support customer, regulatory, and third‑party audits, including preparation of required documentation.
• Conduct food safety risk assessments and implement corrective and preventive actions to address identified risks.
• Oversee investigations related to nonconforming products, consumer complaints, process deviations, and quality concerns.
• Partner with plant leadership and production teams to resolve quality issues and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage, coach, and develop the Food Safety and Quality team, ensuring employees are properly trained and resourced.
• Deliver and maintain annual training programs covering SQF, GMPs, sanitation, food safety, and quality requirements.
• Collaborate with R&D, suppliers, and customers to support product development, product specifications, audits, and quality‑related initiatives.

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Processing, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience within a food or beverage manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, SQF, FDA, USDA, and food safety regulatory requirements.
• Experience preparing for and participating in customer, regulatory, and third‑party audits.
• Effective communication and leadership skills with the ability to work across all levels of an organization.
• Ability to hold teams accountable while fostering collaboration, engagement, and professional development.
• Lean Manufacturing or Lean Six Sigma training is preferred.