Quality Assurance Manager; Ice Cream

Quality Assurance Manager (Ice Cream) – Dairy Farmers of America

Lead and manage the quality department to ensure effective quality execution, continuous improvement, and regulatory compliance. In partnership with plant operations, maintain a culture of food safety and quality within the facility.

• Ensure daily plant quality and food safety operations comply with DFA policies, local, state, and federal regulations.
• Maintain audit readiness and a robust food safety/quality program.
• Escalate non‑conformance events to the quality director and plant manager.
• Oversee plant sanitation to support a strong sanitation program.
• Ensure pest control programs are current, followed, and used proactively.
• Manage the facility’s change control program, enabling risk assessment and decision‑making.
• Ensure compliance with specifications, manufacturing instructions, and preventive maintenance, partnering with operations to maintain a robust preventive maintenance program.
• Collaboratively lead investigations of non‑conforming events to identify root causes and solutions.
• Manage hold and release programs and review records daily to ensure completeness and current approvals.
• Track and report plant quality KPIs and participate in the annual plant budgeting process.
• Partner with the plant manager on capital projects supporting food safety and quality initiatives.
• Provide training on food safety, FSMA, and regulatory compliance to plant personnel.
• Lead during unplanned events or emergencies, remaining visible through facility walk‑throughs and internal audits.
• Engage and support all personnel with challenges and questions related to food safety.
• Collaborate with R&D during product introduction to ensure compliance with specifications and regulations.
• Serve as the point of contact for customer issues, complaints, or inquiries, managing investigations and ensuring timely, customer‑facing responses.
• Monitor compliance with customer expectations and specifications, communicating any concerns.
• Maintain preparedness for customer and regulatory visits.
• Manage all analytical and microbiological activities, oversee development of laboratory practices, and perform data analysis to drive proactive decisions.
• Coordinate raw material and finished product testing, generate Certificates of Analysis, and maintain the quality management system.
• Prepare plant‑specific work instructions and ensure SSOP documents are robust and reviewed annually.
• Perform management activities including employee promotions, transfers, and ongoing performance conversations.
• Adhere to DFA GMP and all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.

• Undergraduate degree in food science, biological sciences, or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• 5 to 8 years of quality assurance or related experience in a food, beverage, or similar facility.
• Demonstrated leadership attributes with at least 1 year of manager experience.

• Certification and/or license: PCQI, HACCP, SQF Practitioner preferred and may be required during employment.

• Strong knowledge of laboratory and plant cGMPs.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and company computer systems.
• Leadership, coaching, and personnel management skills.
• Critical thinking, analysis, mathematical and statistical evaluation.
• Organizational and prioritization skills to achieve goals.
• Multi‑tasking, accurate record keeping, and detailed orientation.
• Ability to translate KPI data into performance improvements.
• Clear verbal and written communication for diverse audiences.
• Collaborative teamwork and problem‑solving.
• Professional handling of conflict and complaints.
• Interpretation and application of company policies.
• Adaptability and change management.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disabled/Veterans. Compensation: $100,000 – $115,000.